Ottawa Senators at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Ottawa Senators at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Ottawa Senators (23-31-12) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (37-21-6) Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Senators-Penguins sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Senators at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Craig Anderson vs. Matt Murray

Anderson has suffered back-to-back regulation losses in which he allowed a total of six goals on 70 shots. The veteran is 9-15-2 through 27 starts and three relief appearances with a .901 save percentage and 3.21 goals against average.

Murray took three straight losses on the road to end February. He has slipped to 17-10-5 on the season with a .900 SV% and 2.85 GAA through 34 starts while splitting time with Tristan Jarry.


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Senators at Penguins: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Penguins 5, Senators 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Penguins (-304) have uncharacteristically lost six straight games, including being shut out twice and an 0-4 road trip. They most recently took a 5-0 loss against the lowly San Jose Sharks Saturday. Still, they’re third in the Metropolitan Division and headed for the postseason, as they return home to where they’re 22-6-4 on the season.

The Senators (+240) have won a rare two straight games, but it shouldn’t inspire any false confidence. They had to go to a shootout to earn a 4-3 win over the cellar-dwelling Detroit Red Wings Saturday. The Sens, just 6-18-6 on the road, won’t be upsetting the Penguins. PASS and look to the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of just $3.29. It’s too chalky.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Penguins beat the Sens 5-2 Dec. 30 in Pittsburgh in the season’s first head-to-head clash. Back the PENGUINS (-1.5, -121) to win by at least 2 goals in the second showdown. The Pens are just 14-18 ATS at home, while the Sens are 15-15 ATS on the road, but the Penguins are the better hockey team in every area. Expect a motivated Penguins team in its return home.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 6.5 (+135) for the total in regular time on an alternate line. There just isn’t enough value in the base projection of 5.5 total goals with the Over paying out at just -154. A similar result to the season’s first meeting is what we’re expecting Tuesday.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 262-245

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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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Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Kings at Golden Knights NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Los Angeles Kings (24-35-6) hit the road to take on the Vegas Golden Knights (36-22-8) Sunday at T-Mobile Arena at 10:30 p.m. ET (on NBCSN). We analyze the Kings-Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Kings at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Cal Petersen vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Petersen is expected to draw the start after Jonathan Quick posted an overtime win in Saturday’s matinee action against the New Jersey Devils at Staples Center. Petersen is 2-3-0 with a 3.02 goals-against average and .913 save percentage in his five starts to date.

Fleury is 26-14-5 with a 2.73 GAA and .908 SV% in his 46 appearances (45 starts) to date. He is expected to get the nod after Robin Lehner made his team debut and stopped 32 of the 34 shots he faced against the Sabres in a win Friday.


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Kings at Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 5, Kings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Golden Knights (-334) are heavily favored against the Kings (+260), and rightly so. Yes, L.A. won 2-1 in overtime on Saturday, but it was against the lowly Devils. A road trip, albeit a short one, against a Western Conference contender on the second end of a back-to-back is a recipe for disaster for the young Kings. Still, you can’t bet Vegas at this price. Look to the puck line. AVOID.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Golden Knights returns a profit of $3 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Kings results in a profit of $26 if the home team prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-1.5, -115) are a much better play on the puck line, although you’ll still have to eat a little chalk. Vegas has won eight in a row and covered the puck line in four of the past five.

Over/Under (O/U)

The trends go in both directions for these teams. The under dominates the trends for the Kings, but the OVER 5.5 (-139) is the play here. The over is 3-1-1 in the past five for Vegas, and 9-4-1 in the past 14 at home. The over is also 4-0 in the past four meetings in this series, and the Vegas offense should have its way against the Kings backup netminder.

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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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Vancouver Canucks at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Vancouver Canucks at Columbus Blue Jackets sports betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Vancouver Canucks (34-24-6) are back in action against the Columbus Blue Jackets (31-21-14) Sunday at Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m. ET (on ESPN+). We analyze the Canucks-Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Canucks at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Louis Domingue vs. Joonas Korpisalo

The Canucks traded for Domingue last week at the deadline due to a knee injury to Jacob Markstrom, as someone with an NHL pedigree was needed to back up Thatcher Demko. Domingue is expected to get his first chance in a Canucks sweater in the second end of a back-to-back. He is 3-8-2 on the season with a .882 save percentage and 3.79 goals against average.

