Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (3/26)
The NHL playoff race is heating up, and tonight's 12-game slate should provide us with more clarity on who's a legit contender to make the postseason. Below I'll break down three of tonight's games from a betting angle and let you know where I'm laying my money on the ice. Here are my top three bets in the NHL.
Tuesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
New Jersey Devils (+124) at Toronto Maple Leafs (-148) | 6.5 (-118/-102)
The Devils (74 points) are five points out of the final Wild Card spot, so they have some work to do over the final 10 games if they want to make a postseason push. As for the Maple Leafs (89 points), they're comfortably in the third spot in the Atlantic Division, sitting four points clear of the Lightning for the third position. This Eastern Conference tilt is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
This is one of those games where I'm going to say, "Don't overthink it, lock in the over." At this point, we all know that these are two offensive-minded teams. Toronto ranks fourth in the league in scoring this season, averaging 3.6 goals per game. New Jersey isn't far off their pace, coming in at 11th overall (3.3 GPG). On the power play, the two sides rank fifth (25.62%) and 10th (22.83%), respectively.
You also have to factor in New Jersey's abysmal defense. In their defense, they're coming off of a 4-0 shutout over the Islanders, but that hasn't been the standard for the Devils' defense this season. They're ranked 23rd in overall defense (3.06 GAA) and their goalies have combined for a lousy .896 SV% this year! Look for the Leafs to find plenty of offensive success, helping send this game over the total.
Bet: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-118)
Vegas Golden Knights (+120) at Nashville Predators (-142) | 6.0 (-125/+105)
The Predators (88 points) have been one of the hottest teams in the league, and they currently occupy the top spot in the Western Conference Wild Card. They'll host the Golden Knights (85 points), who are right behind them in the Wild Card race. Puck drop is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.
Nashville is on an insane run right now, where they've earned points in 17 straight games while posting a 15-0-2 record. Their defense has been spectacular over the 17-game sample size, conceding only 1.7 goals per game! This includes two straight shutouts, where the Preds have out-scored the Panthers and Red Wings 4-0.
In terms of overall defense, these are two of the better defenses in the league. Nashville comes in at 10th in overall defense (2.73 GAA), while Vegas is right below them at 11th (2.75 GAA). Honestly, the fact that we can still get a plus-money payout at 6.0 goals has me fired up. Vegas has seen three straight games with six or fewer goals, while Nashville has featured six or fewer goals in four of their last five contests. Let's play the Under.
Bet: Under 6.0 Total Goals (+105)
Edmonton Oilers (-120) at Winnipeg Jets (+100) | 6.5 (+114/-135)
The night continues with a heavyweight tilt in the Western Conference as the Oilers take on the Jets. Edmonton (88 points) is currently in second in the Pacific Division, while Winnipeg (93 points) is holding onto the third spot in the Central. This contest is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB.
Neither of these teams are playing their best hockey right now. The Oilers have dropped two straight games, while the Jets enter tonight's game riding a three-game slide. I'm going to play Edmonton to win this contest. In my opinion, what's most worrisome against Winnipeg is their defense. Over the three-game losing streak, they've been out-scored 13-4. That's unlike their defense, which is usually one of the best in the league.
This isn't exactly an opponent where you simply get back on track defensively. The Oilers have arguably the best offense in the NHL, ranking second in both overall offenses (3.6 GPG) and on the power play (27.54%). Edmonton has scored at least three goals in four straight games, and they're averaging 4.3 goals per game over their last seven contests. I think Edmonton's the better overall team, so I'll play them to get back in the win column tonight.
Bet: Oilers Moneyline (-120)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Tuesday: