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NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (3/28)

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There's still plenty to be determined in the NHL as we enter the final 10-game stretch of the season. The stakes are high and we'll have some interesting matchups on this 10-game slate tonight. A couple of the marquee games include the Hurricanes hosting the Lightning and the Oilers taking on the Golden Knights in Sin City. 

Let's dive deeper into three of the matchups on tonight's schedule and get a trio of best bets locked in!

Trent's Betting Record Since 1/21/2023

  • Total: 20-30 (-11.69 Units)
  • NHL: 18-28 (-11.56 Units)

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Tuesday:

Today's Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of PointsBet Sportsbook

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers 

The Blue Jackets started their three-game road trip off on the wrong foot, suffering an 8-2 beatdown at the hands of the Canadiens on Saturday. That's been the story of the year for Columbus as they're tied with San Jose for the league's lowest point total (53 points). They'll attempt to get things back on track tonight against a Rangers team that's won two straight games and six of their last seven. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. 

With the way these teams are trending, it only makes sense to back the Rangers in this spot. They’ve been red-hot over the last two weeks, posting an 8-1-1 record over their last 10 games. New York has seen its offense come to life as they're averaging 4.8 goals per game over the 10-game sample. As for the overall numbers, the Rangers are 13th offensively (3.3 GPG) and ninth on the power play (22.4%). 

On the flip side, New York's defense has held up very well this season, where they're eighth in goals against (2.6 GAA). Considering Jaroslav Halak played in Saturday's 4-3 win against the Panthers, we should get reigning Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin in the crease tonight. The Russian-born netminder is 33-12-7 this year with a 2.55 GAA and .914 SV%. The Rangers are leaps and bounds better in most major categories and I expect them to cover the puck line on home ice tonight. 

Bet: New York Rangers -1.5 (-145)

Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames

It seems a lot of the attention is on the Eastern Conference playoff race as we enter the final 10-game stretch, but the West has a lot at stake as well. Specifically, the Pacific Division which sees the Golden Knights holding down the lead (98 points), the Kings in second (96 points), the Oilers in third (93 points), the Kraken in fourth (88 points), and the Flames trailing the Jets by four points in the Wild Card race at 81 points. Calgary hosts Los Angeles tonight in what truly feels like a must-win game for the side from Alberta. This one's set for 9:00 p.m. ET from the Saddledome. 

The oddsmakers surprisingly have the Flames as a -131 betting favorite heading into tonight's tilt. In my opinion, that makes no sense and I'll gladly take a shot with the plus-money payout on the Kings. Maybe this line would've made sense a month ago, but I can't wrap my brain around why this game isn't closer to a pick 'em. Sure, the Flames are in their own barn, but they're also a pedestrian 17-15-4 at home this year. 

Similar to the Rangers above, the Kings are on an absolute heater. They're riding a three-game win streak and sit at 10-0-2 in their last 12 games. The offense has been on fire over the 12-game sample, scoring 4.4 goals per contest. Included in that stretch of games is an 8-2 victory over the Flames last Monday night. That moved the season series to 2-1 in favor of the Kings, joining their 4-3 overtime win on December 22nd and 6-5 loss on November 14th. All things considered, I'm locking in the plus-money ticket with Los Angeles before the betting line dips closer to even.

Bet: Los Angeles Kings Moneyline (+110)

Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights 

I laid out the Pacific Division standings above, and if the Knights want to avoid a first-round clash with the Oilers, they'll need to finish the season strong and win the division outright. The two Pacific teams get underway tonight at 10:00 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

Both of these teams are playing at the top of their respective games right now. The Oilers have been hot, going 7-1-1 over their last nine games and picking up points in seven straight contests. The only blemish that's holding them back from a seven-game win streak is a 4-3 overtime loss to Vegas on Saturday in Alberta. The win was the Golden Knights' fourth straight and they're 11-2-0 in their last 13 overall. 

While Vegas got to fly home Saturday night and rest up for tonight's clash, Edmonton had to make a stop in Arizona to take on a feisty Coyotes team last night. The Oilers escaped with a 5-4 win over the Yotes, but they'll make the trip to Vegas tonight and play on the second night of a back-to-back.

Ultimately, that's what I believe will be the difference maker in this one. While the Oilers boast the most lethal offense in the game, they're sloppy defensively and that'll likely show up in a back-to-back scenario. The well-rested Knights are ninth overall defensively, allowing just 2.6 goals per game. So, if they can keep their structure defensively and limit the McDavid-Draisaitl duo, they should have no problem outpacing a fatigued Edmonton team at home. 

Bet: Vegas Golden Knights Moneyline (+100)

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