Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (12/9)
The NHL season is underway! Let's highlight a few key games for today, Saturday, Dec. 9.
Saturday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Nashville Predators (+142) at Toronto Maple Leafs (-170) | O/U 6.5 (-110/-110)
The Predators are one of the more surprising teams this season, coming in at 14-12-0. The team has an impressive 53.36 expected goal percentage, which is fourth. They're a speedy and highly aggressive offense that's going to attack the net and have the fourth-most high-danger shots. This is all with Juuse Saros having another year with a .900+ save percentage and a sub-3.00 GAA.
The Maple Leafs have been getting the wins, but they have been getting lucky over the last couple of weeks. They have played in eight straight one-goal games and are 5-1-2 in those matchups. They've taken a big blow with Joseph Woll out for this game and will have Ilya Samsonov in the net. He's struggling this year with a -4.8 goals saved above expected and a .692 save percentage on high-danger shots.
If the Preds continue to play aggressively, they can take advantage of the struggling backup goalie and pull off this road upset.
Pick: Predators Moneyline (+142)
Vegas Golden Knights (+120) at Dallas Stars (-142) | O/U 6 (-102/-118)
It's really hard to find a weakness in the Dallas roster. They're scoring 3.42 goals per game, allowing 2.92, with a solid 52.40 goal percentage. Jake Oettinger has suffered two losses so far against Vegas, but it hasn't been due to lack of effort, in two games, he's allowed a total of four goals with a .933 save percentage.
Oettinger’s lack of success has simply been because Aaron Hill has been better and has earned the one-star in each of the matchups. The good news for the Stars is he won't be suiting up, but Logan Thompson is still an efficient backup, allowing 2.38 goals in 13 games. Full disclosure, Vegas’ offense has been producing lately, with four or more goals in four of their last five games.
Don't fear not having the hook, and this game will continue the trend of a low-scoring matchup.
Pick: Under 6 Total Goals (-118)
Arizona Coyotes (+195) at Boston Bruins (-238) | O/U 6 (-115/-105)
The Coyotes continue to play better than expected and have recently earned five wins out of their last six contests. According to the metrics, they're playing better than they should, being fifth in goals for above expected. Injuries have thinned out the depth, and while you like the top lines, especially with Logan Cooley moving to the top line, the deeper ones do not have the skilled skaters to produce.
Looking at Arizona's stats, and they match up with Boston very well. Both teams score 3.24 goals per game, a 0.40 difference in goals allowed, and a 0.1 difference in shots allowed. The Bruins still have the better roster, and they are playing up to expectations. However, they could be at a disadvantage defensively, with Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman dealing with injuries.
The Coyotes have been competitive despite losses, and their value on the puck line makes it a great pick.
Pick: Coyotes +1.5 (-122)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday:
- Erickson's NFL Week 14 Player Prop Bet Picks & Predictions (2023)
- NBA Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
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