Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (12/30)
The NHL season is underway! Let's highlight a few key games for today, Saturday, Dec. 30.
For additional prop bets check out our brand new daily NHL Prop Bet Cheat Sheet. Additionally, our analysts will post their top picks in our BettingPros Discord, which is free to join and filled with info from some of the sharpest analysts in the field.
Saturday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Edmonton Oilers (+100) at Los Angeles Kings (-120) | O/U 6.5 (-125/+105)
The Kings have been consistently playing well throughout the season, and they are just one of two teams in the top five in both points scored AND allowed. They possess a deep forward unit of playmakers, and they have scored 12 goals in their last three games.
The resurgence of the Oilers has been amazing to watch. They changed coaches early in the season and immediately started winning after. Their offense has also been red hot, and they have 15 goals in their last five games, and it is all thanks to the resurgence of Connor McDavid, who struggled to start the year but is again averaging over a point per game.
Both teams have been spectacular offensively over the last few games. Edmonton has been shaky throughout the season, and we've seen them excel against above-average goaltending.
Pick: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-125)
Carolina Hurricanes (-105) at Toronto Maple Leafs (-115) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Hurricanes went into the break on a down note by dropping the final two games. They've won the last two, but they were against Columbus, who is one of the worst teams, and Detroit is missing key players.
The Maple Leafs know they depend on their offense to win games. They are currently fourth in goals scored per game, but the goaltending is 24th, which puts them below 50% of expected goals. The team is still over .500, but they have just three points over their last five games (1-3-1), with a -9 goal differential.
The Canes continue to be one of the deeper rosters in the league, and they can contend with Toronto on each shift. That, along with the goaltending advantage, will get them the two points.
Pick: Hurricanes Moneyline (-105)
Montreal Canadiens (+210) at Florida Panthers (-258) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Panthers limped into the break, dropping back-to-back games, but they have won the last two. This is still one of the best overall teams in the league, with a 57.2 expected goal percentage, which is second. This is thanks to Sam Reinhart, who has five goals in the last three, his 23 scores are good for fourth in the NHL, and the offense is excelling even with Matthew Tkachuk having a rough year.
If you look at the stats of the Canadiens, it's shocking that they are above .500, as they are just 27th in goals scored per game and 23rd in goals allowed. Nick Suzuki is hands down their best player, but that's why opposing teams concentrate on stopping him. This is the reason why, while he is on pace for some career highs, he can't play up to his potential.
This should be an easy puckline win for the Panthers.
Pick: Panthers -1.5 (-115)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday:
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- College Football Bowl Game Player Prop Bet Odds, Picks & Predictions
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
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