Top 3 NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (12/20)
Three electric matchups headline tonight's eight-game NHL slate as the red-hot Rangers take on the Penguins in a divisional clash, the Maple Leafs host the Lightning in Toronto, and the Devils square off against the Hurricanes.
Here are my top three bets for tonight's action on the ice.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top 3 NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (12/20)
New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Rangers notched their seventh straight victory Sunday night as they demolished the Blackhawks 7-1 in Chicago. As for the Penguins, they saw their seven-game win streak snapped on Sunday in a 3-2 loss to the Hurricanes. This Metropolitan Division showdown is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from PPG Paints Arena.
Not much separates these two teams, whether in the standings or on the stat sheet. The Rangers hold a one-point edge over the Pens in the standings, their power play is 2.7% better and they're allowing 0.13 fewer goals per game. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is scoring 0.20 more goals than New York and they're 1.88% higher on the penalty kill.
With that being said, I'm going to back the Penguins to collect the two points tonight. The only true edge that I can find is their home-ice advantage. Pittsburgh is 9-3-2 when playing at home this season and they've gone 6-1-1 over their last eight home games. Tristan Jarry is expected to get the start tonight between the pipes and he's 8-1-0 at home this season with a 2.25 GAA and .934 SV%. Let's ride with the Pens.
Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline (-135)
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The Devils have cooled off after their incredible start to the season as they just dropped their fifth straight game to the Panthers on Saturday night. The Hurricanes have been playing well and Sunday's 3-2 victory over the Penguins moved them into a first-place tie with New Jersey at 44 points each. That means the winner of tonight's game leaves with sole possession of first place in the Metro. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. from PNC Arena in Raleigh.
I'm locking in the Hurricanes on the puck line tonight. They're playing excellent hockey right now, having gone 9-0-1 in their last ten games and picking up points in their last 11 contests. I think this is a great time to lay 1.5 goals considering how bad the Devils have been over the last two weeks. During their five-game skid, they're allowing 4.0 goals per game while scoring just 2.2. The bottom line here is that Carolina is much more polished and more physical than New Jersey. Add on their home-ice advantage and I think we have a great shot to cash this puck line wager.
Bet: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (+190)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Bolts are heating up as they've now won five straight games. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have dropped two straight after amassing a 10-game point streak. Tonight's game is slated for a 7:00 p.m. ET puck drop from Ontario.
Tampa Bay has looked untouchable over their last five games, outscoring opponents 24-7 during the stretch. They're clicking in all aspects of the game and seem to be picking up steam at the right time.
Similar to the aforementioned games tonight, there isn't much that separates these two sides. However, I think our edge for riding with the Bolts comes on special teams. Tampa Bay has the edge on the power play, where they're cashing on 27.43% of their opportunities compared to Toronto's 23.30%. On the penalty kill, the Lightning boast the eighth-best unit at 81.00% while the Maple Leafs are 14th at 79.59%. Considering the special teams’ edge and how well Tampa is playing right now, I'm comfortable with taking a shot on them as underdogs tonight.
Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning Moneyline (+120)
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