Tag: Bet NHL

Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings sports betting odds, picks and best bets

[jwplayer wcHtPTSE]

The Tampa Bay Lightning (43-20-5) tangle with the Detroit Red Wings (16-48-5) Sunday at Little Caesars Arena at 5 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lightning-Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Lightning at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Curtis McElhinney vs. Jonathan Bernier

McElhinney is expected to get the starting nod after the Lightning just played in Boston Saturday night with Andrei Vasilevskiy getting the call in that one. The Lightning backup has posted an 8-7-2 record, 2.83 goals against average and .908 save percentage with a shutout, so he is more than capable, especially against the lowly Wings.

Bernier gives the Wings their best chance to win, as he is 14-21-3 with a respectable 2.88 GAA and .909 SV% in his 39 starts and 44 appearances. At home he is a solid 10-10-1 with a 2.75 GAA and .906 SV% in his 21 starts and 24 appearances. It’s unlikely the team turns to Jimmy Howard for this tough matchup. He is a dismal 2-23-2 with a 4.20 GAA and .882 save percentage.

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

Lightning at Red Wings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 12:23 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Lightning (-278) should be able to dominate this game, but they are playing less than 24 hours after a hard-fought and important game in Boston, and then they had to hop right on a plane for Hockeytown. Still, the Red Wings (+225) have next to no chance. But still, AVOID.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lightning -278 returns a profit of $3.60 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Red Wings +225 results in a profit of $22.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, even) is the much better play, with or without tired legs. They have so many offensive weapons that it’s hard to envision the cellar-dwelling Red Wings (+1.5, -121) slowing them down. Tampa Bay is 41-11 in the past 52 games against teams with a losing record, too, so they rarely let up or play down to their competition.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-139) is the play here, but because it’s Lightning against Red Wings. If Tampa were playing virtually anyone else, the lean would be Under. The Under is 7-1 in their past eight in the second end of a back-to-back. But the Over is also 7-2 in their past nine as a favorite.

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]

Columbus Blue Jackets at Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Edmonton Oilers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (32-21-15) and Edmonton Oilers (36-24-8) battle at Rogers Place at 10 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Oilers sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blue Jackets at Oilers: Projected starting goalies

Joonas Korpisalo vs. Mikko Koskinen

Korpisalo heads to Northern Alberta searching for his 20th win of the season. He carries a 19-11-5 record, 2.58 goals against average and .912 save percentage with two shutouts into play. He is just 6-2-4 in his 11 starts and 12 appearances on the road this season. He was tuned up earlier this season by the Oilers, allowing four goals on just 12 shots before being pulled after 24:56 in a loss Oct. 30 in Columbus.

Koskinen is 17-13-2 on the season with a .914 SV% and 2.80 GAA. He stopped all 10 shots he faced in relief of starter Mike Smith Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

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

Blue Jackets at Oilers: 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 2:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Oilers 5, Blue Jackets 3

Moneyline (ML)

The OILERS (-175) aren’t terribly expensive despite the fact they’re 5-2 in their past seven games against the Eastern Conference, and 14-3 in their past 17 games against Metropolitan Division opponents. On the flip side, the Blue Jackets (+145) are just 2-11 in their past 13 games overall, 1-6 in their past seven against winning teams and 0-6 in their past six on the road.

A $10 bet on the Oilers to win returns a profit of $5.70, while a $10 wager on the Blue Jackets results in a profit of $14.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The OILERS (-1.5, +155) are a tremendous value at home. They won the first meeting 4-1, and 12 of their past 16 victories have resulted in a cover of the puck line. Take advantage.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-125) has cashed in 10 of the past 13 meetings in Edmonton. That’s over the span of 13 years, so not as important as the here and now. The Over is 7-2 in the past nine overall for the Jackets, and 6-1 in their past seven on the road. The Over is 6-2 in Edmonton’s past eight as a home favorite, too, and 5-1-1 in its past seven against losing sides.

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]

Vegas Golden Knights at Winnipeg Jets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Winnipeg Jets (34-28-6) host the Vegas Golden Knights (37-23-8) Friday at Bell MTS Place for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Golden Knights-Jets sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Golden Knights at Jets: Projected starting goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury vs. Connor Hellebuyck

Fleury draws back in for Vegas after giving up four goals on just 17 shots in a loss to the Los Angeles Kings Sunday. The accomplished veteran is 26-15-5 with a .906 save percentage and 2.76 goals against average through 46 starts and a relief appearance.

Hellebuyck stopped 25 of 26 shots in a win over the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday to improve to 28-21-5 on the season with a .920 SV% and 2.64 GAA through 53 starts and two relief appearances.

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

Golden Knights at Jets: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Jets 2, Golden Knights 1

Moneyline (ML)

Take the value with the JETS (+120) on home ice. Both teams are coming off victories, with the Jets topping the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 Tuesday and the Golden Knights (-143) blanking the New Jersey Devils 3-0 Tuesday. Winnipeg is 18-14-3 at home for the season, while Vegas is 15-12-4 on the road.

The Jets earned a 4-3 overtime victory Nov. 2 in Vegas in the season’s first head-to-head meeting.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Jets to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PASS on the spread for the underdog Jets (+1.5, -228) in favor of the more profitable moneyline play. Vegas is 14-17 ATS on the road this season, while Winnipeg is 17-18 ATS at home, but the hosts are a more rewarding bet while backing them to win outright. Each of the Jets’ last three losses came by just single goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (+115) with both teams starting their No. 1 goaltender. Vegas is clinging to top spot in the Pacific Division, while Winnipeg is fighting for a Western Conference wild-card berth. Expect a playoff atmosphere. Both teams have been favoring the Under of late, as well. The Jets went 2-7-1 against the O/U across their last 10 games. The Knights went 4-5-1.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 271-253

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]

Chicago Blackhawks at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

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

The Chicago Blackhawks (31-28-8) shoot for a fifth straight win Friday as they visit the Detroit Red Wings (15-48-5), who have lost six in a row, at Little Caesars Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blackhawks-Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blackhawks at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Malcolm Subban vs. Jimmy Howard

Subban’s expected to make his first start with the Blackhawks. He made a brief appearance Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, but didn’t face a shot in 1:10 of action. He was 9-7-3 with a .890 save percentage and 3.17 goals against average across 19 starts and one relief appearance with the Vegas Golden Knights prior to the trade deadline.

Howard remains without a win since Oct. 29, a stretch of 20 starts. The 35-year-old owns a 2-23-2 record with a .882 SV% and 4.20 GAA for the season.

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

Blackhawks at Red Wings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Red Wings 4, Blackhawks 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Blackhawks (-176) played Thursday and dealt the playoff-bound Edmonton Oilers a serious blow with a 4-3 win for their fourth straight victory. Starter Corey Crawford was in net for each of those and Subban will make his debut looking to improve on what has been a bad season with the superior Golden Knights. The ‘Hawks have won five in a row just once this season. They’re 16-15-4 on the road.

The RED WINGS (+145) don’t inspire confidence, especially with Howard in net, but there is value Friday at home against a tired opponent starting a shaky backup ‘tender. The Blackhawks earned a 4-2 victory in Chicago Jan. 5 in the season’s first head-to-head clash, but side with the Wings to pull even in the Original Six series.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Red Wings to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $14.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The RED WINGS (+1.5, -182) can also be played with 1 goal of insurance in the event of a loss on the spread. Chicago (-1.5, +150) won only two of its last four games by 2 or more goals. The Wings have been playing oddly tight games, losing each of their last two contests by single tallies, with the first of those going to a shootout.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-154) is the easy play, so look to the alternate line of OVER 6.5 (+135) in regular time. The Blackhawks are 6-4-0 against the O/U across their last 10 games and the Red Wings are 3-5-2 against the projected totals. Both goalies will show a fair amount of rust after long breaks between starts.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 269-249

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]

St. Louis Blues at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s St. Louis Blues at New Jersey Devils sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The St. Louis Blues (40-17-10) continue their road trip against the New Jersey Devils (26-28-12) Friday at Prudential Center at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blues-Devils sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blues at Devils: Projected starting goalies

Jake Allen vs. Mackenzie Blackwood

Allen has a stellar 10-6-3 record, 2.31 goals against average and .922 save percentage overall this season. He is likely to start, giving All-Star Jordan Binnington a breather. Binnington has posted a solid 30-11-7 record, 2.56 GAA and .911 SV% in his 48 starts overall.

Blackwood has a solid 21-13-8 record, 2.71 GAA and .916 SV% in 45 appearances (41 starts), which is definitely impressive considering how New Jersey has struggled overall. He has been amazing since the All-Star break, going 7-1-2 with a 1.95 GAA and .947 SV% with two of his three shutouts.

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

Blues at Devils: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 4:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 4, Devils 1

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-189) are a bit expensive on the moneyline, but they’re a slam-dunk play. St. Louis has dominated this series in recent seasons, posting 16 wins in the past 21 meetings, including five straight victories in Newark, N.J. The favorite is 13-3 in the previous 16 meetings overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues to win returns a profit of $5.29 while a $10 wager on the Devils (+155) results in a profit of $15.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +150) are a better bet against the spread, as they have just dominated this series against the Devils (+1.5, -182) in recent seasons.

Over/Under (O/U)

A small-unit wager on the UNDER 5.5 (-110) is warranted, as the Under is 4-0-1 in the past five meetings in Newark, and 4-1 in the past five battles overall. The Under is 6-3 in the past nine games for the Blues, too, including their 3-0 win over the Devils on Feb. 18.

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]

Toronto Maple Leafs at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Los Angeles Kings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (35-24-8) continue their road trip through SoCal against the Los Angeles Kings (25-35-6) Thursday at Staples Center at 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Kings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Kings: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Jonathan Quick

Andersen has rolled up a 28-13-6 record, 2.96 goals against average and .906 save percentage across his 50 starts so far this season. Jack Campbell, the former Kings goalie, was roughed up in San Jose last time out, so the All-Star will get the nod Thursday. Andersen allowed just one goal on 25 shots in a 3-1 win against the Kings in the first meeting, Nov. 5.

Quick was on the opposite side of the 3-1 loss in Toronto, making 20 saves on 23 shots. He is 14-22-4 with a 2.91 GAA and .901 SV%. He has picked up wins in three of his past four outings, going 3-0-1 since Feb. 9.

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

Maple Leafs at Kings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Kings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Maple Leafs (-182) are heavy favorites on the road, and a little too rich for my blood, especially since they’re just 1-4 in their past five as a road favorite and 1-4 in their past five trips to LA. AVOID a ML play.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Maple Leafs ML returns a profit of $5.50 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Kings (+150) results in a profit of $15.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +145) are worth a small-unit play at this price, although they might need a late empty-net goal to get over the hump. The Kings (+1.5, -176) are not worth the risk on the flip side.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-139) is a solid play, although the juice is a little high for my liking. Still, the Under is 10-4-1 in the past 15 meetings in this series, including the first battle in Toronto, and 6-2 in the previous eight contests at Staples 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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and best bets

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

The Pittsburgh Penguins (38-21-6) hit the road again, taking on the Buffalo Sabres (29-29-8) Thursday at KeyBank Center at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Sabres sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Carter Hutton

Murray has been making inroads toward wrestling back the starting job from All-Star Tristan Jarry, who has been struggling. Jarry was 16-8-1 with a 2.16 goals against average and .929 save percentage with three shutouts before the All-Star break, but he is 4-3-0 with a 2.86 GAA and .907 SV% since. Murray is 3-4-1 with a 2.89 GAA and .898 SV% since the break, so they’re running neck and neck right now.

Hutton has been super streaky this season with a 12-13-4 record, 3.18 GAA and .898 SV% through 29 starts and a relief appearance. He is 2-0-0 with a 1.50 GAA and .958 SV% in his two starts against the Pens this season.

