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Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (12/13)

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It's just a slim five-game slate in the NHL on Wednesday, but we have a couple of heavyweight matchups on the horizon, with the Bruins taking on the Devils and the Sabres squaring off against the Avalanche.

Below, I'll dive into three of tonight's contests and lock in a best bet for each.

Wednesday’s NHL Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Pittsburgh Penguins (-152) @ Montreal Canadiens (+126) | O/U 6.5 (-106/-114)

The NHL action gets underway out east as the Penguins take on the Canadiens. Pittsburgh enters this game on the second night of a back-to-back after beating Arizona 4-2 last night. Montreal is on two days of rest after losing 2-1 to Nashville on Sunday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Québec. 

The Pens captured two points last night, snapping a four-game slide. I'll back them to make it two wins in a row tonight as they make the trip to the Great White North. This should be a breakout spot for their offense, taking on a Habs side that's 27th in goals against (3.25 GAA). They've also been horrendous on the penalty kill, ranking 28th overall (73.53%). 

These holes on the defensive end have led to the Canadiens owning the third-worst goal differential in the league at -22, trailing only the Sharks (-50) and the Blackhawks (-31). I like Pittsburgh to build on last night's four-goal performance and take care of business. They're the more well-rounded team, so I'll lay the juice with the Pens tonight.

Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline (-152)

Boston Bruins (+112) @ New Jersey Devils (-134) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-122)

The Bruins are back to their winning ways, rattling off four wins in their last five games. They'll make the trip to Jersey tonight to take on the Devils, who have won six of their last eight games. This Eastern Conference clash is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. 

It's not too often that we get a plus-money payout with the juggernaut Bruins, so I'll ride with the B's tonight as slight road underdogs. I mentioned how Pittsburgh was the more well-rounded team above; well, that also applies to Boston in this spot. Sure, we get some sweet highlights and a ton of power play success from New Jersey, but all of their efforts have led to just a sixth-place position in the Metropolitan Division. If the playoffs started today, the Devils would be on the outside looking in. 

Meanwhile, the Bruins are the epitome of fundamental hockey. They're excellent on both special teams, ranking first on the PK (89.90%) and 10th on the PP (22.89%). Boston does an excellent job keeping the puck out of its own net, ranking fifth in goals against (2.42 GAA). I'll take fundamental over flashy most days of the week, especially if it comes with a +112 payout. Give me the B's.

Bet: Boston Bruins Moneyline (+112)

Winnipeg Jets (+152) @ Los Angeles Kings (-184) | O/U 5.5 (-134/+110)

The night wraps up out west as the Jets square off against the Kings in a Western Conference showdown. Winnipeg played last night, losing 2-1 to San Jose. Meanwhile, the Kings haven't played since Sunday, when they lost 4-1 to the Rangers. The NHL nightcap is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET from crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. 

Winnipeg used Laurent Brossoit in last night's defeat to San Jose, meaning they'll have Connor Hellebuyck in the crease tonight. The veteran netminder comes into this one at 13-6-1 with a 2.45 GAA and .915 SV%. He has guided the Jets to being the seventh-best defensive team, a squad that's allowing just 2.48 goals per game. Over their last eight games, Winnipeg has allowed just 16 total goals (2.0 GAA). 

On the other hand, Los Angeles has emerged as arguably the best defensive team in the NHL. They enter tonight's action ranked second in both goals against (2.28 GAA) and on the penalty kill (87.65%). It's unconfirmed, but I would imagine they'll roll with Cam Talbot in net tonight. The netminder is 12-4-2 with a 1.91 GAA and .0931 SV%. We should be in for a defensive masterclass from both sides, so I'll play the under in Los Angeles. 

Bet: Under 5.5 (+110)

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

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