Korpisalo has posted an 18-11-4 record, 2.56 goals-against average and .911 save percentage and two shutouts, but he has been slow to acclimate since returning from injury. He’ll get a chance to face a Canucks team limping in after a 4-2 loss at Toronto last night.


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Canucks at Blue Jackets: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Canucks 3, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline (ML)

The CANUCKS (+115) is worth a look in the second end of their back-to-back situation, as they face a banged-up Blue Jackets (-139) team missing All-Star Seth Jones (ankle) and leading scorer Oliver Bjorkstrand (lower body). The road team is 9-1 in the past 10 meetings in this series, with the Canucks 19-7 in the past 26 meetings, including 5-0 in their past five in Columbus.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Canucks +115 returns a profit of $11.50 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Canucks (+1.5, -239) aren’t worth a look at this price. Just take them on the moneyline if you like Vancouver. The Blue Jackets (-1.5, +190) are too banged up to trust, even at home, and against a goaltender likely making his team debut.

PASS ON THE PUCK LINE.

Over/Under (O/U)

Go lightly on the UNDER 5.5 (+105) at plus-money. The under is 9-2 in the past 11 meetings in Columbus. The Canucks are also in the third game in four days, and the under is 4-0 in the past four 3-in-4 situations. They’re also in their fourth game in six days, and the under is 3-0-1 in the past 4-in-6 situations. Look for the Under here, too, since the Jackets are banged up and the Canucks are on the second game in as many days with tired legs at the end of a lengthy road trip.

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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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Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Pittsburgh Penguins (37-20-6) wrap up what has been a forgettable road trip against the San Jose Sharks (27-33-4) Saturday at SAP Center at 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Sharks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Sharks: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry vs. Martin Jones

The All-Star Jarry is expected back in the crease. He has a 20-10-1 record, while sporting 2.23 goals against average and .927 save percentage across 29 starts and 31 appearances overall. He made the start in the first meeting in the Steel City on Jan. 2, falling to the Sharks 3-2 in overtime while making 29 saves.

While Aaron Dell won that OT game in Pittsburgh, Jones is confirmed to start in this one. He is 15-19-2 with a 3.08 GAA and .894 SV% in 36 starts and 37 appearances. Jones has been solid since the All-Star break, going 2-3-0 with a 2.22 GAA and .920 SV% with one shutout in his five starts.


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Penguins at Sharks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 3, Sharks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-167) aren’t really going to go 0-for-3 on their California road trip against non-contenders, are they? Pittsburgh have dropped five in a row, getting outscored 19-8, and they have lost four in a row overall. The Sharks (+135) should be the elixir to cure their ills, or else Pittsburgh fans are really going to start wringing their hands. Keep in mind that the Pens are 1-4 in the past five meetings, and 4-13 in the past 17 trips to San Jose, so go lightly.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins ML returns a profit of $6 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Sharks (+135) results in a profit of $13.50 if the home team prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Penguins (-1.5, +165) are tempting at this price, as you have to figure they’re going to break out offensively. Why not against a non-contender? But just the same, they scuffled against Los Angeles and Anaheim in a similar situation. The Pens simply cannot be trusted against the Sharks (+1.5, -200). AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

Go lightly on the UNDER 5.5 (+120), perhaps in a small parlay with the Pens on the moneyline. The under is 12-4-1 in the past 17 meetings in this series, and 4-1-1 in the past six battles in the Bay Area.

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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.


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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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Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Colorado Avalanche (38-18-7) continues their road trip against the Nashville Predators (32-23-8) Saturday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 7 p.m. ET; you can catch this game on ESPN+. We analyze the Avalanche-Predators sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Avalanche at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Michael Hutchinson vs. Pekka Rinne

The Avalanche made a trade for Hutchinson at the trade deadline last week, and he is likely to get his first start for Colorado after the team just played in Raleigh Friday night. Hutchinson posted a 4-9-1 record, 3.66 goals against average and .886 save percentage in Toronto.

Rinne is expected to patrol the crease. He is 18-13-4 record, 3.00 GAA and .900 SV% this season. In Rinne’s only appearance against the Avs, he coughed up five goals on 22 shots before getting pulled early in the second period on Nov. 7 in a 9-4 loss.


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Avalanche at Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Predators 4, Avalanche 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-139) gets the Avalanche (+115) in a favorable position, as Colorado will be playing in a back-to-back situation as their road trip continues. The Avalanche have won five in a row, and seven straight on the road, but they’ll run out of gas here. The Preds are 5-1 in their past six at home, and 4-1 in the past five against winning teams, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Predators ML returns a profit of $7.20 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Avalanche ML results in a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PREDATORS (-1.5, +195) are worth a small-unit play at nearly double a return, especially if Hutchinson is in the crease for his team debut. He has been very giving so far this season. The Avs are just 3-7 in their past 10 trips to the Music City, too, and 5-16 in the previous 21 meetings overall.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-106) is the play here, going an impressive 15-6-1 in the past 22 meetings in Nashville. While the under is 6-0 in Colorado’s past six on the road, and 5-2 in Nashville’s past seven at home, Hutchinson is very giving and Rinne hasn’t been himself this season. The over is worth a small-unit play.

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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Boston Bruins at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Boston Bruins at New York Islanders matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Boston Bruins (40-13-12) tangle with the New York Islanders (35-20-8) Saturday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Colisum in Uniondale, N.Y. at 1 p.m. ET. We analyze the Bruins-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Bruins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Semyon Varlamov

Rask steps into the crease looking to redeem himself after a loss last time out against the Flames, his first on home ice. The last time he faced the Islanders on the road, he picked up a 3-2 overtime win, making 35 saves. He also lost in a shootout at home on Dec. 19 to the Isles.

Varlamov puts his 19-12-5 record, 2.51 goals against average and .918 save percentage on the line against the B’s. He has actually been better on the road than at home. He beat the B’s in Boston on Dec. 19, making 27 saves in that shootout win, but dropped an OT game Jan. 11 despite 30 saves on 33 shots.


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Bruins 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 5:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-143) are a good play on the road against the Islanders (+120), who are short dogs at home in matinee action. The road team is 19-7 in the past 26 in this series, with the B’s owning the Islanders in their barn, going 17-4 in the past 21 trips to the Island. They’re also 30-11 in the past 41 meetings overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bruins ML returns a profit of $7 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Islanders ML results in a profit of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Bruins (-1.5, +190) are awfully tempting at this price, although they’ve been a little shaky lately. Yes, they have dominated the Islanders (+1.5, -239) over a lengthy period, but either team winning by two or more goals seems remote. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-129) is the play here, going 4-0-1 in the previous five meetings in this series. The under is also 3-1-2 in the past six battles on the Island. The goaltending is very good on both sides, so goals should be at a premium.

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

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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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Pittsburgh Penguins at Anaheim Ducks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Anaheim Ducks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins (37-19-6) continue their road trip with a date against the Anaheim Ducks (25-30-8) Friday at Honda Center at 10 p.m. ET (on ESPN+). We analyze the Penguins-Ducks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Ducks: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. John Gibson

Murray should get the call after All-Star Tristan Jarry started and lost in Los Angeles Wednesday. Murray is 17-9-5 with a 2.84 goals against average and .901 save percentage in 33 starts. While his only shutout of the season came on the road, he has a 3.08 GAA away from home as opposed to a 2.55 GAA in the Steel City. Murray allowed just one goal on 32 shots in a 2-1 home win over the Ducks in the first meeting Oct. 10.

Gibson has posted an 18-24-5 record, 3.01 GAA and .903 SV%. He allowed two goals on 28 shots in that Oct. 10 loss at Pittsburgh. Gibson is a respectable 11-11-2 with a 2.85 GAA and .905 SV% in 24 starts on ‘The Pond’ this season.


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Penguins at Ducks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Ducks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Penguins (-189) were dumped in Los Angeles as a -196 favorite Wednesday, showing why it is always risky to lay more than -180 on any single game. Nothing is a sure thing, and there is no sense risking nearly two times your potential return. AVOID a ML play in this one.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins ML returns a profit of $5.29 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Ducks (+155) results in a profit of $15.50 if the home team prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS (-1.5, +140) are more attractive on the puck line. Yes, they won the first meeting 2-1, and they were dropped in L.A. two nights ago, but the Ducks (+1.5, -167) are a mish-mash of AHL and NHL players, having been sellers at the deadline. They’ll simply be playing out the string. Don’t expect the Pens to lose two in a row against pretenders.

