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Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (2/14)

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It’s a slim three-game slate in the NHL, but there are still plenty of ways to get in on the action. Below, I’ll break down each game from a betting perspective and let you know where I’m laying my money on the ice tonight!

Wednesday’s NHL Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)

San Jose Sharks (+345) @ Winnipeg Jets (-455) | O/U 5.5 (-120/+100)

The Sharks finally return to action from the All-Star Break, and they open up the second half with a two-game road trip featuring stops in Winnipeg and Calgary. They’re in the cellar of the Pacific Division at 14-32-5 (33 points), while the Jets reside in third in the Central Division at 31-14-5 (67 points). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB.

As if things couldn’t get worse for San Jose, it was recently announced that their top scorer, Tomas Hertl (15G, 19A), will miss several weeks with a knee injury. He’s one of two double-digit goal-scorers for the Sharks, with the other being Fabian Zetterlund (14G, 7A). This is a huge hit for a Sharks team that’s already dead last in scoring (2.1 GPG) and 22nd on the power play (16.94%).

Their task is taking on a Jets squad that tops the league defensively, surrendering only 2.20 goals per game. Winnipeg also comes in on four days’ rest and they won’t have another game until the 17th, so I’d expect to see Connor Hellebuyck in net tonight. The 30-year-old has been stellar this season, going 24-10-3 with a 2.19 GAA (3rd) and .925 SV% (2nd). Unless Winnipeg lights the lamp six times, I can’t see this game reaching six total goals. Let’s ride with the even money payout that comes with the under. 

Bet: Under 5.5 (+100)

Florida Panthers (-125) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (+105) | O/U 6.0 (-105/-115)

The marquee matchup of the night features an Eastern Conference tilt between the Panthers and the Penguins. Florida enters this game in second in the Atlantic Division at 33-15-4 (70 points), while Pittsburgh is currently seventh in the Metropolitan Division at 23-19-7 (53 points). This contest is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Similar to the Sharks-Jets game, I’m not expecting much scoring-wise in this one. I’m playing the under. Starting with Pittsburgh, their offense has been a serious issue this season. They’re just 20th in scoring (2.9 GPG) and their power play still hasn’t gotten off the schneid, cashing only 13.94% of their chances (30th).

However, this has forced the Penguins to excel defensively to compete in games. They are the third-best defense in the NHL, conceding only 2.51 goals per game. Just above them in the rankings are the Panthers, who surrender only 2.33 goals per contest (2nd). Both squads also rank inside the top 10 on the penalty kill. I love this under at an even 6.0 goals, giving us a push to fall back on if it ends 4-2. 

Bet: Under 6.0 (-115)

Minnesota Wild (-120) @ Arizona Coyotes (+100) | O/U 6.0 (-105/-115)

The night concludes with a Central Division clash between the Wild and the Coyotes. Minnesota is sixth in the division at 24-23-5 (53 points), while Arizona is right below them at 23-24-4 (50 points). The NHL nightcap is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Mullet Arena in Tempe, AZ. 

The ‘Yotes have been a tough customer at home this season, going 15-10-0. That’s the only reason I could see them coming back to form for this game. Aside from that, it’s full steam ahead on the Wild. They’ve been the much better team as of late, and they’ve won six of their last eight games (6-2-0). Meanwhile, the Coyotes have dropped six straight games and eight of their last ten (2-6-2). 

With the way these teams are trending, I have to ride with Minnesota on the moneyline. The Wild’s offense has come to life over the recent eight-game sample size, where they’re averaging 3.75 goals per game. They’ll likely take on Connor Ingram, who hasn’t been sharp recently, posting a 6.49 GAA and .814 SV% in his last two starts. The 26-year-old has conceded at least two goals in eight straight starts, with five of those games yielding at least three opposing goals. Let’s ride with Minnesota in this pivotal divisional matchup. 

Bet: Minnesota Wild Moneyline (-120)

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

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