Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (1/14)
Twenty-six teams are set to hit the NHL ice tonight, which means we have 13 games to sift through and find betting edges. Below I've listed my three favorite bets and analysis for this loaded NHL slate.
Tuesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook)
Seattle Kraken (+115) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (-135) | O/U 6.0 (-120/+100)
Let's start out east, where the Penguins (18-19-8) host the Kraken (18-23-3) in a cross-conference battle. This contest gets underway at 7:00 p.m. ET from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.
While this total is still hanging out at a flat 6.0 goals, I'm going to lay the -120 vig and play the Over. The Kraken have been on a horrendous slide since mid-December, going 3-9-1 in their last 13 games, allowing 4.1 goals per game during the stretch. Seattle has dropped to 25th in overall defense (2.98 GAA), and they're also just 23rd on the penalty kill (77.45%). Meanwhile, the Penguins have climbed to fifth overall on the man advantage, cashing 25.76% of their power-play chances.
On the flip side, Pittsburgh's defense continues to hinder their playoff chances. The Penguins have allowed five goals in back-to-back games, and they've conceded 3+ goals in seven straight contests! Pittsburgh is now dead last in overall defense (3.42 GAA) while sitting 30th in SV% (.884). Both of these squads should manage to light the lamp three times, and for those of us who are fluent in "hockey math" know that 3+3=7. Let's take the over in the Steel City tonight.
Pick: Over 6.0 Goals (-120)
New York Rangers (+150) vs. Colorado Avalanche (-165) | O/U 6.0 (-120/+100)
One of the marquee matchups on the docket comes in the Mile High City, where the Avalanche (26-17-1) gear up to host the Rangers (20-20-2). Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in Denver, CO.
I like this Over at 6.0 goals, giving us push potential in case the final score lands 4-2. However, that feels like more of a floor, in my opinion. I think the goals will be plentiful in Denver tonight. Colorado has been on a tear recently, going 12-4-1 in their last 17 games. They're averaging 3.4 goals per game during the stretch, which is slightly higher than their 3.3-goal-per-game average on the year (6th). I expect Colorado to do the heavy lifting and get this final score over the total.
With that being said, the Blue Shirts are in the midst of a mini-heater, where they’ve gone 4-1-1 in their last six games, averaging 3.5 goals per game. Three of those games have gone over this total of 6.0 goals. On the defensive side, New York has had issues this year. They've dropped to 22nd in overall defense (2.93 GAA) and 12th in SV% (.899), while ranking 31st in expected goals against per 60 minutes (3.49). Let's play the Over in this clash of high-profile hockey clubs.
Pick: Over 6.0 Goals (-120)
Montreal Canadiens (+140) vs. Utah Hockey Club (-165) | O/U 6.0 (+100/-120)
Speaking of hockey clubs, the one out of Utah (18-17-7) hosts the Canadiens (20-18-4) out west tonight. This cross-conference showdown is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT.
Considering the current form of the Hockey Club, I am stunned to see that they're as high as a -165 moneyline favorite tonight. They're in the midst of a 2-6-2 run over their last 10 games, getting out-scored 34-21 during the 10-game sample size. That's an abysmal 2.1 goals per game, which has seen Utah slide to 24th in overall offense (2.8 GPG). During 5-on-5 play this season, the Hockey Club is the ninth-worst team in goals scored per 60 minutes (2.27).
Meanwhile, the Canadiens are heating up, as they're 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Now that they have a healthy Patrik Laine (9G, 2A) in their lineup, they've been on fire. The winger has played in 14 games this year, and the Habs are 9-4-1 in those contests. Over the last 12 contests, Montreal is scoring 3.7 goals per game. With how good the Canadiens have looked offensively, there's just no way that I can pass up on them with a +140 payout.
Pick: Canadiens Moneyline (+140)