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Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (11/29)

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It's a slim three-game slate in the NHL tonight, featuring games between the Canadiens and the Blue Jackets, the Red Wings and the Rangers and the Capitals and the Kings in the nightcap.

Below, I break down each game and lock in a bet. Let's dive into the picks and analysis!

Wednesday’s NHL Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)

Montreal Canadiens (+110) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (-130) | 6.5 (-115/-105) 

The night opens up in the midwest as the Canadiens travel to Ohio to take on the Blue Jackets. Montreal enters this game at 9-10-2 (20 points), while Columbus is currently 7-12-4 (18 points). Puck drop for this Eastern Conference matchup is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. 

With two bottom feeders in the East, it only makes sense from a value standpoint to ride with the Habs and the plus money tonight. It's confirmed that Montreal will start Sam Montembeault in net, and he has been the better goalie this season. He comes into this game at 4-3-1 with a 2.81 GAA and .908 SV%. Considering Montembeault's taking on a Blue Jackets offense that's 21st in the league in scoring (2.9 GPG), I think he will turn in another solid outing. The Blue Jackets have also been horrendous on the power play, cashing just 11.11% of their man-advantage opportunities (28th in the NHL).

Let's play the Canadiens and lean on Montembeault in what should be a lower-scoring contest. 

Bet: Montreal Canadiens Moneyline (+110) 

Detroit Red Wings (+170) @ New York Rangers (-205) | 6.0 (-120/+100) 

The Red Wings made headlines yesterday after inking Patrick Kane to a one-year, $2.75 million contract. He won't be in the lineup tonight as Detroit heads to the Big Apple to take on his former team. This contest is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York City. 

New York is a sizable favorite here, and this feels like a spot where they should cruise to an easy two points. I'm going to lay the 1.5 goals with the Rangers. Detroit will be without their captain, Dylan Larkin, so I think that'll impact them on both ends. I don't anticipate the Red Wings mustering up much offense here anyway, as they'll take on a New York side, allowing just 2.30 goals per game (second). I feel confident with this bet, whether it's Igor Shesterkin or Jonathan Quick in-net.

On the flip side, it's confirmed that the Wings will opt for Ville Husso in the crease. He hasn't been sharp this season, posting a 3.47 GAA and .888 SV%. That likely won't bode well against the third-ranked power play unit of New York (30.16%).

All things considered, I believe the Rangers have the edge on both ends of the ice, and they should be able to stretch this lead out by at least two goals.

Bet: New York Rangers -1.5 (+130)

Washington Capitals (+180) @ Los Angeles Kings (-220) | 6.0 (-110/-110) 

The night wraps up out west with a cross-conference clash between the Capitals and Kings. Washington has been looking better after a slow start, as they've climbed the standings to fourth place (22 points) in the Metropolitan. Meanwhile, the Kings are in third in the Pacific (29). Puck drop for the nightcap is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET from crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. 

I initially thought about playing the game's under at 6.0 goals, but I don't feel like stepping in front of a Los Angeles offense scoring 4.0 goals per game (first). Instead, I'll isolate the lousy Washington offense and play their team total under. 

This is a tough matchup for the Caps, taking on a Kings team that's third in goals against per game (2.32 GAA) while boasting the league's best PK (89.39%). Meanwhile, the offense has still been an issue for Washington. They're just 31st in goals per game (2.3) while cashing a league's worst 5.66% on their power play opportunities. The Kings are much further ahead at this point of the season, and I expect them to hold up defensively in their home arena. 

Bet: Washington Under 2.5 Total Goals (-125)

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


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