Hockey – Page 63 – Syndication Server

Detroit Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Detroit Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Detroit Red Wings (13-38-4) are coming off a rare victory Thursday as they head into Nationwide Arena to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (29-16-9) Friday. Puck drop is set for shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Red Wings-Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Red Wings at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Jimmy Howard vs. Elvis Merzlikins

Howard should return to the crease Friday after Jonathan Bernier stopped 29 of 32 shots on goal in Thursday’s win. Howard is just 2-20-2 on the season with a .884 save percentage and 4.12 goals against average. His last win was Oct. 29.

Merzlikins is emerging as one of the best young goalies in the NHL and a real contender for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. He is 11-6-4 with a .929 SV% and 2.30 GAA. He leads the league with four shutouts.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Red Wings at Blue Jackets: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blue Jackets 6, Red Wings 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Red Wings (+280) have won at least two games in a row just four times on the season. Bernier played Thursday and has made three straight starts, likely meaning the Wings will have to turn to the lesser half of their goaltending tandem in Howard. Detroit is just 5-20-2 on the road following Thursday’s victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

The Blue Jackets are an easy pick to win the game, but at -358 they’re not worth the small risk for a bet. PASS on the moneyline, and focus your investments on the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Jackets to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of just $3.30.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Take the BLUE JACKETS (-1.5, -106) to win by at least 2 goals Friday for a much better return on your investment. The Jackets won the first two head-to-head meetings of the year by a combined score of 10-7, winning by two goals Dec. 17 at Nationwide.

Columbus is 30-24 against the spread overall but just 11-17 at home, while the Wings are 22-33 ATS overall and 11-16 on the road. Thursday’s win snapped a nine-game losing streak for the Wings, in which they lost by 2 or more goals on seven occasions.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 5.5 (-106) and count on the Jackets to approach this total all on their own. Howard gives up more than 4 goals per game. Merzlikines is coming off a shutout win over the Florida Panthers Tuesday, but we’re likely to need only a goal from the Wings to hit this Over rather easily.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 207-196

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Anaheim Ducks at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Anaheim Ducks at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Anaheim Ducks (22-26-6) visit the Toronto Maple Leafs (28-19-7) Friday night at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is set for shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Ducks-Maple Leafs odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Ducks at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Ryan Miller vs. Michael Hutchinson

Miller figures to start Friday in Toronto with starter John Gibson playing Tuesday and Thursday and going past regulation time in both efforts. In 14 games this season, Miller owns a 2.86 goals against average and .912 save percentage. He stopped 71 of 73 shots over his last two starts.

Hutchinson is the most likely Toronto netminder for this start. Injured workhorse Frederik Anderson (upper body) was originally slated for a Friday return, but that prospect was listed as doubtful as of Thursday. Hutchinson was not sharp in the Leafs’ last game. He allowed four goals on 34 shots Wednesday in a loss to the New York Rangers. Hutchinson is 4-9-1 with a 3.66 GAA and .886 SV%.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Ducks at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Toronto 4, Anaheim 2

Moneyline (ML)

Anaheim (+195) is on game No. 4 of a five-game road trip. In a hard-fought game against the Tampa Bay Lightning preceding the trip and during the road stretch itself, puck-possession numbers have been solid for the Ducks. Anaheim has looked better on defense than it did in January. The club allowed 3.3 goals per game last month.

Toronto (-238) has lost back-to-back games and seven of its last 11. The Maple Leafs have perhaps been a bit puck-unlucky during the stretch. Trends and analytics don’t make for a lean in any direction on a line well-bracketed by extra juice. PASS on the moneyline.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Six of the Maple Leafs’ last seven wins have been of the multi-goal variety, but Toronto has lost a couple of win-able games over that same span. Still, the +115 price stands out here and makes the puck line — TORONTO -1.5 (+115) — worth at least a small play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 6-1 in the last seven Ducks-Leafs’ meetings in Toronto. That’s a four-year trend, and there are some likable Under signals in the analytics, but the price overshoots the lean.

PASS on the Under 6.5 (-154).

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=2059]

Buffalo Sabres at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Buffalo Sabres at New York Rangers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Buffalo Sabres (23-23-8) visit the New York Rangers (26-22-4) Friday at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Sabres-Rangers sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Sabres at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton vs. Alexander Georgiev

Hutton is expected to get Friday’s start after Jonas Johansson was between the pipes for Thursday’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Hutton is 7-9-4 on the season with a .891 save percentage and 3.30 goals against average.

