Top 3 NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (12/17)
This Saturday has an exciting slate of games, with a couple of teams playing well recently. We also have a matchup with some struggling teams that would love to come away with two points.
(All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Anaheim Ducks (+265) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-335) | o/u 6.5 (-132/+108)
The Oilers’ offense is starting to play up to expectations and has scored 4.6 goals in their last five. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the top two-point leaders, but they’ve been getting contributions throughout each shift.
The Ducks are in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes with an excellent chance to grab a top pick. This team is bottom on both ends of the ice, especially on defense allowing 4.17 goals and. 37.7 shots per game.
The Oilers’ ability to attack and move the puck through their offensive zone will be too much for the Ducks’ defense. This will be an easy win for Edmonton and if you want to spice it up, take the over as well with the Oilers’ below-average defense.
Pick: Oilers -1.5 (-140) | Suggested parlay with over 6.5 goals
Dallas Stars (+134) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (-162) | o/u 5.5 (-115/-105)
The schedule has not been kind to the Stars. Recently, they’ve played road games against the Penguins and Devils as they head down to Carolina. They’ve so far past the test, and they’re coming into this game winning four of their last five.
The Hurricanes’ defensive unit has been excellent this year and is tops in expected goals against, and their aggressiveness has them second in share of takeaway.
Although a small sample size, Hurricanes are great at home, going 6-3-1 this year. This blue line and goalkeepers have been excellent lately, holding down some top offenses. They will keep Dallas from scoring opportunities throughout this game.
Pick: Hurricanes 60 mins ML (+108)
Florida Panthers (+114) vs. New Jersey Devils (-137) | o/u 5.5 (-130/+104)
As the saying goes, “what goes up, must come down.†The Devils were on an astonishing run, going 21-4-1 to start the season, but they come into today losing four straight. Both sides of the ice are struggling, especially the defense, that’s been giving up more shots than usual.
The Panthers’ offense has not slipped after scoring the most goals last season. This is a very aggressive unit, and they will attack the net with the most shots per game and second-most high-danger shots.
That’s going to play a factor against the Devils, that hasn’t played well on that side of the ice. The Florida defense will give up some goals themselves, but they’ll come away with the road upset.
Pick: Panthers ML (+114)
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