NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions for Thursday: Coyotes vs. Canadiens (2022)
We have a loaded 12-game slate of hockey on Thursday with some great matchups as the season continues to get underway. I give out my three best bets for Thursday’s NHL slate. And let’s take a closer look at Coyotes vs. Canadiens below.
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Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
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Top 3 NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday (10/20)
Arizona Coyotes (+135) @ Montreal Canadiens (-155) | O/U 6.5 (-120/+100)
The Atlantic Division’s Montreal Canadiens host the Central Division’s Arizona Coyotes in a battle with two teams that most people predicted to struggle with this year. These offenses have lived up to these poor expectations through the first week of the season as they each rank in the bottom four of the league in 5v5 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60).
At 5v5, Arizona ranked 22nd in the league in GF and 32nd in xGF last season, while the Habs ranked 19th in GF and 20th in xGF. To start this season, both teams have gotten off to slow starts as the first period under has cashed in five of their eight combined games.
A mixture of poor defense and solid goaltending have led to these slow starts. Projected to take the net for Montreal upon his return from parental leave is Jake Allen.
He boasts a .943 SV% and 2.03 GAA through two starts this season. Among starting goaltenders, Allen ranks fourth in the league in 5v5 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60).
Best Bet: 1P Under 1.5 (+120)
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Tony Sartori is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Tony, check out his archive and follow him @tony_sartori.