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Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (12/19)

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The NHL rolls out an 11-game slate tonight, and we have a few heavyweight matchups on the horizon. A pair of those games include the Golden Knights taking on the Hurricanes and the Rangers squaring off against the Maple Leafs.

Below, I'll dive into my top three bets for tonight's action.

Tuesday's NHL Best Bets

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Colorado Avalanche (-260) at Chicago Blackhawks (+210) | 6.5 (-106/-114)

The Avalanche have won three of their last four games, and they'll make the trip to the Windy City tonight to take on the Blackhawks. Chicago enters this game at 9-20-1 (19 points), which is the worst record in the league. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET from the United Center in Chicago, IL. 

Aside from Connor Bedard (12G, 14A), the Blackhawks don't really have a lot going for them right now. They've dropped their last four games, getting out-scored 19-7 over the four-game stretch. Chicago is currently ranked 31st in goals against per game, where they allow 3.47 goals on a nightly basis. 

That won't bode well against this Avalanche club that's finding its footing. The Avs are up to 40 points, which is tied for first with the Stars in the Central. They bring in the league's third-best offense, a group that's scoring 3.6 goals per game. I like Colorado to stay hot and avoid a letdown against this lowly Chicago team. I'll lay the 1.5 goals with the Avs. 

Bet: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (-105)

Ottawa Senators (-113) at Arizona Coyotes (-106) | 6.5 (-115/-105)

It has been an underwhelming season for the Senators, who entered the new campaign with playoff ambitions. They'll square off against the feisty Coyotes tonight, who are fifth in the Central Division with 32 points. This cross-conference clash is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET from Mullet Arena in Tempe, AZ. 

The Yotes are a slight underdog in this contest, and I'm going to lock them in as they go for their third straight victory. Arizona has posted two shutouts in its last two games, winning those games by a combined 3-0 score. The goaltending has been a huge storyline for the Coyotes this season, as Connor Ingram has emerged as a reliable backstop. He leads the NHL with three shutouts and he's sixth in both GAA (2.41) and SV% (.923). Ingram's confirmed to start tonight. 

Meanwhile, the Senators have been a middle-of-the-pack offensive team this season, ranking 10th overall in goals per game (3.3). They're also just 22nd on the power play, cashing only 17.76% of their man-advantage opportunities. On the flip side, throughout their current four-game losing streak, the Sens have allowed 19 goals (4.75 GAA). Ottawa's simply not in great form right now, so I'll back the Desert Dogs to get it done. 

Bet: Arizona Coyotes Moneyline (-106)

Los Angeles Kings (-260) at San Jose Sharks (+210) | 6.5 (+110/-105)

The NHL nightcap features a Pacific Division showdown between the Kings and the Sharks. Los Angeles snapped a three-game slide with a recent win against Seattle, while San Jose has dropped its last two games. Puck drop is slated for 10:30 p.m. ET from the SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA. 

The Kings have been the second-best defensive team this year, where they trail only the Bruins (2.31) in goals against per game (2.33). However, in their last four games, they've allowed 14 total goals (3.5 GAA). So, rather than take a shot on the Los Angeles puck line, I'm going to pivot and lock in the over on their team total. 

San Jose looks much better than their dreaded start to the season, but make no mistakes, this organization is still in shambles. They're still the worst defensive team in hockey, where they surrender 3.77 goals per night. The Sharks are also 28th on the penalty kill, managing to kill off only 73.39% of opposing power play chances. Los Angeles brings in the fourth-ranked offense (3.6 GPG), so I'll back them to put up at least four goals tonight. 

Bet: Los Angeles Kings team total Over 3.5 (-130)

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


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