Top 3 NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (11/13)
We're roughly a fifth of the way through the NHL season already, and we're starting to get a good read on how teams are shaping up this year. Ten teams are set to hit the ice tonight, and I've narrowed in on three of the games from a betting perspective. Here are my three favorite wagers in the NHL tonight.
Wednesday's NHL Best Bets
Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook
Detroit Red Wings (+120) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (-145) | O/U 6.5 (-120/+100)
The Penguins (6-9-2) are coming off a 7-1 beatdown at the hands of the Stars on Monday, and they're now just 1-2-1 in their last four games. They'll host the Red Wings (6-7-1) tonight, who are off to an underwhelming start as well. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.
There's no denying that the Penguins have been horrendous defensively this year, ranking 31st in overall defense (3.71 GAA). However, this should be a good spot for the backend to settle in against a bottom-tier Red Wings offense. Detroit is currently 29th in the NHL in scoring, averaging only 2.4 goals per game. They're also just 27th in expected goals per 60 minutes (2.15) during 5-on-5 play.
As for Detroit's defense, they're a respectable 11th in the NHL, conceding 2.79 goals per game. It's confirmed that Cam Talbot will be between the pipes tonight, and he's looked excellent this year. The veteran is 4-2-1 with a 2.40 GAA (7th) and a .926 SV% (5th). Talbot has allowed two or fewer goals in his last three starts, posting a .950 SV% over the 2-1-0 stretch. This feels like a no-brainer to play the Under at 6.5 goals, especially with a +100 payout.
Bet: Under 6.5 Total Goals (+100)
Los Angeles Kings (+120) vs. Colorado Avalanche (-145) | O/U 6.0 (-120/+100)
The marquee matchup of the night pits the Kings (9-5-3) against the Avalanche (8-8-0) in a Western Conference showdown. Puck drop is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in Denver, CO.
Colorado was an easy fade to start the year considering they were short-handed and missing several of their key players. However, now that Artturi Lehkonen and Devon Toews are back in the lineup regularly, this team is looking as dangerous as ever. Heck, Nathan MacKinnon looks like a man on a mission, leading the league in scoring (7G, 23A) while ranking second in SOG (64). This offense is finding its footing, ranking 12th in scoring (3.4 GPG) while entering the night second on the power play (33.33%).
However, the Avs still cannot get a save. Their .859 SV% is the worst in the NHL, and their 3.25 team GAA is 27th. This run-and-gun style has led to Colorado seeing at least six goals in 12 of their 16 games, with 11 of those contests going for 7+ goals. With Los Angeles ranking 10th in team shooting percentage (9.95%) during 5-on-5 play, I expect them to keep pace with Colorado in this one. I'm taking the Over.
Bet: Over 6.0 Total Goals (-120)
Vegas Golden Knights (-190) vs. Anaheim Ducks (+160) | O/U 6.0 (-120/+100)
The Golden Knights (9-4-2) have dropped two straight games, but they should have a decent chance to break back into the win column tonight against the Ducks (5-7-2). Anaheim snapped a four-game slide last time out, issuing Columbus its fifth consecutive loss. This Pacific Division tilt gets underway at 10:00 p.m. ET from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
Anaheim has been getting extraordinary goaltending this year, and it's likely the only reason they're still somewhat relevant to start the season. They boast the third-best SV% (.913) in the NHL. However, the Ducks are under constant siege, absorbing the fourth-most SOG (494), which has seen their overall GAA climb to 2.93 (18th).
Meanwhile, Vegas brings in one of the best offenses in the league right now, ranking second in goals per game (4.2). Like the aforementioned MacKinnon, Vegas' Jack Eichel is on a tear, ranking second in assists with 19. His 24 points are the third-most in the NHL. On the flip side, the Knights are having plenty of defensive issues, which is strange because they have Adin Hill and a solid defensive core, but it just hasn't clicked yet this year. The team’s SV% is just .888 (20th), while their team GAA is 3.13 (23rd). I think this could turn into a back-and-forth barnburner with Anaheim's youthful, skilled offense. I expect to see at least six goals, and the ceiling is likely a few goals higher.
Bet: Over 6.0 Total Goals (-120)