Last Updated on January 18, 2026 8:29 am by Anthony Rome
Following their loss to the Blues on Friday night, will the Lightning rebound when they take on the Stars in Dallas at 2:00 p.m. ET today? Will the Red Wings cash as a moneyline favorite versus the visiting Senators? Can the Blues and Oilers score enough to cash the over at 8:00 p.m. ET in Edmonton? Our Sunday NHL Best Bets Jan. 18 column offers selections for all three matchups.
NHL Best Bet: Lightning -115 (at Stars)
Game: Lightning vs. Stars — Early slate
Why this pick?
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Tampa Bay is projected to score and control pace against Dallas, with o5.5 goals opened at respectable juice, suggesting offensive expectations are decent in this spot.
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The Lightning’s experienced offensive corps tend to outperform pucks against middle-tier defenses like Dallas’s, especially at home or in rhythm.
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Dallas is a slightly volatile squad that can score but also gives up chances — and on a Sunday short slate, goaltending consistency often becomes a deciding factor.
💡 Play: Lightning moneyline as the main pick. If you want extra value and confidence, the Lightning -1.5 puck line is a reasonable alternate considering offensive tilt.
NHL Best Bet: Red Wings -131 (vs. Senators)
Game: Ottawa Senators vs. Red Wings
Why this pick?
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Detroit has been playing solid hockey of late, with trending results showing them picking up wins and handling their momentum well in January.
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Ottawa has been streaky and inconsistent — a red flag when paired against a Red Wings team that’s both playing better and healthier.
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Head-to-head, Detroit should have the edge on both ends of the ice and the better puck possession numbers. Betting that trend to continue makes sense.
💡 Play: Red Wings on the moneyline — Detroit’s recent stretch and home consistency give them a clear edge here.
NHL Best Bet: Blues/Oilers over 6
Game: Blues vs. Oilers
Why this pick?
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Edmonton just posted a dominant 6-0 win and have been rolling through opponents — especially weaker defensive clubs like St. Louis.
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The Oilers’ offense is clicking in waves, and they’ve shown they can blow games open in one period — a true advantage in the pursuable second half of the season.
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St. Louis has ups and downs, but when you’re seeing Oilers score in bunches and have home/away neutral indicators favoring Edmonton, that’s enough to trust the favorites straight up. That said, there’s not enough value in Edmonton’s moneyline, so let’s roll with the over and watch the Oilers continue to score in bunches.
Sunday NHL Best Bets Jan. 18
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Tampa Bay Lightning -115
- Detroit Red Wings -131
- Blues/Oilers over 6
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