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NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/29)

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Just six teams hit the ice for tonight's three-game NHL slate. However, don't interpret the light schedule as a sign of unentertaining hockey. All three games have playoff implications, with the Panthers taking on the Maple Leafs, the Islanders squaring off against the Capitals, and the Avalanche hosting the Wild in a Central Division showdown. 

Let's dive deeper into these matchups and get a best bet locked in for each tilt. 

Trent's Betting Record Since 1/21/2023

  • Total: 21-32 (-13.00 Units)
  • NHL: 19-30 (-12.87 Units)

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

Today's Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Panthers are running out of time to make a push for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. They're currently the first team out, trailing Pittsburgh (82 points) by three points. Each team has eight games remaining. As for the Maple Leafs (97 points), they're comfortably in control of the second position in the Atlantic, holding a five-point edge over the Lightning. Puck drop between these two Atlantic Division foes is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. 

These two sides just played in Sunrise on Thursday in a 6-2 affair that went to the Leafs. The victory moved Toronto to 2-0-0 in the season series, adding to the 5-4 overtime win at home back in January. I'll go ahead and lock in the Maple Leafs to pick up another two points tonight and back them on the moneyline. 

In Florida's case, you can point to a couple of key metrics as to why they're not in the playoffs. They're currently 22nd in overall defense (3.2 GAA) and just 28th on the penalty kill (74.1%). The Panthers use this loose, run-and-gun style of play that often leaves them exposed on the backend. That, combined with the unreliable netminding of Sergei Bobrovsky (24-20-3, 3.07 GAA, .901 SV%) are clearly the reasons why they're on the outside looking in. You can't play that way and expect to beat a dynamic offense like the Maple Leafs. If Toronto can play a fundamentally clean hockey game, they should have no issue outpacing the Panthers tonight in Ontario. 

Bet: Maple Leafs Moneyline (-145) 

New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals

Sitting six points back of the Penguins in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race are the Capitals (76 points). They're going to need some help down the stretch if they want to make a miracle run at the playoffs - especially since seven of their final eight games are against playoff teams. That includes a pair of matchups with the Islanders, who are the top team in the Wild Card with 85 points. This one gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET from Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

Washington has beaten New York in both matchups this year, winning in a 4-3 overtime game on January 16th and following that up with a 5-1 rout back on March 11th. I'm going to take the Caps to get it done again tonight.

While the Isles have been the better team overall, by no means are they untouchable. They've gone just 4-3-1 over their last eight games and sit at 16-15-6 on the road this year. Furthermore, it's expected that Ilya Sorokin will be in net tonight. The Russian-born goaltender has taken a step back on the road this year, where he's 10-9-4 with a 2.89 GAA and .912 SV%.

On the flip side, the Islanders have been very mediocre offensively this season, sitting at 22nd in goals per game (3.0 GPG) and 29th on the power play (16.5%). So, if the Capitals can get some goaltending of their own, they should have a great chance to come away with two points. Let's back Washington at home tonight. 

Bet: Capitals Moneyline (-110)

Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche 

The marquee matchup of the night is a Central Division showdown between the Wild and the Avalanche. The division is completely up for grabs at this point, with Minnesota (95 points) holding down the lead and Colorado and Dallas tied for second with 94 points. This heavyweight battle gets going at 10:00 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in Denver, CO. 

With how evenly matched these two sides are, it almost makes sense to simply take a flier on the Wild with the plus-money payout. I wouldn't blame anyone for going that route. However, one metric sticks out with the Avs, and that's how hot their power play has been recently. Colorado is riding a 12-game power-play goal streak, aiding them to a 10-2-0 record over the stretch. They've now won nine of their last ten games and boast the fourth-best man-advantage unit in the league (25.7%).

Minnesota has been dominant defensively this year, allowing the second-least 5-on-5 goals (122). With that being said, they take a slight step back on the penalty kill, where they're 13th overall (80.6%). In a game where two teams are so evenly matched, it could come down to the special teams play tonight. I'll back the defending champions and their red-hot power play on home ice tonight - give me the Avs!

Bet: Avalanche Moneyline (-155)

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