Tag: Ben Bishop

Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Nashville Predators (33-26-8) take on the Dallas Stars (37-22-8) drop the puck at the American Airlines Center at 2 p.m. ET Saturday in Dallas. We analyze the Predators-Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Predators at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Juuse Saros vs. Ben Bishop

Saros might get the start in the second end of the home-and-home after blanking the Stars 2-0 in Nashville on Thursday night, turning aside all 33 shots he faced. It hasn’t been confirmed he’ll start over Pekka Rinne, but it makes sense. The last time Rinne faced the Stars in Texas, it was outdoors in the Cotton Bowl at the Winter Classic on New Year’s Day, a 4-2 loss for the Predators. He allowed four goals on 35 shots that day. He also allowed four goals on 22 shots in a Dec. 14 loss in the Music City, so the Stars really seem to have his number.

Bishop made the start on New Year’s Day vs. NSH, allowing two goals on 33 shots in a win in his only appearance this season against the Preds. Anton Khudobin started Thursday in Nashville, allowing two goals on 32 shots in a loss. He did beat the Preds Dec. 14 in Smashville, allowing just one goal on 38 shots, but Bishop has been confirmed.

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

Predators at Stars: 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 Saturday at 10:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Predators 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-154) have dropped four in a row, but they’re 5-1 in the past six meetings against the Predators (+125), while winning 30 of the previous 43 battles in Texas, too. The favorite has cashed in 26 of the previous 38 in this series.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Stars (-1.5, +180) are my play to win on the moneyline, but I expect this to be a tight, defensive battle. Plus, three of the past four wins by Dallas have resulted in one-goal victories. Six of the past 10 wins by the Stars have been by the score of 3-2. If anything, the Predators (+1.5, -223) are the play, but that juice is just way too much.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-143) is where it’s at. The under has cashed in five straight division games for the Predators and five of the past seven on the road, while hitting in 12 of the past 17 overall. The under is 38-16-5 in the past 59 at home for Dallas, and 16-7-3 in the past 26 inside the division.

Want some action on this matchup? 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.

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Dallas Stars at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Dallas Stars at Nashville Predators sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Dallas Stars (37-21-8) visit the Nashville Predators (32-26-8) Thursday at Bridgestone Arena for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Stars-Predators odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Both teams played Tuesday and suffered a third consecutive loss. The Stars dropped a 2-1 overtime decision at home to the Edmonton Oilers, while the Predators fell 3-1 at the Minnesota Wild.

This is the first of consecutive games for the two Central Division rivals. They’ll face off again Saturday in Dallas, which took the first two head-to-head meetings of the season, winning 4-1 at Nashville Dec. 14, and 4-2 at home in the outdoor NHL Winter Classic Jan. 1.

Dallas is third in the Central Division, while Nashville is 2 points out of a wild-card spot.

Stars at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Ben Bishop vs. Juuse Saros

Bishop is 21-14-4 with a 2.49 goals against average (GAA), a .921 save percentage and two shutouts in 42 games (41 starts). He lost his last two games, allowing eight goals on 41 shots, but he is 1-0 vs. the Preds this season. However, he sat out Tuesday with a lower body injury. If he’s can’t go in Nashville, Anton Khudobin (16-7-4, 2.22 GAA, .929 SV%), who is 2-0-2 in his last four starts, will get the nod.

Saros is 14-12-4 with a 2.88 GAA, a .908 SV% and two shutouts in 37 games (31 starts). He also lost his last two starts, surrendering five goals on 63 shots, but he has a 2.52 GAA in his last four starts. Veteran Pekka Rinne (18-14-4, 3.17 GAA, .895 SV%) has really been struggling – he gave up eight goals on 31 shots in an 8-3 drubbing by the Oilers Monday.

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

Stars at Predators: Key injuries

Stars

  • C Justin Dowling (lower body) questionable
  • G Ben Bishop (lower body) questionable
  • D William Butcher (upper body) out

Predators

  • C Ryan Johansen (illness) questionable
  • D Dan Hamhuis (lower body) questionable

Stars at Predators: 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 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Predators 3, Stars 1

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-115) are the STRONGEST PLAY. There will be more emotion than usual as the team will be playing its first game at home since deadly tornadoes hit the Nashville area earlier this week. Throw out any trends in this one – the Stars (-106) are one of the better road teams at 18-11-5 – as the vibe of community and “Nashville Strong” will be on full display.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Dallas (+1.5, -295) is 21-13 vs. the PL on the road, but the price is too expensive. Every $2.95 wagered on the Stars PL only profits $1 if they win outright or lose by 1 goal. Nashville (-1.5, +230) is tempting with a 2.3-to-1 payoff, but I’ll PASS. The Preds are 22-44 vs. the PL overall and 9-25 vs. the PL at home. I’ll back the ML above and be happy with a 1-goal win.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (-129) to the bank. The Stars are the best Under team in the league at 24-40-2, and the Under is 6-1-2 in the last nine head-to-head meetings in Nashville. Meanwhile, the Preds are 5-11 O/U in their last 16 games, and 4-10-1 in their last 15 vs. the Western Conference.

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

Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 50-31-2. Strongest plays: 28-12.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 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.

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Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Edmonton Oilers (35-23-8) and Dallas Stars (37-21-7) will lock horns at American Airlines Center in Dallas at 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Oilers-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Oilers at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Mikko Koskinen vs. Ben Bishop

Koskinen is 16-13-2 with a 2.89 goals against average (GAA) and .911 save percentage. He ‘should’ get the start in Dallas after Mike Smith made 27 saves in an 8-3 win at Nashville Monday. It’s rare goalies are tasked with starts in back-to-back days, although it might be tempting considering Smith is 7-1-3 with a 2.68 GAA and .913 SV% in 11 starts since the All-Star break.

Bishop, 21-14-4 with a 2.49 GAA and .921 SV% this season, will be happy to be back at home. He has rather stark splits, going 8-5-2 with a 2.95 GAA and .907 SV% on the road, and 13-9-2 with a sparkling 2.19 GAA and .930 SV% at home.

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

Oilers at Stars: 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 12:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Oilers 3, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The OILERS (+145) are the value play on the road. Dallas (-176) is strong on home ice, but Edmonton’s offense is clicking. The Oilers lit the lamp eight times in Nashville Monday, and they rank No. 1 on the power play at 29.3 percent and rank second on the penalty kill at 84.2 percent. Special teams have been the key to their success and that should continue Tuesday. Keep in mind you’ll be betting against some series trends, as Edmonton is 10-32-1 in the past 43 trips to Dallas, and 26-59-1 in the past 86 in this series.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Oilers ML returns a profit of $14.50 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Stars ML only profits $5.68 if they prevail.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

If you’re not feeling the Oilers (+1.5, -189) straight up and want a little insurance, you can eat the chalk and feel safe. It’s better to just go with the moneyline. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-115) is the play. The Under is 7-3-1 in the past 11 vs. Western Conference teams for the Stars, while going 5-2 in the Oilers’ past seven against winning teams. The Under is also 4-1 in Edmonton’s past five as a road dog, and 4-1 in the past five meetings with Dallas.

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.

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Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The defending champion St. Louis Blues (38-18-7) will host the Dallas Stars (32-23-8) Saturday at Enterprise Center in St. Louis at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Stars-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Stars at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Ben Bishop vs. Jordan Binnington

Bishop, the St. Louis native, heads into this one with a 21-14-4 record, 2.49 goals against average and .921 save percentage with a pair of shutouts. He is 0-3-0 with a 3.83 GAA and .890 SV% in his three previous appearances this season vs. STL. He allowed three goals on 30 shots in a narrow 3-2 loss in the only previous meeting in Missouri on Oct. 5.

Binnington will be in search of his 30th win of the season when he takes on the Stars. He has posted a 1-0-1 record, 2.45 GAA and .921 SV% in his other two regular-season starts against the Stars this season.