Georgiev comes into Friday 12-10-1 on the season with a .909 SV% and 3.12 GAA. He has been at his worst at home with a .890 SV% and 3.35 GAA.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Sabres at Rangers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rangers 3, Sabres 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Sabres (+155) wrapped up a five-game homestand at 1-3-1 with Thursday’s shootout loss to the lowly Red Wings. They come into Friday 4-5-1 across their last 10 games and with a record of 8-14-4 on the road for the season.

The RANGERS (-189) are heavy favorites, but they’re still a fine play coming off a 5-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Wednesday. They’re 6-4-0 across their last 10 games and 15-11-2 at home on the season. The rested Georgiev has a significant advantage in the goaltending matchup.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Side with the RANGERS (-1.5, +140) to beat a tired opponent by at least two goals Friday. New York is 33-19 against the spread overall and 18-10 at home. Buffalo is 30-24 ATS overall and 16-10 on the road. The Rangers claimed a 6-2 win over the Sabres Oct. 24 at MSG in the only head-to-head meeting of the season thus far.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (+125) as the more profitable play. The tired Sabres haven’t scored more than three goals in six straight games. The Rangers don’t have the offense to be handle to scoring load on their own.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 207-196

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Former Notre Dame Captain Evans Makes NHL Debut

The Montreal Canadians defeated the Anaheim Ducks, 3-2, in overtime Thursday, but Notre Dame hockey fans will remember this one for a different reason. Earlier in the day, the Habs recalled former Irish captain Jake Evans, who proceeded to play in his first NHL game. Evans, who played 158 games for the Irish from 2014 to 2018 and concluded his collegiate career in the national title game, has spent the past two seasons with the Laval Rocket of the AHL.

In 11 minutes, 19 seconds of ice time Thursday, Evans recorded two shots on goal, registered two hits, blocked two shots and had one takeaway. Per Daily Faceoff, Evans played right wing on Montreal’s third line alongside Ilya Kovalchuk and Max Domi.

Two of Evans’ teammates from college also have played their first NHL games this season. Andrew Peeke has played seven games for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Jordan Gross has suited up twice for the Arizona Coyotes. Both have since been returned to their AHL teams.

Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Detroit Red Wings (12-38-4) head to the KeyBank Center in Buffalo to clank swords with the Buffalo Sabres (23-23-7) in Thursday night (7 p.m. ET) Atlantic Division action. We analyze the Red Wings-Sabres odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Red Wings at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Bernier vs. Jonas Johansson

Bernier missed seven games last month due to a leg injury, but the 31-year-old is back now and playing well. Over his last 10 games, he has registered a .940 save percentage. On the season, Bernier has posted a 2.89 goals-against average and a .908 SV in 30 games. Thursday’s road tilt would mark his third straight start, and he has stopped 58 of 61 shots over his last two.

Johansson is expected to spell Carter Hutton (the current No. 1 with the ailing Linus Ullmark (leg) on the shelf), who was pulled Tuesday after allowing five goals on 18 shots. Johansson is an AHL call-up making his first career start. He was solid in stopping 13 of 14 over the back half of Hutton’s misstep against a high-scoring Colorado team.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Red Wings at Sabres: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Thursday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Buffalo 4, Detroit 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Sabres are a heavy favorite despite some recent struggles at home. But this is a club that went 7-2, averaging over 3.5 goals per game, in a nine-game stretch at home earlier this season (Nov. 29-Jan. 4). In final games of multi-game home stands, Buffalo is 5-1 straight-up and 5-1 against the puck line. The latter is where the Sabres side finds some value in this matchup.

WILL PASS ON BUFFALO -228.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since Jan. 10, the Red Wings have piled up nine straight losses; seven of those have been by two goals or more. Included in that stretch is a 5-1 loss to these Sabres on Jan. 12. Figure on Detroit getting an angry and hungry Buffalo team coming off its 6-1 loss to the Avs. The Sabres have yielded six goals in a game six times this season; they are 5-1 over those ensuing bounce-back efforts.

WILL BACK THE BUFFALO -1.5 (+120) as a play with some value against a Detroit team perhaps not nearly as good as its 12-38-4 record.

Over/Under (O/U)

The under is: 13-3-1 in the Sabres’ last 17 games following a loss of three or more goals. It’s also 5-2 in Buffalo’s last seven against a team with a winning percentage below .400, 3-1 in Detroit’s last four games and 5-2 in the last seven series games held in Buffalo.

There are also some expected-goal figures that would back the under here. WILL MAKE A PLAY ON THE UNDER 5.5 (+105).

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=2059]

Los Angeles Kings at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Los Angeles Kings at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Kings (19-30-5) and New York Islanders (30-15-6) tangle at Barclays Center at 7 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Kings-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Kings at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Quick vs. Thomas Greiss

Quick’s expected to get the nod again after the Kings dealt backup Jack Campbell to the Toronto Maple Leafs Wednesday. The team recalled Cal Petersen from Ontario of the AHL to serve as the backup to Quick, but it’s unlikely they’ll thrust him right into the crease in a tough road game. Quick is 11-20-3 with a 3.02 goals against average and .895 save percentage. He is coming off a 4-2 loss Tuesday in Washington.

Greiss is 14-7-2 with a 2.50 GAA and .922 SV% through his 23 starts and two relief appearances. He is 8-2-1 with a 2.39 GAA and .920 SV% in his 12 appearances at home.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Kings at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Kings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (-189) will cost you nearly two times your investment which is just too much. The Kings (+155) are starting to sell off some key parts, dealing Campbell and forward Kyle Clifford Wednesday. Still, while New York is a very good certainty to win, AVOID the moneyline in favor of the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win returns a profit of $5.30, while a $10 wager on the Kings results in a profit of $15.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, +150) are a better play on the puck line against the lowly Kings (+1.5, -182), who rank 28th in the NHL in goal differential at minus-38.

The last time these teams met, Nov. 27 at Staples Center, the Kings won 4-1 behind Quick against Semyon Varlamov. However, the Kings are 0-4 in their past four trips to Long Island/Brooklyn, and the home team is 8-1 in the previous nine meetings.

If you’re into alternate bets – under ‘other’ – check out the winning margin in regular time. Islanders to win by exactly 2 (+500) is also worth a look. You could turn $5 into $25, for example.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+105) is the play here, as the Isles have the offense to come close to taking care of it themselves. The Over is 4-1-1 in the past six at home for the Isles, and 6-2-2 in the past 10 overall. The Over is also 6-2 in the past eight meetings and 4-0-1 in the past five on Long Island.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New Jersey Devils at Philadelphia Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New Jersey Devils (18-24-10) pay a visit to the Philadelphia Flyers (29-17-7) Thursday at Wells Fargo Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Devils-Flyers sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Devils at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

MacKenzie Blackwood vs. Brian Elliott

Blackwood enters Thursday 15-12-7 for the season with a .904 save percentage and 3.00 goals against average. He allowed five goals on 30 shots and took a shootout loss against the Nashville Predators in his last start, Jan. 30.

Elliott continues as the Flyers’ primary starter in place of the injured Carter Hart. The veteran is 4-0-1 across his last five games and is 13-5-4 on the season. He owns a .903 SV% and 2.81 GAA following a 16-save shutout against the Detroit Red Wings Monday.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Devils at Flyers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Flyers 4, Devils 1

Moneyline (ML)

The FLYERS (-222) are chalky favorites Thursday, but we’ll take what we can get from the books for one of Thursday’s safest plays. Philly is 7-2-1 across its last 10 games and enters the day on a two-game winning streak while pushing for a playoff spot. The Devils (+180) are 3-4-3 over their last 10 games, on a three-game losing skid and buried in last place in the division.

The Flyers have won both head-to-head meetings this season, winning 4-0 at home Oct. 9 and 4-3 in a shootout on the road Nov. 1.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Devils (+1.5, -149) have gone to overtime or a shootout in four straight games, but they managed to win just one of those contests. Their previous four losses had all been by a margin of at least three goals. Back the FLYERS (-1.5, +125) to win by at least 2 goals. Philly is 31-22 against the spread overall and 18-8 on home ice. New Jersey is just 24-28 ATS overall and 11-15 on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 5.5 (+120) with the Flyers handling the bulk of the scoring Thursday. Philly is 4-6 against the Over/Under across its last 10 games and New Jersey is 6-4 over the same sample. The Devils totaled just 5 regulation goals over their last three road games.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 205-192

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (33-15-5) host the Pittsburgh Penguins (33-14-5) Thursday in a battle of Eastern Conference titans at Amalie Arena. The Pens and Lightning occupy second place in the Metropolitan and Atlantic Divisions, respectively. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Lightning sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Murray enters on a personal six-game winning streak dating back to Dec. 28. He stopped 29 of 32 shots in a victory over the division-leading Washington Capitals Sunday. He is 16-6-4 on the season with a .900 save percentage and 2.85 goals against average.

