Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/17)
We're fresh off of a 3-0 night on the ice last night! I'm back with my three best bets for tonight's three-game slate. Let's dive into where I'm placing my money on the ice tonight.
Tuesday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook)
Detroit Red Wings (+180) @ Florida Panthers (-225) | O/U 6.5 (-120/+100)
The night opens up with a massive Atlantic Division clash as the Red Wings square off against the Panthers. Detroit is currently fourth in the division (49 points), while Florida is second (57 points). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from American Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.
I'm going to play the over tonight in Sunrise. Detroit's defense has been playing a bit better lately, but I'm far from convinced that goaltender Alex Lyon has completely found his mojo. Five of his last seven starts have seen at least seven goals. His task is taking on a Florida side that's third in the NHL in xGoals% (55.05%) during 5-on-5 play. As for the baseline numbers, the Panthers are a respectable 15th offensively, scoring 3.2 goals per game.
On the flip side, Detroit's offense has been its strength. The Wings come into this one at third in scoring (3.6 GPG) and 15th on the power play (21.43%). They've also been a reliable team to go over the total this season, seeing 25 of their 41 games exceeding it. With two top-15 offenses and shaky Detroit goaltending, I think we'll see at least seven goals tonight.
Bet: Over 6.5 (-120)
Montreal Canadiens (+170) @ New Jersey Devils (-210) | O/U 6.5 (-110/-110)
New Jersey, with all of the hype over their dynamic offense, appears to be flatlining as they're just seventh in the Metropolitan Division (47 points). They'll host a Canadiens squad that comes in at sixth in the Atlantic (43 points). This Eastern Conference showdown is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Maybe I'm crazy for playing an under with these two subpar defenses, but I think it's the move tonight. New Jersey may have found its answer in-net, and his name is Nico Daws. The 23-year-old has played in just five games this season but sits at 3-2-0 with a 2.63 GAA and .922 SV%. It's unconfirmed if he'll go tonight, but he should get the nod since he had Tuesday off. Daws will take on a Habs side that's 28th in scoring (2.7 GPG).
As for Montreal's defense, it's confirmed that Sam Montembeault will start tonight. The netminder has been solid in his last four games, allowing three or fewer goals in each start. That includes an effort against the Oilers, where he stopped 39 out of 41 shots (.951 SV%) last time out. Three of Montreal's last four games have come in under this number, so I'll take a shot at the under with these two underwhelming offenses.
Bet: Under 6.5 (-110)
Chicago Blackhawks (+240) @ Buffalo Sabres (-300) | O/U 6.0 (-115/-105)
The Blackhawks picked up a hard-fought 2-1 shootout win against the Sharks last night. They're back in action this evening, where they square off against the Sabres. Chicago is last in the Central Division (28 points), while Buffalo is seventh in the Atlantic (42 points). This NHL nightcap is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.
As of publication, it's unconfirmed who will start in-net tonight. However, that hardly matters to me with this play. I'm fading the Blackhawks and riding with the Sabres -1.5. This is a pure fade of Chicago's offense, who will be without their top scorer, Connor Bedard (15G, 18A), for at least another five weeks.
They're already arguably the worst offense in hockey, scoring just 2.2 goals per game (31st). Chicago's also 31st on the power play, cashing in on just 13.14% of their man-advantage opportunities. In addition, the Blackhawks are averaging just 1.4 goals per game over their last nine games! If Buffalo gets any kind of goaltending tonight, they should cruise a win while also covering the puck line. It'll also be a favorable matchup for Buffalo's offense, considering they're taking on a Chicago defense that's 29th in the NHL (3.39 GAA). Let's lay it with the Sabres tonight.
Bet: Buffalo Sabres -1.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday:
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- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
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