Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/27)
The NHL rolls out a slim two-game slate tonight, and all four teams taking the ice come from the Atlantic Division. The action gets underway with a battle of the bottomfeeders as the Senators take on the Sabres. We also have a heavyweight tilt as the Bruins square off against the Lightning. Let's dive into my analysis and best bets for each of these games.
Wednesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook)
Ottawa Senators (+115) at Buffalo Sabres (-135) | 6.5 (-110/-110)
The Senators and Sabres were pegged as teams that could take the next step forward and compete for a playoff spot this year. However, they've both underperformed greatly, and they now occupy the eighth (64 points) and sixth (73 points) spots in the Atlantic Division, respectively. This divisional matchup is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY.
The main reason for Ottawa's struggles this season is a poor effort defensively. They're allowing 3.41 goals per game, which is 30th in the league. The Sens are also 31st on the penalty kill, finding success only 72.95% of the time. Over their current 5-9-1 run, they're allowing 3.7 goals per game. They've seen at least seven goals in nine of those 15 games, including a run of five straight.
Furthermore, the Senators have been one of the best "Over teams" this season, going 39-28-1 to the over (6th). Both offenses are averaging at least 3.0 goals per game, so I'll be playing the over tonight in Buffalo.
Bet: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-110)
Boston Bruins (-105) at Tampa Bay Lightning (-115) | 6.0 (-105/-115)
The light slate concludes in Tampa tonight as the Bolts host the Bruins. Boston (99 points) sits atop the Atlantic Division, while Tampa Bay comes into tonight's action in fourth place (85 points). Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL.
This will be the fourth and final meeting between these clubs for the 2023-2024 campaign. Tampa Bay has won two of the three meetings, but it's taken overtime and a shootout to secure the wins. Honestly, not much separates these teams statistically, so it's tough to try and make a firm case for who will win this game (hence, why the moneyline is basically a coin flip).
Despite the teams being so close in terms of ratings and statistics, I still feel confident playing the Lightning tonight. For starters, the B's are coming in on the second night of a back-to-back, where they just grinded out a 4-3 win against the physical Florida Panthers. Just to give you an idea of how physical it was, there were 36 combined penalty minutes between the two sides. Finally, there’s Tampa's home-ice advantage, as they've gone 21-9-4 at Amalie this season. I think the well-rested Bolts will take care of business tonight against a potentially fatigued Bruins squad.
Bet: Lightning Moneyline (-115)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: