NHL expert picks today: Saturday's best bets include Blackhawks vs. Capitals play [1/3/2026]

Today’s NHL expert picks for January 3, 2026 are here, with Blackhawks vs. Capitals and Avalanche vs. Hurricanes among the top plays identified by our model across Saturday’s NHL schedule.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, scanning the latest hockey odds to unearth legitimate betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of NHL expert picks tonight [1/3, updated 6:35PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s best hockey bets, ranked by edge for Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Blackhawks +1.5 (-110)

• Edge: 2.7%
• Probability: 55.1%
• Matchup: Blackhawks vs. Capitals (7:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has identified value on Blackhawks +1.5 at -110 odds. A 55.1% probability produces an edge of 2.7%, making this the strongest play for today's NHL slate.

Avalanche vs. Hurricanes under 6.5 goals (+100)

• Edge: 2.0%
• Probability: 52%
• Matchup: Avalanche vs. Hurricanes (7:00PM ET, Saturday)

Avalanche vs. Hurricanes under 6.5 goals carries a 2.0% edge and a probability of 52% at +100 odds, according to our model.

NHL best bets summary: Saturday, 1/3/2026

As of 6:35PM ET, here are our top NHL bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Blackhawks vs. Capitals	Blackhawks +1.5	-110 @ BetMGM	2.7%	55.1%
Avalanche vs. Hurricanes	Under 6.5 Goals	+100 @ BetMGM	2.0%	52%

List of upcoming NHL games to bet on [1/3/2026]

• Avalanche vs. Hurricanes (7:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Predators vs. Flames (7:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Blackhawks vs. Capitals (7:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Maple Leafs vs. Islanders (7:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Jets vs. Senators (7:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Wild vs. Kings (9:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Bruins vs. Canucks (10:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Canadiens vs. Stars (2:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Penguins vs. Blue Jackets (3:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Avalanche vs. Panthers (5:00PM ET, Sunday)

Using Dimebot for betting research

Learn how Dimebot helps you quickly access projections, trends, and explanations—without digging through multiple tools or pages.

Conclusion

Our NHL best bets are locked and loaded for January 3, 2026, featuring plays such as Blackhawks +1.5 and under 6.5 goals in the Avalanche vs. Hurricanes matchup. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate NHL insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are rooted in current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

Note: Clicking links to our sportsbook partners may earn us a referral fee. Learn about how we review products and services.