We did it, my fellow degenerates: the 2025-26 NHL season is coming to a close and with our final wagering Saturday on tap, we’re looking to finish strong while stacking some winners as we head into springtime hockey. No games on the NHL betting board Friday results in 30 teams in action today and plenty of juicy spots to target for sprinkling. Thanks for following along for our fifth year of doing Saturday picks here at Dobber Hockey. Let’s finish with a bang, shall we?

As always, good luck and let’s get this paper.

Updated 2025-26 Saturday Record (Daily Record Tracked/Posted @Flips_Picks):
Gold: 8-8
Silver: 9-7
Bronze: 12-4
Side Bets: 22-24

*

Gold Selection
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens – Pick: Canadiens ML (-144)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are picking the absolute worst stretch of the season to play their weakest hockey in months, having posted a 2-7-1 record over their last 10 tilts while really struggling to generate high-danger scoring chances. The Jackets offense has run dry, scoring just 14 goals across the last eight games. It gets worse for Rick Bowness and the boys riding into the Bell Centre this evening, as Columbus has dropped five consecutive trips to La Belle Province and have only one dub in their last 10 overall against the Habs. Much like a lot of our picks lately, we’re feeling this type of situational betting targeting teams trending in opposite directions with clear edges to be had.

The other not-so-obvious angle here that most betting stats won’t highlight is how important this game is for Montreal, as securing top spot in the Atlantic Division and potentially avoiding a first-round bloodbath with the battled-tested Tampa Bay Lightning could be huge for priming this young core for a deep run. Sure, Columbus basically needs to win out to punch a postseason ticket, but with decent value here for the Canadiens on the moneyline and a 9-1-0 record in their last 10, we’re feeling confident with our gold pick of the week. 

Silver Selection
Vegas Golden Knights @ Colorado Avalanche – Pick: Martin Necas Anytime Assist (-142)

If you’re looking for a heater to ride, this is it. Nečas is playing some of the best hockey of his career right now, piling up 36 points over his last 23 games and driving offense every single night. The production isn’t just empty calories either, he’s consistently involved in high-danger sequences and thriving in a prime role alongside Nathan MacKinnon, who continues to set the pace as arguably the most dominant player in the league.

The matchup only strengthens the case. Against the Vegas Golden Knights this season, Nečas has already proven he can exploit their structure, posting a goal and two assists in one meeting and following it up with a two-goal performance. Over a larger sample, he’s recorded 11 points in 12 career games versus Vegas, clear evidence this is a team he sees well. Let’s not sugarcoat it — the Colorado Avalanche have completely owned this matchup. They’ve hung 14 goals on Vegas across their last three meetings, winning all three, and continue to operate as the NHL’s most explosive offense, already sitting at 290 goals on the season. That kind of firepower creates layers of opportunity, especially for a playmaker riding shotgun with MacKinnon.

Vegas may sit high in the standings, but defensively they’ve been exposed by elite speed and transition, two areas where Colorado thrives. Expect sustained pressure, plenty of zone time, and multiple scoring sequences. Nečas doesn’t need much to cash this ticket — just one touch on the right play — and in this form, in this matchup, that feels more like a matter of when, not if.

Bronze Selection
Vancouver Canucks @ San Jose Sharks – Pick: Over 6.5 (-115)

This one leans a little more on instinct but it’s the kind of instinct backed by trends that are too loud to ignore. Simply put: expect goal horns aplenty.

The San Jose Sharks are battling to stay alive and have no choice but to push the pace, while the Vancouver Canucks have been a defensive disaster all season long. Vancouver has surrendered a staggering 299 goals — comfortably the worst mark in the league — and they continue to show little ability to slow anyone down, especially on the road.

History between these two only reinforces the play. Fourteen of the last 18 meetings have cleared the total, and stylistically, nothing has changed to suggest a slowdown. If anything, it’s the opposite. San Jose’s young core, led by breakout phenom Macklin Celebrini — who sits fourth in the NHL with 108 points — has injected legitimate offensive firepower into this lineup. Against a Canucks team that bleeds chances, that’s a recipe for a big night.

There’s a case to be made for San Jose on the moneyline, but the safer and more appealing angle is the total. Vancouver doesn’t just lose, they contribute to chaos, trading chances and opening the door for high-event hockey. Whether they chip in enough themselves or simply fuel the Sharks’ attack, the path to seven goals is wide open.

Side Bets
New Jersey Devils @ Detroit Red Wings – Pick: Red Wings ML (-137)
Vancouver Canucks @ San Jose Sharks – Pick: Sharks ML (-215)
Philadelphia Flyers @ Winnipeg Jets – Pick: Under 6.5 (-166)

Flip Livingstone is an NHL betting expert, fantasy writer, and daily podcast host with the Locked On Fantasy Hockey pod. He also has experience at outlets such as theScore NHL, Postmedia, and Hockey Night in Canada. You can follow him @Flips_Picks.