Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (2/10)
We are now in the second half of the season, as the NHL returned from the All-Star break earlier this week. Let’s analyze today’s matchups and give you the best bets.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
New Jersey Devils (+132) at Carolina Hurricanes (-160) | O/U 6.5 (-110/-110)
New Jersey’s record does not reflect the talent they have. They have been dealing with injuries most of the year. Through it all, they are still one of the better offensive teams, as their 52.9 expected-goal percentage at even strength is seventh. Their biggest problem has been their goaltending, as they’re allowing 3.57 goals per game and a -18.4 goals saved above expected.
The Hurricanes come as balanced as any team. The situation doesn’t matter, as their 55.74 expected-goals percentage in all situations is third. There is uncertainty at goalie for this game, as starter Antti Raanta is questionable. They could go with rookie Pyotr Kochetkov, who was benched recently, or the veteran Spencer Martin.
The Canes have an excellent recent track record against the Devils, beating them in five games in last year’s playoffs and winning their first matchup this year.
Pick: Hurricanes 60-Minute Moneyline (-105)
Vancouver Canucks (-130) at Detroit Red Wings (+108) | O/U 6.5 (-114/-106)
Vancouver remains the best statical team in the league thanks to being the only one that’s top five in goals scored and allowed. Even with that, they still decided it wasn’t good enough. They went out and got Elias Lindholm, who had two goals in his Canucks debut.
The Red Wings are coming off an excellent January in which they went 9-3-1. They’ve been producing on both ends, scoring 3.48 goals per game. The goaltending has been even better. Alex Lyon has emerged as the top guy in the net. His .922 save percentage is third in the league.
This could certainly be an exciting matchup with two very good rosters. The Canucks are more heavily favored than they should be on the road. Detroit has the firepower to contend with them. This could go either way, so lean with the over.
Pick: Over 6.5 (-114)
Colorado Avalanche (+106) at Florida Panthers (-128) | O/U 6.5 (-122/+100)
The Avalanche have been put through a gauntlet coming back from the break. They will be playing their fourth game in six days. Not only that, the matchups have been against the Rangers, Devils, Hurricanes, and now Panthers. Each are good teams. The Avalanche dropped their last three games, as the lack of offensive depth is showing itself. They have trouble winning unless the top lines produce.
The Panthers are hot at the moment, winning five of their last six. Both sides are contributing, scoring 21 points and allowing 11 points. Matthew Tkachuk struggled the first couple of months, but he was hot in January, tallying 24 points (11 G, 13 A) in 13 games. Sergei Bobrovsky has also supported this team with a 2.50 GAA.
This is a brutal stretch for the Avalanche, They’re not playing their best hockey and now have to face one of the better overall rosters in the league.
Pick: Panthers Moneyline (-128)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Saturday:
- Top NFL Super Bowl Same Game Parlay Picks: 49ers vs. Chiefs
- Top 3 Super Bowl Prop Bet Odds & Picks: 49ers vs. Chiefs
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NHL Prop Betting Cheat Sheet