Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (1/16)
The NHL is back with an eight-game slate tonight, featuring a pair of heavyweight matchups. Los Angeles takes on Dallas in the Lonestar State, while the night wraps up in Alberta, Canada, with a cross-conference clash between Toronto and Edmonton.
Below, I'll dive into both of those games, plus a third, and lock in a best bet for each.
Tuesday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Kings (+118) @ Dallas Stars (-140) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
The Kings wrap up a hideous five-game road trip where they've gone 1-2-2. This has dropped them to third in the Pacific Division with 50 points. As for the Stars, they're 3-1-0 in their last four games, which is good enough to put them in third in the Central (55 points). This Western Conference showdown is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from American Airlines Arena in Dallas.
David Rittich got the nod for Los Angeles last night in their 5-2 win over Carolina, meaning we should get a best-on-best goaltending matchup tonight between Cam Talbot and Jake Oettinger. This total is too high if that's the case, so I'll be on the under.
Both of these teams have been excellent defensively this year, with the Kings sitting third (2.43 GAA) and the Stars at 15th (2.93 GAA). Los Angeles brings in the top-ranked penalty kill (87.10%), while Dallas is third (85.19%). The Kings have been snake-bitten offensively recently, averaging just 2.44 goals per game over their current 1-4-4 run. Considering these are two heavyweight contenders in the West, I think each team reverts to its roots and relies on its strong goaltending and defense.
Bet: Under 6.5 (-120)
Arizona Coyotes (+143) @ Calgary Flames (-170) | O/U 6.0 (-115/-105)
Two teams right outside the playoffs square off tonight in Alberta as the Coyotes take on the Flames. Calgary sits in fourth in the Wild Card race (45 points), while Arizona is right behind them in fifth place (44 points). Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET from the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta.
I'll play the under in this Western Conference matchup, mainly because these two offenses epitomize mediocrity. Calgary's 16th in scoring (3.2 GPG) and 29th on the power play (13.43%), while Arizona is 20th (3.0 GPG) and ninth (24.03%) in those respective categories.
It's clear that defense has been each side's strength this year. For Arizona, it has been the emergence of Connor Ingram. He leads the league with five shutouts and comes into tonight's game with a 2.51 GAA and .919 SV%. As for Calgary, their backstop is the reliable Jacob Markstrom, who's 13-11-2 with a 2.59 GAA and .912 SV%. Neither is confirmed as of this writing (Tuesday morning), but this should be the matchup, considering each team hasn't played since Saturday. Like the game above, look for each team to lean on its strong goaltending to try and escape with two points.
Bet: Under 6.0 (-105)
Toronto Maple Leafs (+130) @ Edmonton Oilers (-155) | O/U 7.0 (-105/-115)
Finally, let's keep it in the Great White North, where the Maple Leafs take on the Oilers. Edmonton's red hot as they've won their last 10 games. The Leafs are 0-2-1 in their last three games but still reside in third place in the Atlantic Division (50 points). Puck drop is slated for 9:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
The oddsmakers are expecting a barnburner tonight, listing an evenly juiced 7.0-goal total for this Canadian showdown. Considering how the Oilers have been playing, there's no way I can play the over. They've been getting exceptional goaltending from Stuart Skinner, and he's confirmed to start tonight. The 25-year-old is 7-0-0 in his last seven starts with a .951 SV%. As a whole, Edmonton has allowed just 1.38 goals per game over its last eight contests.
That's really all I have here. It may seem crazy to play an under with all of the star forwards in this game, but we can't ignore how consistent Edmonton has been in its own zone. Now they'll be tasked with taking on a Toronto side that doesn't have great mojo, considering they've dropped their last three games. Give me the under in this spot.
Bet: Under 7.0 (-115)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday:
- NFL Divisional Playoffs Early Odds, Picks & Predictions
- 2024 American Express: First-Round Leader Odds, Picks & Predictions
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
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