Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (1/2)
The NHL is back in full swing after the holidays, and the league offers a 13-game slate to start the new year. Below, I've narrowed in on three games from tonight's schedule from a sports betting angle.
Let's dive into the odds and break down where I'm placing my money tonight.
Tuesday’s Best NHL Bets
(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)
Washington Capitals (+143) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (-170) | O/U 6.0 (+100/-120)
The Alex Ovechkin vs. Sidney Crosby rivalry renews tonight, and this is a pivotal matchup as the two teams jockey for positioning in the standings. The two sides, along with New Jersey, are tied for fifth place in the Metropolitan Division with 40 points apiece. Puck drop for tonight's Capitals vs. Penguins game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
I'm playing the under tonight in the Steel City. For starters, look no further than Washington's offense, which has still yet to find its footing this season. They're 31st in the league in scoring (2.3 GPG) and own the 30th-ranked power play unit (11.46%). The Caps will likely be running into Tristan Jarry, who has been excellent this year. He's even better at home, posting a 2.40 GAA and .921 SV%.
Conversely, the Pens' offense hasn't been too great either this season. They come in at 21st in scoring, averaging 3.0 goals per game. Regarding their power play, they're just 27th, cashing on 13.39% of their man-advantage opportunities. Pittsburgh will be tasked with scoring on a Washington defense that is 12th in the league, allowing 2.76 goals per contest. These are two of the best teams to the under this season, with the Caps going 22-11-1 (first) to the under and the Pens going 21-14 (sixth), so I think goals will be at a premium.
Bet: Under 6.0 (-120)
Florida Panthers (-160) @ Arizona Coyotes (+135) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
The Panthers come into tonight's action riding a four-game win streak, and they'll take on a Coyotes squad that's 6-1-0 in their last seven games. This should be a thrilling cross-conference showdown in the Valley. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET from the Mullet Arena in Tempe, Ariz.
Like the game above, I don't anticipate a ton of scoring tonight in the desert. I'm playing the under. Three games have gone under this total during Florida’s four-game win streak. They're one of the best defensive teams in the league, allowing just 2.36 goals per game (second). The Cats are the fifth-best team to the under this year, posting a record of 22-14.
On the flip side, the Yotes will likely be rolling with Connor Ingram tonight. He's developing into a fantastic netminder, and he actually leads the league with four shutouts. The 26-year-old has been lights out at home, going 8-3-0 with a 2.19 GAA and .924 SV%. Ingram has been one of the key reasons why Arizona is 10th defensively, where they allow just 2.71 goals per game. Give me the under tonight at the Mullet.
Bet: Under 6.5 (-120)
Ottawa Senators (+122) @ Vancouver Canucks (-145) | O/U 6.5 (-130/+110)
The Canucks continue to play great hockey this year as they lead the Pacific Division with 49 points. They'll host the Senators tonight, who are still in the cellar of the Atlantic with just 28 points. This cross-conference clash is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The main reason for the Sens' underwhelming season is their defense. Ottawa enters tonight's game, allowing 3.44 goals per game, which is just 30th overall. They're also dead last on the penalty kill, shutting down just 72.07% of opposing power play chances. This has been a disastrous campaign defensively.
That's not a great recipe when taking on the high-flying Canucks. They lead the league in scoring (3.8 GPG) and boast the ninth-best power play unit (23.62%). I anticipate Vancouver setting a high pace in this game and lighting the lamp a bunch. On the flip side, Ottawa is 3-1-0 in its last four games, averaging 4.0 goals per game. I think we're in for a barnburner in British Columbia tonight, so I'll take the over.
Bet: Over 6.5 (-130)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday:
- NFL Week 18 Early Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- NFL Week 18 Line Movement Analysis: Odds, Picks & Predictions
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts