Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (10/30)
The NHL is back with a six-game slate tonight. We're looking to build on a 2-0-1 performance from yesterday’s bets. Here are my three favorite bets in the NHL tonight.
Wednesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM)
New York Islanders (-160) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (+135) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
Let's get started in the Midwest, where the Blue Jackets (4-3-1) host the Islanders (3-4-2) tonight. New York enters on the second night of a back-to-back after losing a 3-1 home game to the Ducks last night. This Metropolitan Division tilt gets underway at 7:00 p.m. ET from Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH.
I see no reason as to why the Isles should be such a sizable favorite in this spot. I think this is a great value spot to back the Blue Jackets as an underdog. Columbus is coming off of a 6-1 thrashing of Edmonton on Monday night. The Jackets boast one of the league's best offenses in the league, scoring 4.1 goals per game (fourth).
Meanwhile, New York's offense has been horrendous, managing only 2.3 goals per contest. I mean, if the Blue Jackets score two or three goals here, it may be enough to secure the win against this ugly Isles attack. And on that note, it's confirmed Semyon Varlamov will start for the Islanders in net. The veteran netminder hasn't been great, logging a 3.72 GAA (47th) and .854 SV% (52nd) through four games played. I anticipate Columbus' offense going nuclear once again against the inconsistent Islanders. Let's take a flier on them as underdogs.
Bet: Blue Jackets Moneyline (+135)
Tampa Bay Lightning (+100) vs. Colorado Avalanche (-120) | O/U 6.5 (-120/+100)
The action continues when the league rolls out a 2022 Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Lightning (6-3-0) and the Avalanche (5-5-0). Colorado beat Tampa Bay 4-2 in that series, burying the Bolts' chances of a three-peat as champions. Tonight's game is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in Denver, CO.
I checked this line last night and the Lightning were as high as a +105 underdog, so the moneyline is moving in the direction I plan on betting - which is always reassuring to see. I agree with the early bettors. I have to gobble up an even-money payout on the Bolts in this game. They've been solid out of the gate, ranking inside the top 10 in both goals per game (3.8, eighth) and GAA (2.78, eighth).
However, this is mostly a fade of the Avalanche as they take on a tough, well-rounded opponent. Colorado has been hit hard with the injury bug, as they started the year without Gabriel Landeskog (knee), Valeri Nichushkin (suspension) and Artturi Lehkonen (upper body). They also just saw top goal scorer Ross Colton (eight goals) go on injured reserve (IR) with a lower-body injury.
Then, there's the fact that this team cannot get a save on their own end of the ice. The Avs enter the night ranked 27th in GAA (3.50) and dead last in SV% (.847). This is an easy fade of Colorado here, especially as they take on a world-class team like Tampa Bay.
Bet: Lightning Moneyline (+100)
New Jersey Devils (-110) vs. Vancouver Canucks (-110) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)
The NHL action concludes out west with a thrilling matchup between two up-and-coming franchises, as the Devils (6-4-2) square off against the Canucks (4-1-3). Puck drop is slated for 10:30 p.m. ET from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC.
I, like most, thought New Jersey would find a good groove defensively after bringing in Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen to handle the crease. That hasn't been the case, as the Devils continue to be a run-and-gun, fast-paced team. The term "run-and-gun" truly applies here, as New Jersey ranks inside the top six in both 5-on-5 high-danger shots for (32, second) and against (24, sixth).
If those metrics weren't enough proof, I can also point out that the Devils have seen at least seven goals in each of their last five games. This five-game stretch, where the Devils are 1-4-0, has featured an average of 9.4 goals per contest.
I'm not overthinking this one, I'm taking the over 6.5 goals. There's a ton of offensive talent in this game and these forwards should be able to light up the scoreboard tonight. Both offenses rank inside the top half of the league in goals per game and on the power play. Let's sit back and watch these dynamic forwards do what they do best - score goals.
Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-115)