Over/Under (O/U)

Go lightly on the OVER 5.5 (-125). It’s hard to imagine the high-octane Pittsburgh offense getting shut down twice in three nights. The Over is also 5-2 in Ducks’ past seven games overall, and 6-2 in the past eight against winning teams. Look for the Pens offense to come alive against them. The Over is 4-1 in the past five skates on The Pond between these two clubs.

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

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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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Colorado Avalanche at Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Colorado Avalanche at Carolina Hurricanes sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche (37-18-7) continue their road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes (35-23-4) Friday at PNC Arena at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Avalanche-Hurricanes sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Avalanche at Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies

Pavel Francouz vs. Anton Forsberg

Francouz has been tremendous since stepping up in place of the injured Philipp Grubauer, and the rookie has a 17-5-3 record, 2.26 goals against average and .927 save percentage for the season. He’ll be looking to help the Avs to a revenge win over the Canes after Carolina won 3-1 Dec. 19 in Denver.

Forsberg has yet to appear in a game this season for the Hurricanes. He went 10-16-4 across 30 starts and five relief appearances with the Chicago Blackhawks last year, posting a .908 SV% and 2.97 GAA.


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Avalanche at Hurricanes: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Avalanche 3, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The AVALANCHE (-106) are slight dogs on the road, but they’re a good play against the banged-up Hurricanes (-115). Carolina is experiencing adversity in the form of injuries, and it will be interesting to see if the Canes have a little pride Friday night at PNC.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Avalanche ML returns a profit of $9.50 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Hurricanes ML results in a profit of $8.70.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This one should be a nip and tuck game, as the Avalanche (+1.5, -278) are grinding out a road trip and might have some tired legs, and the Hurricanes (-1.5, +225) are a little desperate at the moment. Look for a lot of tight-checking. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+115) at plus-money is worth a roll of the dice. The Under has cashed in 10 of the past 11 games overall for Colorado, including each of its last five road outings. The Under is 6-1 in the Avs’ past seven against the Eastern Conference, too. The Over is 9-3 in Carolina’s past 12 overall, and 5-1 in its past six at home; however, look for the Canes to circle the wagons and give a spirited defensive effort in this one in front of a fourth-string goaltender.

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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Minnesota Wild at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

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

The Columbus Blue Jackets (31-20-14) host the Minnesota Wild (31-25-7) Friday at Nationwide Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop, as they try to stick around in the Metropolitan Division playoff race. You can catch this game on ESPN+. We analyze the Capitals-Jets sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Wild at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Devan Dubnyk vs. Joonas Korpisalo

Dubnyk is coming off a loss to the St. Louis Blues Sunday in which he allowed four goals on 26 shots. He is 11-15-2 on the season with a .892 save percentage and 3.34 goals against average.

Korpisalo comes into Friday at 18-10-4 through 31 starts and two relief appearances. He has a .914 save percentage and 2.48 goals against average. He returned to the net Monday to stop 14 of 15 shots in a win over the Ottawa Senators in his first start in nearly two months.


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Wild at Blue Jackets: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Blue Jackets 3, Wild 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Wild (+105) are coming off back-to-back wins, including a 7-1 drubbing of the lowly Detroit Red Wings Thursday with backup G Alex Stalock in net. There is reason for concern since they exhausted their goal-scoring efforts heading into Nationwide Arena to face a much tougher BLUE JACKETS (-129) squad. Columbus is just 1-4-5 over its last 10 games, but four of its last five outings went to overtime or a shootout before a 5-4 regulation loss to these Wild Tuesday in the first half of the home-and-home.

Side with the better goaltender and take the Jackets to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout for a $7.50 profit on a $10 bet. No team has more extra-time losses than Columbus this season. It’s a luck-based trend that needs to be bucked.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get better value by backing the BLUE JACKETS (-1.5, +220) to win by at least 2 goals at home against a tired opponent with a lackluster goaltender. The Jackets dropped the first head-to-head meeting 5-4 with third-stringer Matiss Kivlenieks between the pipes. Korpisalo will turn the tides.

Over/Under (O/U)

Play the UNDER 5.5 (-115) after Minnesota’s goal eruption Thursday. The Red Wings aren’t a good comparison and do little to help measure a team’s success. The Jackets are 7-3 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games while the Wild are 5-5 across the same stretch. Korpisalo has allowed just one or two goals in each of his last five outings dating back to mid-December.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 258-241

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

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