Vasilevskiy has won three straight games, including a 27-save effort against the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday. He is 27-9-3 with a .917 SV% and 2.53 GAA.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 2, Penguins 1

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-182) are solid favorites at home, where they’re 16-7-2 for the season. They’re on a four-game winning streak and are 7-2-1 across their last 10 games overall. The Penguins (+150) are offering fair value as underdogs. They’re 14-9-2 on the road, 8-2-0 across their last 10 games and on a two-game winning streak.

Tampa Bay claimed a 3-2 victory at home Oct. 23 in the first head-to-head meeting of the season. The Lightning should be the play once again.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lightning to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $5.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS (+1.5, -175) will be the play on the puck line to lose by no more than 1 goal or to win outright, and it helps hedge against the pick of the Lightning on the moneyline. Pittsburgh is 25-27 against the spread overall but 14-11 on the road. Tampa Bay is 22-31 ATS overall and 10-15 at home. We’re looking for a result very close to the season’s first meeting between the two.

Over/Under (O/U)

We’re going to go with the alternate goal projection and back the UNDER 5.5 (+135). The primary total is set high at 6.5 with the Under paying out at just -149 odds. The Lightning are 3-5-2 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games, and while Pittsburgh is 7-3 over the same stretch, the two teams combined for just 5 goals the first time around this season. Both goalies are in top form.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 205-192

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Notre Dame Hockey: Burke is Humanitarian Finalist

Cal Burke is a true ambassador not for Notre Dame, but all of college hockey. That fact is even more certain after the senior captain was named one of five finalists for this year’s Hockey Humanitarian Award on Wednesday. This is the second …

Burke’s involvement off the ice at Notre Dame includes the Fighting Irish Fight for Life program, the Rosenthal Leadership Academy and the Student Athlete Advisory Council, within which he serves on a mental health sub-group. He also helped develop and launch the Irish Strong Initiative.

The other nominees for the award are Devin Brosseau (Clarkson University), Amanda Conger (St. Anselm College), Dakota Keene (UMass Boston) and Delaney Wolf (Saint Mary’s University). All five nominees’ favorite charities will receive a donation from the award’s foundation The winner will be honored during a ceremony at the Frozen Four on April 10.

Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Rangers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (28-18-7) battle the New York Rangers (25-22-4) in a 7:30 p.m. ET contest at Madison Square Garden Wednesday. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Rangers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Michael Hutchinson vs. Igor Shesterkin

Hutchinson is Toronto’s primary goaltender with Frederik Andersen on the shelf (upper body injury). With Andersen’s heavy workload, Hutchinson had only appeared in a dozen games prior to his starts on Saturday and Monday. The latter of those two turns was a shaky effort at Florida which got the 29-year-old journeyman pulled after 37 minutes. On the season, Hutchinson owns a 3.62 goals against average and an .886 save percentage.

Shesterkin has been tremendous since joining New York Jan. 6, logging a 2.51 GAA and .927 SV% in four games. The Russian rookie is one of the top goalie prospects in the NHL. He’s made all his starts at Madison Square Garden where he appears to be quite comfortable.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Maple Leafs at Rangers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Toronto 5, New York 3

Moneyline (ML)

Shesterkin has been quite good, but his work thus far is still a small sample. The Maple Leafs have been quite good in bounce-back/revenge spots. They’re coming off a 5-3 loss to Florida (Monday) are were downed by the Rangers, 5-4 the last time the two Original Six foes met (Dec. 28).

Will PASS on Toronto -139 straight-up for the better expected value in the puck line play.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

New York is a robust 17-11 against the puck line at home, but Toronto has gone 15-11 ATS on the road. The Maple Leafs are 3-1 over their last four games, and they’ve averaged 4.1 goals per game since Dec. 23.

The Rangers have been solid against the top-five scoring teams in the league (5-5-1), and their puck-possession figures of late are impressive. But the price on the Leafs is attractive, and a TORONTO -1.5 (+185) play is advisable.

Over/Under (O/U)

The 6.5 total here has some underpinning analytics that would make it a decent play at Over -110. When the Rangers play teams in the top five in scoring, the average goal total has been 8.5. The OVER 6.5 (-110) is a strong play.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]