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

Penguins at Sabres: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Sabres 4, Penguins 3

Moneyline (ML)

The SABRES (+135) are a solid value, based on Hutton’s splits against the Penguins (-167) this season. Plus, the Pens have dropped five in a row away from the Steel City and they have won just once in their past seven games overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Sabres ML returns a profit of $13.50 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Penguins ML results in a profit of $6.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Sabres (+1.5, -200) are a bit expensive if you aren’t feeling Buffalo on the moneyline but want a little insurance. Typically I am not a fan of risking twice my potential return, so just bet the moneyline. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-143) is a little too much juice for my liking, but this is the play. The Over is 4-1-1 in the past six for the Pens against Eastern Conference foes, while going 3-1-1 in the past six against Atlantic Division foes. The Over is 4-0 in Buffalo’s past four against the East and 9-4 in the past 13 against Metropolitan Division opponents.

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 York Islanders at Ottawa Senators odds, picks and best bets

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

The New York Islanders (35-22-8) face the Ottawa Senators (23-32-12) Thursday at Canadian Tire Centre as Jean-Gabriel Pageau returns to Canada’s capital city for the first time since being dealt at the trade deadline. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Senators sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Senators: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Craig Anderson

Varlamov has struggled of late with 10 goals allowed on 72 shots across his last three appearances. He has slipped to 19-13-5 with a .916 save percentage and 2.56 goals against average through 37 starts and six relief appearances.

Anderson has dropped three starts in a row, including Tuesday’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in which he was torched for seven goals on 35 shots. The veteran is 9-16-2 with a .897 SV% and 3.35 GAA through 28 starts and three relief appearances as he seemingly wraps up his career.

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

Islanders at Senators: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 10:23 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 6, Sens 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Senators (+135) are soon to be the second or third team to be officially eliminated from playoff contention, while the ISLANDERS (-162) hold an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. The Isles have lost four in a row, including losing two in a row at home by margins of four goals. The Sens will be the perfect remedy, especially with a spirited effort from Pageau on tap. Back the visitors to win outright.

New York leads the season series 2-0 with wins by counts of 4-2 and 4-1 in the fall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $6.20.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, +170) should also be backed to win by at least 2 goals on the puck line with greater profit potential. New York is 17-14 ATS on the road, while Ottawa is 19-17 ATS at home. The Sens took a 7-3 loss against the Penguins Tuesday, and while the Isles are stuck in a poor 2-6-2 stretch, their last five wins were all by margins of 2 or more goals. There’s no reason to believe in a Sens team headed to the draft lottery.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-125) is the only way to go Thursday. Both goalies have been struggling and the Islanders could very well take care of the 6-goal total on their own. The Islanders are just 2-8 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games, but that’s largely been due to offensive struggles. They’ll pick up the slack against Anderson and the Sens, as they try to retain their playoff positioning.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 269-249

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]

Washington Capitals at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Washington Capitals at New York Rangers sports betting odds, picks and best bets

The Washington Capitals (40-20-6) take on the New York Rangers (35-27-4) at Madison Square Garden on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Capitals-Rangers sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Capitals at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Ilya Samsonov vs. Henrik Lundqvist

The rookie Samsonov is confirmed to start at Madison Square Garden, putting his 16-6-1 records, 2.40 goals against average and .917 save percentage on the line. This will be his first career matchup against the Blueshirts.

King Henrik is projected to make the start after Alexandar Georgiev made the start last time out. Lundqvist is 10-12-3 with a 3.19 GAA and .904 SV% across his 26 starts and 29 appearances. He is 1-1-0 with a 2.54 GAA And .922 SV% in his two assignments against the Caps this season.

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

Capitals at Rangers: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Capitals 3, Rangers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS (-143) are a solid play on the road against the Rangers (+120), even though they just played yesterday. Plus, the Caps are 6-2 in their past eight games in the second end of a back-to-back situation. The Rangers have been hot, going 9-4 in the past 13, but they’re also 7-19 in the past 26 against teams with a winning percentage over .600.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Caps to grab the road win returns a profit of $7.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line isn’t a great play, even though the Capitals (-1.5, +170) are awfully tempting at this price. If you were to play a small-unit bet, the Caps are definitely the way to go as opposed to the Rangers (+1.5, -209). The best play is to AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-154) is a slam-dunk play even though the Caps games have been going Over the projected total recently. The Over is 4-1 in Washington’s past five, although the Under is 5-1 in their past six on the road. The Under is also 5-1 in the past six at MSG for the Rangers. The Under is also 5-1-1 in the past seven meetings in New York.

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]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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