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

Stars at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Stars 1

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-162) are a good play against the Stars (+135), as they just seem to have the number of their rivals from the Metroplex. The Blues have ripped off wins in six consecutive, including four in a row at home, all behind Binnington. St. Louis has won three of the first four meetings this season, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues ML returns a profit of $6.20 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Stars ML results in a profit of $13.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +180) are a little bit of a risky play, but very tempting at this price level. A small-unit play is warranted based upon their 3-1 SU record this season. St. Louis has outscored Dallas 13-7 in the first four meetings, covering the puck line in two of their three wins vs. STL.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-139) is 5-2 in the past seven for Dallas as an underdog, while going 15-6-3 in the past 24 against Central Division foes. The under is 5-2 in the past seven for St. Louis, while going 4-1 in the past five as a favorite. The under is also 5-1-1 in the past seven meetings in this series, including 4-0 in the past four at Enterprise Center.

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.

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Dallas Stars at Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Dallas Stars at Boston Bruins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

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The Dallas Stars (37-20-6) will tangle with the Boston Bruins (39-13-12) Thursday at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m. ET (on NBCSN). We analyze the Stars-Bruins sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Stars at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Ben Bishop vs. Jaroslav Halak

Bishop heads into this one with a 21-13-4 record, 2.45 goals against average and .922 save percentage across his 41 appearances (40 starts). He faced the B’s in his first appearance of the season, falling 2-1 while making 18 saves on 20 shots Oct. 3. He hasn’t been as sharp since the All-Star break, turning in a 5-3-1 record, but a subpar 3.05 GAA and .906 SV% in nine outings.

Halak is expected to get the starting nod after Tuukka Rask (23-7-6, 2.22 GAA, .926 SV%) lost to the Calgary Flames Tuesday, his first home loss in regulation this season. Halak is 16-6-6 with a 2.42 GAA and .918 SV% across 29 appearances (27 starts). He has won five of his past six appearances, and three consecutive starts at home.

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

Stars at Bruins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 3, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-182) are right at or slightly above the threshold for moneylines I like to play. They’re facing a red-hot Stars team (+150) that just dismantled the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 in Raleigh Tuesday. In fact, the Stars are 6-1 in the past seven as an underdog, 5-1 in the past six as a road dog and 7-2 in the past nine overall. The road team has also won 10 of the past 13 meetings in this series. However, the B’s are 10-3 in the past 13 against winning teams and 7-1 in the past eight as a home favorite.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bruins ML returns a profit of $5.49 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Stars ML results in a profit of $15 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The moneyline is much more attractive than taking the Bruins (-1.5, +145), even though they’re tempting at this price level. The Stars (+1.5, -173) are too expensive, too, if you’re looking for a little insurance. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-139) is the play with two strong defensive teams. Dallas ranks third in the NHL in goals allowed, while Boston leads the league in the category. The B’s are also No. 3 on the penalty kill at 83.8 percent, so you can expect goals to be at a premium in this one.

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.

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (26-17-7) and Dallas Stars (28-17-4) will lock horns at American Airlines Center in Dallas at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Ben Bishop

Andersen, fresh off an All-Star Game appearance, has posted a 23-9-6 record with a 2.86 goals against average and .910 save percentage. He is coming off of an impressive road victory over the Nashville Predators. If the Leafs choose to give him a rest, backup Michael Hutchinson owns a 3-7-1 record with a 3.83 GAA and .885 SV%, and he has won three of his past five outings.

Bishop owns a 17-10-3 record, 2.27 GAA and .927 save percentage across his 32 starts and one relief appearance. He was in the crease Monday, knocking off the high-octane Tampa Bay Lightning in a 3-2 overtime win.

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

Maple Leafs at Stars: 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 9:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Maple Leafs 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-121) have played tremendous defense this season, allowing 2.5 goals per game to rank first in the NHL. That’s good enough to back the home side, even though the Maple Leafs (+100) are even money and coming off an impressive win in the Music City last time out.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Stars to win returns a profit of $8.30, while a $10 wager on the Maple Leafs results in a profit of $10.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Maple Leafs (+1.5, -278) should keep it pretty close, but you have to risk almost three times your return on investment, and that’s inadvisable betting behavior. The Stars (-1.5, +225) are a tempting play at this price, but they just do not score enough to play them on puck lines. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (+110) is worth a look at plus-money, especially with Andersen coming off an impressive showing, and the Stars ranking No. 1 in the league in goals against. This should be a defensive slog.

