A trio of NHL stars headline my NHL predictions for Dec. 30.
Today's NHL picks narrative: Mathew Barzal and Brad Marchand are having solid seasons, and they are great picks to top their shot props. Elsewhere, Nikolaj Ehlers is heating up and has a palatable line to score a point.
Check out my NHL predictions for Dec. 30.
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NHL predictions Dec. 30
Best Bet: Barzal over 2.5 shots (+120)
Barzal is putting more pucks on goal recently, and I want in on this prop at plus-money odds.
The Islanders forward has topped this line in two of his last four games, and it would've been three had he not exacted vigilante justice for rookie teammate Matthew Schaefer.
Marchment tripped Schaefer and Barzal was NOT having it slashing him in response.
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 28, 2025
CHAOS in Columbus right now. pic.twitter.com/8AiarchwXN
Barzal had two shots on goal in just 8:04 of ice time before this incident.
-> Don't miss out — Bet on Barzal to score now!
New York visits the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. Chicago is one of the worst defensive teams in the league:
- Fourth-most shots allowed per game (30.3)
- Fifth-most expected goals against per 60 (3.39)
- Third-most high-danger chances against per 60 (13.88)
Barzal should find room to operate and put three-plus pucks on goal in this matchup.
Key stat: Barzal is averaging 4.7 shot attempts per game across his last seven contests.
Other picks
Marchand over 2.5 shots (+100): At even money, I'll happily back Marchand on this prop.
The veteran winger continues to play at an elite level:
- 7th in goals (22)
- T-14th in points (44)
- T-42nd in shots (101)
Marchand is averaging 2.7 shots per game and has topped this mark in three of his last seven outings.
His consistent involvement in the Florida Panthers' offence puts this prop in play on a nightly basis. Marchand has 13 points in his last eight outings.
-> Back Marchand and the Panthers at NorthStar Bets!
The matchup with the Montreal Canadiens isn't great as the Habs are ceding the 10th-fewest shots on goal per game (27.2), but still, I'll back Marchand at this price.
Ehlers to score 1+ points (-132): Ehlers notched a pair of points on Monday, and I'll happily back him again on Tuesday.
The winger had two assists in his team's overtime win over the New York Rangers. He's up to 26 points in 38 games, and I expect that point total to continue growing.
-> Bet on Ehlers to score a point tonight!
His Carolina Hurricanes battle the Pittsburgh Penguins, and that has been a plus matchup lately.
The Pens have ceded three-plus goals in 12 consecutive games.
NHL predictions made at 2:35 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2025.
