Top 3 NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (12/27)
The NHL returns after a three-day hiatus. We’re set for a 12-game slate tonight, with a few marquee matchups leading the way. The Capitals take on the Rangers, the Wild square off against the Jets, and the Oilers and Flames face off in another edition of the Battle of Alberta. Let’s dive into my top three bets on the ice tonight.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Carolina Hurricanes
The #TankForBedard is on in Chicago, as they’re currently the worst team in the league with just 20 points. On the other hand, the Canes (50 points) find themselves trailing only the Bruins (56 points) in terms of points, and they’re currently riding an eight-game win streak. This cross-conference clash is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET from Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Hawks snapped an eight-game losing streak when they beat the Blue Jackets 5-2 on Friday night, marking just their second win in the last 18 games. I don’t expect Chicago to get on a winning streak at this point, especially taking on a team of Carolina’s caliber. The Hurricanes should make light work of the Hawks tonight, and I’ll take them to cover the puck line at home.
Aside from a slight advantage on the power play, Carolina is ranked higher in every major category. The matchup that sticks out to me is Chicago’s offense against Carolina’s defense. The Blackhawks come into tonight’s game with the second-worst offense in the league (2.3 gpg), and they’ll take on a Canes team with the sixth-ranked defense (2.50 opposing gpg). Carolina beat Chicago 3-0 back in mid-November, and I anticipate a similar outcome tonight. I just don’t know where the goals will come from for the Blackhawks. Let’s lock in the Canes to stretch their lead to at least two goals.
Bet: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (-155 via DraftKings)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders
The Penguins went into the break, winning eight of their final ten games, and that effort catapulted them into third place in the Metropolitan Division. Tonight they make the short trip to Long Island to take on an Islanders team that’s a pedestrian 4-4-2 over their last 10 games. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from UBS Arena.
I’ll back the hotter team in this one and go with the Penguins on the moneyline. They’ve collected points in 10 of their last 11 games and are 13-2-2 over their previous 17 contests. As for this game, the edge comes in the special teams’ department. The Pens bring in the 13th-ranked power play unit, cashing on 23.21% of their man-advantage opportunities. The Isles are 25th, netting 18.87% of their power play chances. On the penalty kill, Pittsburgh boasts the top-ranked PK (84.67%), while New York is sixth (81.65%).
Both of these teams are sound defensively, but the Penguins are much better in the offensive zone. Look for Pittsburgh to do enough to collect the two points tonight in what will likely be a low-scoring affair.
Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins ML (-135 via DraftKings)
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings
Out west, the Kings continue to shock the hockey masses as they’re currently 19-12-6 (44 points) and looking up at only the Golden Knights (49 points) in the Pacific Division. The big question regarding Los Angeles is whether or not their style of play is sustainable. If the playoffs started today, the Kings would be the only team in the 16-team bracket with a negative goal differential (-7). The next closest team is Calgary at +1. They’ll look to narrow the gap tonight in this divisional showdown set for 10:30 p.m. ET from L.A.
The oddsmakers see this game as a coin flip, and I’ll gladly ride with the Golden Knights in a pick ‘em. While you think Los Angeles would be stellar defensively due to their low goal differential, that’s not the case at all. The Kings currently rank 27th in overall defense (3.35 opposing gpg) and penalty killing (71.54%). This team is fraudulent, in my opinion. Their 44 points reflect how down the Pacific is, as opposed to them actually being a contending team. I’m going to take the Golden Knights to get the win tonight and put some distance between themselves and the rest of the Pacific.
Bet: Vegas Golden Knights Moneyline (-105 via DraftKings)
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