NHL Betting Picks Dec. 30th: Hurricanes, Islanders Target Struggling Teams

The new year is almost upon us, and in the NHL that means the season is approaching the halfway mark thanks to next month’s Olympics break. 

Two of the early season surprise teams have fallen on hard times lately. Not to pick on a team when its down, but hey, let’s pick on them while they’re a bit down for a couple NHL picks for tonight

NHL Season Stats
Record: 12–20
Units: –7.28

Hurricanes at Penguins

Hurricane ML (-128 FanDuel)

On December 4th, the Penguins sat at 14-7-5 and firmly in playoff position, kind of surprising since they clearly looked at 2025-26 as a rebuilding year. But hey, all time legends Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were still on hand and thriving. Unfortunately the Mean Reversion Monster set in, and they proceeded to lose 8 straight, and 9 of 11 overall heading into tonight’s clash. They’ve been outscored by 13 goals over their slump, 2nd worst in the league. A lot of that might have to do with Malkin, as he hasn’t played since December 4th and likely will not play tonight as he remains out with an upper body injury.

The Penguins also flipped goalies during their slump, trading Tristan Jarry to Edmonton for frequent Oilers playoff punching bag Stuart Skinner and his 88.5% Save% and -8.75 GSAA. He’s expected to start in net tonight.

Carolina comes in on a back-to-back, which likely explains the muted price. They’re also a bit banged up as defensive stalwart Jacob Slavin remains out, as does top forward Seth Jarvis. Still this squad remains deep and elite and should easily handle Pittsburgh, let’s roll with them.

Islanders at Blackhawks

Islanders ML (-135 bet365)

Chicago profiled as among the worst teams in the league this season. but the super young and promising roster got off to a 13-11-7 start thanks to Connor Bedard emerging as a full grown superstar. Then on December 10th he hurt his shoulder at the very end of a 3-2 loss in St Louis. He hasn’t played since, and counting that game the Hawks are mired in a 1-7 since then. He won’t play tonight, and neither will Frank Nazar, leaving Chicago desperately short up front.

The Islanders were hot early in December, but have meandered a bit lately at 2-3-1 in their last 6 and are league average on the season. They’re without starting goalie Ilya Sorokin, but journeyman backup David Rittich has been excellent with a 91% Save% and 8.67 GSAA. I’m fading the Hawks until Bedard returns.