Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/15)
We have a couple of standalone NHL games on TNT tonight, and I'm diving into each of these contests from a sports betting perspective. Below I'll touch on the odds and key information, before wrapping up with my favorite wager and betting analysis for each game.
Wednesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)
Carolina Hurricanes (-190) vs. Buffalo Sabres (+158) | O/U 6.0 (-105/-115)
The action gets started with an Eastern Conference clash between the Hurricanes (26-15-3) and the Sabres (16-22-5). Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY.
While the Hurricanes boast one of the better defenses in the NHL, I still like the over while it's at a flat 6.0 goals. Yes, the Hurricanes have been solid in terms of overall defense (2.59 GAA, ninth), but they're still just 20th in SV% (.890), signaling they're having goaltender issues. If there's a team that can exploit that, it's the sharp-shooting Sabres, who have posted a shooting percentage of 11.18% (ninth). Overall, Buffalo is a middle-of-the-pack 15th in scoring, averaging three goals per game. I believe they can reach the 2-to-3-goal range tonight.
On the flip side, Carolina should have no issues racking up the goals against Buffalo. The Sabres have slid to 26th in GAA (3.09), rank 21st on the penalty kill (78.36%) and sit 27th in both SV% (.885) and high-danger shots against (163). Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are second in the NHL in expected goals per 60 minutes (3.57). This feels like a game where the floor is 4-2, so I'm locking in the over.
Bet: Over 6.0 Goals (-105)
Edmonton Oilers (-190) vs. Minnesota Wild (+158) | O/U 6.0 (+100/-120)
The night wraps up with a marquee Western Conference tilt, as the Minnesota Wild (27-13-4) host the Edmonton Oilers (27-13-3). This one gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET from Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN.
I love this under at 6.0 goals, giving us "push potential" in case the offense is a bit more fruitful than anticipated. However, these are two of the best defenses in the NHL going toe-to-toe. Edmonton is ranked second in expected goals against per 60 minutes (2.68), while Minnesota comes in at fifth (2.83). In terms of raw GAA, the Wild are ninth (2.59), while the visiting Oilers are 11th (2.63).
In terms of recent form, Edmonton's defense has looked solid. They're in the midst of a 6-1-0 stretch of hockey, where they've posted a 1.86 GAA and logged two shutouts. With Kirill Kaprizov (23 goals, 27 assists) and Brock Faber (five goals, 15 assists) still sidelined, I think it could be tough sledding for Minnesota's offense in this game. Their lack of offensive production should be what ultimately keeps this game under the total. Let's sit back and enjoy these two excellent defenses tonight. Give me the under.
Bet: Under 6.0 Goals (-120)