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Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (12/12)

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The NHL season rolls on, and we have an exciting 10-game slate on the ice tonight. A few of the intriguing matchups include the Maple Leafs taking on the Rangers, the Coyotes squaring off against the Penguins, and the Lightning facing off against the Canucks.

I’ve sifted through tonight’s games, and these are my top three bets for tonight’s action. Let’s dive into my best bets and analysis for this Tuesday’s slate of games. 

Tuesday’s NHL Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Arizona Coyotes (+160) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (-192) | 6.5 (+100/-120) 

The Coyotes wrap up their three-game east coast road trip tonight, where they’ve dropped games to Boton (5-3) and Buffalo (5-2) so far. They’ll enter on the second night of a back-to-back scenario. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is well-rested, but they’re in the midst of a four-game slide. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Karel Vejmelka got the start in last night’s 5-2 loss to the Sabres, so I’d have to assume that Connor Ingram will get the nod tonight. That’s all I need to know to play the under tonight in the Burgh. The netminder comes into this contest at 11-5-0 with a 2.52 GAA and .920 SV%. Ingram has been playing so well that he earned NHL First Star of the Week for the week of December 3rd. 

As for Pittsburgh, it seemed like the narrative entering the year was that we were going to see a lot of 6-5 scores in their games. Well, their defense and goaltending have held up quite well this season. They’re currently fifth in goals against per game (2.42 GAA) and 10th on the penalty kill (83.54%). It’s unconfirmed who will start in net, but Tristan Jarry will likely go due to Pittsburgh having the full weekend off. Jarry is currently 8-10-2 with a 2.48 GAA and .918 SV%. I’ll play the under in this cross-conference showdown.

Bet: Under 6.5 (-120)

Detroit Red Wings (+105) vs. St. Louis Blues (-125) | 6.5 (-110/-110) 

Detroit and St. Louis are both winless in their last three games, meaning someone will have to break back into the win column tonight. This cross-conference matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO. 

The Wings make the quick trip up from Dallas, where they lost 6-3 to the Stars last night. I’m expecting a big bounce back here, so I’ll play them on the moneyline with a plus-money payout.

When it boils down to it, Detroit is simply the better team, so it makes sense to play them from a value perspective. The two sides are identical in goals against per game (3.04), but Detroit is averaging 3.7 goals per game (third), while St. Louis sits at just 2.8 (26th). The Red Wings have been much better on the power play as well, cashing 23.01% of their opportunities (10th), while St. Louis is 31st in the league at 8.75%. In a game where each side will be battling to snap a three-game slide, I’ll ride with the more talented bunch in Detroit. 

Bet: Detroit Red Wings Moneyline (+105)

Chicago Blackhawks (+330) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-425) | 6.5 (-135/+114) 

Finally, let’s head out west, where the Blackhawks square off against the Oilers. Edmonton is a massive -425 moneyline favorite. I’d say that’s a fair price, considering each team’s current form. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. 

I was looking to play Edmonton on the puck line, but that comes with a massive price of -165 at -1.5 goals. Instead, I’ll opt to play the over, which is still a little juicy at -135. However, with the way the Oilers are playing, there’s a realistic chance that they clear this over by themselves. They’re riding a seven-game win streak, averaging 5.0 goals per game over the stretch. The power play is back in excellent form, cashing at a rate of 27.59% on the year (4th). 

Meanwhile, the defense has improved recently, where they’ve allowed just 1.7 goals per game over the seven-game sample size. However, they’re still 26th in the league in goals against (3.20 GAA). While the Blackhawks aren’t much of an offensive powerhouse (2.4 GPG, 31st), if they can at least muster up two goals, we should get over this total comfortably. Look for Edmonton to control the pace tonight and turn this game into an absolute barnburner – give me the over!

Bet: Over 6.5 (-135)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday:


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