NHL expert picks today: Thursday's best bets include Capitals vs. Sabres play [3/12/2026]

Capitals vs. Sabres under 6.5 goals (+114)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 51.3%
• Matchup: Capitals vs. Sabres (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on under 6.5 goals in Capitals vs. Sabres at +114 odds. A 51.3% probability produces an edge of 4.6%, making this the strongest play for today's NHL slate.

Flames +1.5 (-152)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 64.6%
• Matchup: Flames vs. Devils (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Flames +1.5 carries a 4.3% edge and a probability of 64.6% at -152 odds, according to our model.

Blues +1.5 (-108)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Blues vs. Hurricanes (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Blues +1.5 vs. Hurricanes at -108 odds shows a 3.6% edge, supported by a 55.6% probability in simulations.

Blues ML (+235)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 33.4%
• Matchup: Blues vs. Hurricanes (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 3.6% edge and 33.4% probability make Blues at the moneyline at a value play in the Blues vs. Hurricanes matchup, per our model.

Flames ML (+160)

• Edge: 2.7%
• Probability: 41.2%
• Matchup: Flames vs. Devils (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Flames ML at +160 odds presents a 2.7% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 41.2%.

Capitals ML (+180)

• Edge: 2.2%
• Probability: 37.9%
• Matchup: Capitals vs. Sabres (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model finds value on Capitals to win at +180 odds, supported by an edge of 2.2%.

Capitals +1.5 (-135)

• Edge: 2.0%
• Probability: 59.5%
• Matchup: Capitals vs. Sabres (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has uncovered value on Capitals +1.5 at -135 odds. A 59.5% probability produces a 2.0% edge, making this a strong play for today's NHL action.

NHL best bets summary: Thursday, 3/12/2026

As of 5:32PM ET, here are our top NHL bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Capitals vs. Sabres	Under 6.5 Goals	+114 @ DraftKings	4.6%	51.3%
Flames vs. Devils	Flames +1.5	-152 @ FanDuel	4.3%	64.6%
Blues vs. Hurricanes	Blues +1.5	-108 @ FanDuel	3.6%	55.6%
Blues vs. Hurricanes	Blues ML	+235 @ DraftKings	3.6%	33.4%
Flames vs. Devils	Flames ML	+160 @ DraftKings	2.7%	41.2%
Capitals vs. Sabres	Capitals ML	+180 @ BetMGM	2.2%	37.9%
Capitals vs. Sabres	Capitals +1.5	-135 @ BetMGM	2.0%	59.5%

List of upcoming NHL games to bet on [3/12/2026]

• Ducks vs. Maple Leafs (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Flames vs. Devils (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Blues vs. Hurricanes (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Red Wings vs. Lightning (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Capitals vs. Sabres (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Blue Jackets vs. Panthers (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Sharks vs. Bruins (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Rangers vs. Jets (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Flyers vs. Wild (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Oilers vs. Stars (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Blackhawks vs. Mammoth (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Penguins vs. Golden Knights (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Avalanche vs. Kraken (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Predators vs. Canucks (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

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Conclusion

Our NHL best bets are locked and loaded for March 12, 2026, featuring plays such as under 6.5 goals in the Capitals vs. Sabres matchup and Flames +1.5. 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.

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