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Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (10/11)

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We got a taste of the NHL action last night as six teams took the ice. We’re back with another six games across the league tonight. A couple of the intriguing matchups feature the Canadiens taking on the Maple Leafs, and the Avalanche squaring off against the Kings. I’ve narrowed in on a trio of bets for tonight’s slate, so let’s dive into the picks and analysis.

Today’s NHL Best Bets

Odds courtesy of BetRivers Sportsbook

NHL Betting Record 2023-2024: 1-2 (-1.00 units)

Ottawa Senators (+165) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (-205) | 6.0 (-125/+102)

The expectations are through the roof for the Hurricanes this season as they enter as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup (+800). They’ll host the Senators in the opener, and this matchup gets underway at 7:00 p.m. ET from PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. 

I don’t necessarily disagree that the Canes should be favored to hoist the Cup under sixth-year head coach Rod Brind’Amour. The former champion is coming off of an Eastern Conference Final last year, and his roster is arguably the most well-rounded in the league. 

However, it all starts with the defense and goaltending for the Canes. Frederik Andersen will likely get the nod in the opener, and he’s coming off a year where he went 21-11-1 while posting a 2.48 GAA (10th) and .903 SV% (25th). Carolina bolstered the defense by bringing in Dmitry Orlov to play alongside the likes of Brent Burns, Jaccob Slavin, Brady Skjei, and Brett Pesce. This is a club that finished last season with the second-best team GAA (2.5), trailing only the Bruins (2.1). I’m going to back them in the opener on home ice, and say they put the clamps on this youthful Sens squad. Give me the under on Ottawa’s team total. 

Bet: Ottawa Senators Under 2.5 TT (-110)

Montreal Canadiens (+230) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (-286) | 6.5 (-124/+102)

The Canadiens feel so far removed from their 2021 Stanley Cup runner-up season. Montreal has finished in the cellar of the Atlantic the last two seasons, posting point totals of 55 and 68, most recently. They’ll make the short trip to Ontario to take on the Leafs in tonight’s opener. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. 

Like every season, the vibes are high entering the year for the Maple Leafs. The oddsmakers are buying the hype as they give Toronto the second-shortest odds to win the Cup at +900, which is tied with New Jersey.

This is the perfect storm to fade the Habs, and I’ll lay the 1.5 goals with coin-flip odds. It’s already confirmed that Jake Allen will get the nod between the pipes for Montreal, and he’s coming off of a year where he went 15-24-3 with a 3.55 GAA (46th) and .891 SV (45th). That won’t bode well against a Toronto side that was 10th in shooting percentage (10.6%) and ninth in goals per 60 minutes (3.36 G/60). The Leafs return a myriad of offensive talent in Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander, while also making additions in Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi to assist up front. Toronto should be a powerhouse this season, and I expect them to take care of business in the opener. Give me the Maple Leafs -1.5. 

Bet: Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (-110)

Winnipeg Jets (+117) vs. Calgary Flames(-141) | 6.0 (-114/-106)

Finally, let’s head over to the province of Alberta where the Flames open up the 2023-2024 campaign by hosting the Jets. This nightcap is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from the Saddledome in Calgary. 

The Flames barely missed the postseason last year, posting 93 points, which was two points off the Jets’ pace. I think it’ll be a different story this year, and I can easily see these two organizations flipping in the standings. Calgary went through quite the overhaul in the offseason, moving on from both general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Darryl Sutter. Those positions now belong to Craig Conroy and Ryan Huska, respectively. 

As for the roster itself, it’s going to look pretty similar, featuring the big names of Jonathan Huberdeau, Elias Lindholm, Nazem Kadri, and newly promoted captain Mikael Backlund. I think another full offseason of preparation along with ownership hitting the refresh button on key management positions will see the Flames take a step forward. 

Calgary was the most unlucky team in the league last year, dropping 17 games in extra time. They had 48 games decided by one goal and 30 losses by one goal, both of which were the highest in the league. That’s pretty unlikely to repeat from a statistical standpoint. I think the Flames will take a sizable leap forward in 2023-2024, and it all starts tonight. I’ll back them against a downward-trending Winnipeg club. 

Bet: Calgary Flames Moneyline (-141)

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

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