Last Updated on January 14, 2026 1:06 pm by Anthony Rome
The Seattle Kraken are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games overall but they find themselves as underdogs in New Jersey at 7:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday night. Is Seattle a good bet to upset the Devils? Our Wednesday NHL Best Bets Jan. 14 column offers selections for that matchup, as well as two others on hockey’s slate tonight.
NHL Best Bet: Kraken +122 (at Devils)
Why Seattle Is a Strong Underdog Play
The Seattle Kraken enter this road matchup as underdogs despite trending well recently — they just beat the Rangers 4-2 and have gone 7-1-2 in their last 10 games across all venues.
Meanwhile, the Devils have been inconsistent. New Jersey has struggled at home of late — losers in precious few night games — and the offense has sputtered. Seattle’s system is built on hard gap control and limiting high-danger chances, which helps keep them competitive even as the underdog.
Projected Goalie/Matchup Edge
Seattle is expected to start veteran Joey Daccord, a goalie who has stabilized the Kraken between the pipes and kept them competitive on the road. New Jersey may go with Jake Allen, but his numbers have been spotty, and the Devils’ league-worst defensive metrics make them vulnerable.
Betting Logic
• Kraken have covered the puck line in 12 straight games as underdogs.
• Devils are struggling to score consistently and have trouble breaking down disciplined defenses.
• The value on +122 is strong for a team with playoff aspirations and recent momentum.
Pick: Seattle Kraken (+122)
NHL Best Bet: Sabres -128 (vs. Flyers)
Buffalo Continues Its Surge
The Sabres have been one of the NHL’s hottest teams, recently going 12-1 in 13 games and putting pressure on the division standings. They boast a balanced attack with Tage Thompson leading the way offensively (team-leading goals and points), and they’ve shown grit in close games.
Despite dropping their latest home game to Florida 4-3, that snapped a six-game home win streak — but Buffalo quickly snapped back by forcing a comeback late with aggressive forechecks and strong possession.
Flyers Struggles & Defensive Concerns
Philadelphia comes in having lost three straight games by a combined 14-4, which signals offensive stagnation and defensive issues. Nikita Kucherov and Tampa Bay recently lit them up for five goals — a sign that Flyers’ defensive structure has holes.
Philadelphia’s power play ranks near the bottom of the league, while Buffalo’s penalty kill is actually above average — and that situational advantage matters in tight games.
Betting Logic
• Sabres own the better goaltending situation and deeper forward group.
• Flyers have struggled to generate consistent scoring and face urgency from Buffalo’s top lines.
• Buffalo lights up the scoreboard at home and gets reliable secondary scoring.
Pick: Buffalo Sabres (-128)
NHL Best Bet: Golden Knights/Kings over 5.5
Expect a High-Scoring Pacific Showdown
Vegas and Los Angeles tip off late in what should be a fast, open game. The Golden Knights rank near the top of the league in scoring, averaging about 3.25 goals per game (10th), while the Kings sit lower offensively but have a tendency to give up chances in transition.
Vegas’ recent offensive outburst — including a 7-2 win over the Sharks with Tomas Hertl racking up five points — shows they can explode for goals when the ice opens up.
Goaltending & Game Script
Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper and Vegas’ Akira Schmid have similar save percentages, but both defenses allow traffic and scoring — which plays into a higher total. Vegas’ Pacific Division style is also aggressive, and LA’s structure invites controlled chaos.
Betting Logic
• Golden Knights’ recent games have seen plenty of scoring.
• Kings allow chances and don’t clamp down early in games.
• Early goals and pace favor the Over 5.5.
Pick: Over 5.5 Goals
Wednesday NHL Best Bets Jan. 14
-
Seattle Kraken +122
- Buffalo Sabres -128
- Golden Knights/Kings over 5.5
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