NHL Best Bets for Tuesday, February 3: Riding the Hotter Hand
Summary
Two NHL games present clear betting opportunities. The Columbus Blue Jackets, on a five-game win streak with strong goaltending and structured play, are favored to defeat the New Jersey Devils. Their current form and the Devils’ defensive mistakes make them a solid pick.
In the other match, the Seattle Kraken are a live underdog against the Anaheim Ducks. The market undervalues Seattle, especially with Jared McCann back producing. Anaheim’s high-scoring but leaky defense suggests a tight game where Seattle’s discipline offers excellent value.
We’re circling two games on Tuesday’s card—both offer clean plays without needing to overthink it. In Newark, Columbus rolls in on a five-game heater, finally playing with structure and confidence. They’re dictating play now, not chasing it.
Out West, Seattle heads into Anaheim as a live underdog, and the market is mispricing what looks like a tight, one-goal game. Jared McCann is back and producing, and Anaheim gives up as many goals as they score.
Let’s take a look at today’s Best NHL Bets.
Quick Picks Card
NHL Best Bets for Monday, February 3
Odds via BetOnline (at time of writing)
- Blue Jackets Moneyline (-102)
- Kraken (+134)
Blue Jackets @ Devils — Blue Jackets Moneyline (-102)
Columbus is riding a five-game winning streak with the hotter form and the more reliable goalie, while New Jersey keeps handing opponents opportunities they can’t afford to give up.
Why I’m on it:
- Jet Greaves has been steady and gives Columbus a chance even when the game gets messy, while Jacob Markstrom has been giving up soft goals lately.
- Columbus isn’t just riding a five-game win streak—they’re playing from in front, dictating pace, and avoiding the scramble. That’s a big edge against a Devils team that’s still prone to beating itself.
- There are question marks around Jack Hughes heading into this one, which is exactly why we’re keeping it simple: take the side with the better goalie and better current form at a near pick’em price.
Play: Columbus Moneyline (-102)
Kraken @ Ducks – Seattle Moneyline (+134)
Seattle has been playing solid away from home, and +134 feels too tasty for what shapes up as a tight game against an Anaheim team that scores but also gives up a ton of goals.
Why I’m on it:
- The market is pricing Anaheim like a clear favorite, but I have this closer to a coin flip, +134 is way too big for a Seattle team that’s been winning with discipline and timely scoring.
- Anaheim can score in bunches, but they’ve also shown they can give up goals just as fast—their defense has had plenty of nights where games turn into chaos, which is exactly where a live underdog can bite you in the ass.
- Jared McCann is back and contributing in a big way, giving Seattle’s offense a real boost at the exact moment they need it on this road trip.
The expected game flow here is Anaheim pushing the pace early while Seattle stays close and tries to win the goaltending battle. If the Kraken stay disciplined, this sets up as a tight finish they can steal in the 3-2 range.
Play: Kraken Moneyline (+134)
