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NHL expert picks today: Saturday's best bets include Blackhawks vs. Capitals play [1/3/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Dave Garofolo, Content Producer
Get NHL expert picks and best bets for Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Today’s NHL expert picks for January 3, 2026 are here, with Blackhawks vs. Capitals among the top plays identified by our model across Saturday’s NHL schedule.
Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, going over the latest hockey odds to unearth real betting edges. The result? Data-backed plays that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.
List of NHL expert picks tonight [1/3, updated 5:03AM ET]
Below, you’ll find today’s best hockey bets, ranked by edge for Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Blackhawks +1.5 (-102)
- Edge: 3.9%
- Probability: 54.4%
- Matchup: Blackhawks vs. Capitals (7:00PM ET, Saturday)
Our model has identified value on Blackhawks +1.5 at -102 odds. A 54.4% probability produces an edge of 3.9%, making this the strongest play for today's NHL slate.
Blackhawks ML (+250)
- Edge: 3.2%
- Probability: 31.8%
- Matchup: Blackhawks vs. Capitals (7:00PM ET, Saturday)
Blackhawks ML carries a 3.2% edge and a probability of 31.8% at +250 odds, according to our model.
NHL best bets summary: Saturday, 1/3/2026
As of 5:03AM ET, here are our top NHL bets by edge recommended by our model:
| Matchup | Bet | Odds | Edge | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackhawks vs. Capitals | Blackhawks +1.5 | -102 @ FanDuel | 3.9% | 54.4% |
| Blackhawks vs. Capitals | Blackhawks ML | +250 @ FanDuel | 3.2% | 31.8% |
List of upcoming NHL games to bet on [1/3/2026]
- Penguins vs. Red Wings (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
- Mammoth vs. Devils (3:00PM ET, Saturday)
- Sabres vs. Blue Jackets (3:00PM ET, Saturday)
- Flyers vs. Oilers (3:30PM ET, Saturday)
- Canadiens vs. Blues (4:00PM ET, Saturday)
- Lightning vs. Sharks (4:00PM ET, Saturday)
- 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)
How to use NHL on Dimers
Get a quick walkthrough of the Dimers NHL hub. Learn how to understand projections, odds, and matchup data to inform your hockey betting decisions.
Conclusion
Our NHL best bets are locked and loaded for January 3, 2026, featuring plays such as Blackhawks +1.5 and Blackhawks ML. 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 grounded 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.
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Dave Garofolo uses sophisticated AI-driven analytics to make predictions and evaluate player performances in the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAAM, and PGA TOUR tournaments, crafting insightful game and prop previews.
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