We have several high-stakes NHL games tonight, including a Western Conference clash between the Jets and Kings. Below I'll dive into that game, as well as two others, from a sports betting perspective. Here are my three favorite NHL bets from tonight's 10-game slate.
Tuesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Nashville Predators (+130) at Columbus Blue Jackets (-155) | O/U 5.5 (-120/+100)
Let's pick it up in the Midwest, where the Blue Jackets (33-30-9) are making a push for the postseason, sitting two points outside of the final Wild Card spot. They'll host the Predators (27-39-8), who have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH.
The Blue Jackets haven't been in great form recently, but I think this is a great "get-right spot" for them against an underperforming, banged-up Predators squad. Considering this matchup, we're getting great value with a +170 payout on Columbus to win by 2+ goals. The Jackets are 2-1-0 in their last three games, averaging 4.3 goals per game.
This recent offensive outburst isn't an anomaly, as the Jackets bring in the 10th-best offense (3.2 GPG) in the NHL. With Sean Monahan back from injury and playing in the top center role, his team has a lethal top-six. On the flip side, the Preds continue to be one of the worst offenses in the NHL. They're literally the worst in scoring output (2.5 GPG) and shooting percentage (8.55%). Nashville is also without a couple of their top offensive producers in Roman Josi (upper body) and Jonathan Marchessault (lower body). With the disparity in offensive talent, Columbus is primed for a blowout win on home ice.
Bet: Columbus Blue Jackets -1.5 (+170)
San Jose Sharks (+145) at Anaheim Ducks (-175) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
Two bottom feeders in the Pacific Division will square off tonight, as the Ducks (32-33-8) host the Sharks (20-44-9) in an instate showdown. This contest is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
I'm locking in the Under 6.5 Goals in this contest. While neither team has been great defensively this year, their offenses have arguably been worse. The Sharks come into tonight's game ranked 29th in scoring (2.6 GPG), while the Ducks are 26th (2.7 GPG). Additionally, Anaheim owns the worst power-play unit in the NHL at just 12.38%, while San Jose is 22nd at 19.32%. Both squads also rank in the bottom five in terms of shooting percentage, each sitting below 10%.
There's always a chance that this type of matchup could get loose, but Anaheim's goaltending, which is easily the most polished of the six "units" in this game (ANA off, def, goalie; SJ off, def, goalie), is the crux of this bet on the Under. The Ducks' goaltending duo has been spectacular this season, ranking fifth in SV% (.902). They're under constant pressure, yet always keep the team in the game. This is a favorable matchup against a Sharks side that's 27th in high-danger shots (230). Look for their goalie to show up in this one, ultimately keeping the game total low.
Bet: Under 6.5 Goals (-120)
Winnipeg Jets (+102) at Los Angeles Kings (-122) | O/U 5.5 (+114/-135)
All roads lead to a marquee tilt in the Western Conference between the Jets (51-19-4) and the Kings (41-23-9). Winnipeg (106 points) currently leads the Presidents’ Trophy race and the Central Division, while Los Angeles resides in second place in the Pacific Division. This NHL nightcap gets underway at 10:30 p.m. ET from crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.
Let's not overthink this one, folks. Let's take the Under. With that being said, I haven't locked in this bet yet, as I'm going to wait and see if it shifts to a flat 5.0 goals, rather than lay -135 vig at 5.5 goals. However, if we're stuck at 5.5 goals, I will drink the juice and play it at this lofty price.
Winnipeg boasts the best defense in the entire NHL, allowing only 2.12 goals per game. Los Angeles is right behind them in second at 2.34 goals against per game. In terms of SV%, the two sides rank first (.915) and fifth (.902), respectively. Additionally, the Kings boast the eighth-best penalty-killing unit (81.52%). They have faced the fewest high-danger shots (199), while the Jets are in third in that category (226). If you like defense and goaltending, then this is the game for you. Let's ride with the Under in L.A. tonight.
Bet: Under 5.5 Goals (-135)