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.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (29-15-4) and Dallas Stars (27-17-4) will lock horns at American Airlines Center at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lightning-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Lightning at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Ben Bishop

The All-Star Vasilevskiy entered the All-Star break on a roll, winning his previous 10 starts. Overall, he is 24-9-2 with a 2.54 goals against average and .917 save percentage, as he has regained his Vezina Trophy winning form after a sluggish start to the season. He allowed four goals on just 20 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss in the first meeting with the Stars at Amalie Arena back on Dec. 19. After working in the All-Star Skills Competition and round-robin tournament, it wouldn’t be shocking to see backup Curtis McElhinney make the start. He is 5-6-2 with a 3.10 GAA and .902 SV% in 13 appearances.

Bishop is 16-10-3 with a 2.28 GAA and .927 SV% in 31 starts and 32 appearances overall. The former Lightning backstop hasn’t faced his old organization this season. He is 0-1-1 with a 5.39 GAA and .792 SV% in two appearances vs. the Stars since leaving for Dallas to start the 2017-18 season.

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

Lightning at Stars: 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 8:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-139) are moderate road favorites out of the break, with the Stars (+115) short ‘dogs at home. That’s likely because the Lightning have been on a roll lately, going 5-0 in the past five against winning teams, 4-1 in the past five against Western Conference foes and 5-1 in the past six meetings against Dallas. The Lightning are also 5-2 in their past seven trips to the Metroplex.

A $10 bet on the Lightning to win returns a profit of $7.20, while a $10 wager on the Stars results in a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, +195) represent a pretty solid value, as you can double up with a two-goal win. However, keep in mind that the Stars (+1.5, -239) are the No. 1 defensive team in the NHL, allowing just 2.5 goals per game. They’re also ninth on the penalty kill at 82.4 percent, so tread lightly.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total (5.5) is risky business, as there is some uncertainty with Tampa Bay’s starting netminder, so be careful. If McElhinney gets the nod, it’s a different ball game. If Vasilevskiy is in between the pipes, this will be a low-scoring battle. The Under is 4-1 in Tampa’s past five road games, and 8-3 in the past 11 as a road favorite. The Under is 33-14-2 in the past 51 at home for Dallas, and a perfect 4-0 in their past four against teams with a winning percentage over .600.

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.

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Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Dallas Stars (27-16-4) and Minnesota Wild (21-20-6) tangle at the Xcel Energy Center at 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Stars-Wild sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Stars at Wild: Projected starting goalies

Ben Bishop vs. Devan Dubnyk

Bishop leads his Stars into the Twin Cities with an impressive 16-10-3 record, 2.22 goals against average and .929 save percentage in his 31 starts so far. He stopped eight of the 10 shots he faced against Wild in the Metroplex back on Oct. 29, but he was pulled after one period in favor of Anton Khudobin by then-coach Jim Montgomery, who felt Bishop wasn’t at the top of his game. Bishop faced the Wild on Dec. 1 in this very building, falling 3-2 in a shootout.

Dubnyk was an All-Star last season, but he limps in with an 8-12-2 record, 3.35 GAA and .892 SV%. He has yet to face the Stars this season. Alex Stalock is 1-1-0 with a 3.38 GAA and .891 SV% in two starts against the Stars this season, and he has a 10-7-3 record, 2.96 GAA and .903 save percentage. He would be the better choice if the Wild elect to go with Stalock.

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Stars at Wild: 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 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Wild 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-134) are 4-1 in their past five road games, and 7-2 in the past nine games overall. They’ve been rolling along, playing solid defense with timely goaltending lately. The Wild (+110), meh, not so much. They’re mired in a 1-4 tailspin, while going 2-5 in the past seven against winning sides. They’re also just 2-6 in the past eight as a home underdog.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The STARS (-1.5, +220) just don’t pile up the offense, and everything is a grind when they’re involved. The Wild (+1.5, -278) can’t be trusted, either, as a late empty-net goal always crushes bettors taking the goal and a half. At nearly three times your return, you can’t afford to roll those dice. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-150) carries quite a bit of juice, which helps you glean a little bit about what the lean of the oddsmakers is. You can play the alternate line of UNDER 4.5 (+135) if you really like to roll the dice, and come out ahead. If Stalock was the projected netminder, and not the sieve that is Dubnyk, I’d feel a lot more confident about the alternate line.

