Expert NHL Picks for December 30th, 2025

New Jersey Devils (+115) vs Toronto Maple Leafs (-105)

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Toronto continues to look comfortable on home ice, playing with pace and confidence, especially up front. The top line has been driving play at five-on-five, and the power play remains a real weapon, converting at a high rate when opponents get sloppy with discipline. At near pick’em pricing, the Leafs are getting a favorable number for a team that has consistently dictated games in this building.

New Jersey’s road form has been uneven, and while their speed can cause issues, they have struggled to string together clean defensive performances away from home. Toronto’s depth scoring has been the separator in recent home wins, and that balance matters in this matchup.

Toronto has won 8 of its last 10 at home and should be motivated to keep that momentum rolling.

Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs ML (-105 at Heritage)

Montreal Canadiens (+150) vs Florida Panthers (-140)

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Florida has quietly been one of the steadier teams in the Eastern Conference, especially when playing in their own building. They are getting contributions throughout the lineup and continue to pressure teams with sustained offensive-zone time. That style has been tough for opponents to handle, particularly those with defensive depth issues.

Montreal has struggled to keep games under control on the road, and breakdowns in their own zone have been costly. Against a Panthers team that can roll lines and finish chances, those mistakes tend to show up on the scoreboard.

Florida has won 7 of its last 10 games and remains a strong home favorite in spots like this.

Pick: Florida Panthers ML (-140 at Heritage)

Carolina Hurricanes (-127) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (+110)

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Carolina continues to check every box you want to see from a reliable road team. Strong puck possession, consistent pressure, and disciplined defensive play have kept them in control of most matchups. Their depth allows them to wear teams down over the course of a game, not just rely on one line to carry the load.

Pittsburgh has been shaky defensively at home, and extended zone time against them has turned into high-quality chances against. Carolina’s balanced attack and ability to play responsibly without the puck give them a clear edge in this spot.

Coming off a strong performance, the Hurricanes are well positioned to handle business on the road.

Pick: Carolina Hurricanes ML (-127 at Heritage)

If you’re ready, next up we can start stacking these into some clean, logical parlays without forcing anything.