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NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/8)

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Just six teams hit the ice tonight as the NHL offers up a three-game slate. An old rivalry renews as the Red Wings host the Blackhawks, the Wild take on the Jets in a highly-anticipated Central Division showdown, and the Ducks take on the Canucks to end the night. 

I have action from start to finish tonight, so let's dive into my top three bets on the ice. 

Trent's Betting Record Since 1/21/2023

  • Total: 16-21 (-5.96 Units)
  • NHL: 14-19 (-5.83 Units)

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

Today's Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings 

The Blackhawks and Red Wings were once upon a time one of the fiercest rivalries in hockey; but, in 2013 Detroit was sent to the Eastern Conference, essentially eliminating the Detroit-Chicago feud. However, these former division foes get together tonight in Motown, and it gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET from Little Caesars Arena. 

While the vibes in Chicago aren't the highest after offloading Patrick Kane to the Rangers and Max Domi to the Stars, the Blackhawks bounced back with a 5-0 win over Ottawa on Monday night. Defenseman Seth Jones has stepped up as he netted a pair of goals in the victory. 

I'm not saying Chicago is going to go on an insane run here, but I feel that the energy is rising in the locker room right now. It's almost like an "Island of Misfit Toys" situation, and the guys are in the honeymoon stage and playing with confidence.

Detroit, on the other hand, is experiencing an extreme downturn. They've lost six straight games, essentially pushing them out of the Eastern Conference playoff race. This is a "must-win" game for the Wings, but there is no value with them on the moneyline (-240). I'm also not confident laying two goals with a team that's dropped six straight and been outscored 27-9 over the stretch. So, let's take a shot with the Hawks on the puck line. 

Bet: Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (-130)

Minnesota Wild vs. Winnipeg Jets 

While typically not recognized as one of the marquee matchups in the league, the Wild (79 points) versus the Jets (75 points) offers up a pivotal game in the Central Division. Minnesota currently resides in second place coming into tonight's action, while Winnipeg trails Colorado and sits in fourth. Puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB. 

Similar to the aforementioned Red Wings, the Jets have hit a wall recently. They've won just two of their last 10 games overall, sliding down the ranks of the Central. I'll use this as an opportunity to back the Wild, who are 8-0-2 in their last 10. While anything is possible, I feel like getting Minnesota with a plus-money payout is a gift. 

Furthermore, the Wild have dominated the season series, going 2-0-0 and outscoring the Jets 10-2 in the pair of tilts. Minnesota is quickly becoming one of the stingiest defenses in the league, currently sitting in fourth courtesy of a 2.46 GAA. Furthermore, they're eighth on the penalty kill (82.5%). I think the smart play is to lock in the Wild as underdogs.

Bet: Minnesota Wild Moneyline (+105)

Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks

The hockey night concludes as two teams in the tank square off in British Columbia. The lowly Ducks enter tonight's game after dropping a 5-2 contest to the Kraken last night. As for the Canucks, they topped the Predators in a 4-3 shootout on Monday. This Pacific Division clash is set for 10:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Arena. 

These two slumping teams don't have much to offer this year, especially since the Canucks punted on the year by dishing Bo Harvat to the Islanders. However, I still cannot back the Ducks in any capacity this season. They've been atrocious on both ends of the ice and enter tonight's game on the second night of a back-to-back. 

Considering Anaheim just played last night, John Gibson will likely be sidelined from the crease in this one. Regardless, all three of the goaltending options for the Ducks are favorable options for fading gamblers. They each bring in GAA's north of 3.7 and SV% under .905. With that being said, one of the few bright spots for the Canucks this season has been the power play. They're 11th in the league, netting 22.8% of their man-advantage opportunities. The lowly defense of the Ducks combined with the tired legs presents a great opportunity to lock in the opposition on the puck line - give me Vancouver!

Bet: Vancouver Canucks -1.5 (+115)

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