Want some action on this matchup? 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.

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Buffalo Sabres at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Buffalo Sabres at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Buffalo Sabres (21-19-7) and Dallas Stars (27-15-4) will lock horns at American Airlines Center in Dallas at 8:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Sabres-Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Sabres at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Linus Ullmark vs. Ben Bishop

The Sabres have leaned upon Ullmark heavily, as Carter Hutton has been horrific. Ullmark is 15-12-3 with a 2.78 goals against average and .911 save percentage with a shutout. Ullmark hasn’t faced the Stars this season, but he was amazing against them in two outings last year. He allowed three goals on a total of 54 shots, but took the loss in both games.

Bishop posted an impressive 3-2 win in overtime Tuesday night in Colorado, as the Stars came back from a 2-0 deficit. Bishop is 16-9-3 with a 2.23 GAA and .930 save percentage this season. He fell 4-0 in Buffalo Oct. 14 in the first head-to-head meeting when he made just 18 saves.

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Sabres at Stars: 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 10:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Sabres 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Stars (-223) are favored heavily over the Sabres (+180) despite the fact Buffalo won the first meeting 4-0 Oct. 14. These teams are totally different since then, and Dallas even has a new coach, as Rick Bowness has replaced Jim Montgomery behind the bench. Buffalo is struggling, and Dallas is rolling. Still, you can’t risk twice as much as your return on investment. AVOID.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The STARS (-1.5, +135) are the play on the puck line, albeit rather lightly. The Sabres have won just 11 of their past 41 on the road, and they’re 17-41 in the previous 58 as an underdog away from home. The Stars have rocketed up the Central Division standings, winning seven of the past eight overall, and 13 of the past 17 at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-129) is the way to go. While the Over is 3-0-1 in the past four for Buffalo overall, the Under is 5-2-1 in the past eight when working on just one day of rest. The Under is also 6-2-1 in the past nine meetings in this series, including each of the past three.

Want some action on this matchup? 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.

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Winter Classic: Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Winter Classic between the Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Nashville Predators (18-14-6) and Dallas Stars (22-14-4) drop the puck at the Cotton Bowl in the annual Winter Classic at 2 p.m. ET Wednesday.

It seems weird for hockey, but it is outdoors, so we take a look at the weather forecast. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies, little chance of precipitation and temperatures in the mid-50’s.

We analyze the Predators-Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Predators at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Pekka Rinne vs. Ben Bishop

Rinne puts his 13-7-3 record on the line, and he has a 3.02 goals-against average and .894 save percentage. He lost his only previous start on home ice against the Stars back on Dec. 14, coughing up four goals on 22 shots.

Bishop has been outstanding with a 2.34 GAA and .926 save percentage. While the results of his hard work don’t exactly show in his win-loss record at 13-9-3, it’s mostly a lack of offensive support which has led to his mediocre ledger. He hasn’t faced the Preds this season, as Anton Khudobin took that start in the second end of a back-to-back Dec. 14.

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Predators at Stars: 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 8:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Predators 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-143) are a better play because they have the better netminder in the crease. This will be a lower-scoring game, and that’s when Bishop is at his best. Taking Dallas is going a bit against the grain, as the home team is just 3-8 SU in the previous 11 Winter Classic battles.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Don’t even think about the puck line. The Stars (-1.5, +190) are an intriguing play, but six of the 11 previous Winter Classics have resulted in one-goal games.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-134) is the play here. While ice technology has improved amazingly over the past couple of decades, as no one would ever have imagined an outdoor game in Texas … even in Winter. The ice will likely still be sticky, but the fact there is no snowfall or precipitation in the forecast will likely mean the ice is better than we have seen in previous games in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, etc. … Still, with two outstanding netminders, the goals will be at a premium. Eight of the previous 11 Winter Classics have seen a total of 5 or fewer goals.

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