Tag: Hockey Bets

San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesdays Sharks at Blackhawks NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The San Jose Sharks (29-35-5) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (31-30-8) in a Wednesday-night (8 p.m. ET) contest at the United Center. We analyze the San Jose-Chicago odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Sharks at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Martin Jones vs. Corey Crawford

Jones owns a 3.00 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage through 41 games. The 30-year-old veteran has been solid of late, posting a 2.25 GAA and .918 SV% in nine games since the All-Star break. Jones last appeared in a game on Sunday, allowing the Avalanche four goals on 24 shots in a 4-3 loss in San Jose. He is making his first road start since Feb. 23.

Crawford has recorded a 2.79 GAA and .916 SV% in 39 games this season. Injured the last two seasons, his 40th game tonight will mark his most since 2016-17 (55). Crawford has been sharp since becoming the Blackhawks’ definitive No. 1 netminder after the trade of Robin Lehner to Vegas. He’s carded a .927 SV% over his last 10 games. Crawford has been particularly sharp at home over that stretch (.939 SV% in four games).

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

Sharks at Blackhawks: 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 Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Chicago 3, San Jose 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Blackhawks’ offense disappeared over the team’s last two games (one goal combined) but was solid in a four-game stretch before that (17 goals plus a shootout winner). Some of that drop-off likely comes from fewer power-play opportunities in recent games after getting things going in that department in late February. Enter the Sharks, the fourth-most penalized team in the NHL, and that bodes well for the ‘Hawks leveraging the man advantage.

San Jose has posted better puck-possession and shot-type signals of late, but the Blackhawks are a couple clicks south of their Pythagorean expectation (won-loss record based on goals for and against). Both teams are playing with two days’ rest: Chicago is 9-4 in such situations; the Sharks are 6-11. San Jose is also just 1-5 when opening a road trip after a multiple-game home stand.

Will take CHICAGO -167.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 bet on the Blackhawks would return a profit of $5.99.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

San Jose hasn’t lost by multiple goals since Feb. 25. The erratic Chicago defense has yielded just 25 shots per game over its last three contests; the ‘Hawks allowed 38.5 shots per game over the four games prior.

PASS on the puck line (Chicago -1.5, +165 / San Jose +1.5, -200)

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+115) is worth consideration and is a slight lean here. But Jones is more prone to a shaky four-goal game than most, and just a few games back the Chicago offense was clicking. The price here isn’t quite enough to trigger a play, so check the odds to see if they move in a positive direction.

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]

Boston Bruins at Calgary Flames odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Bruins vs. Flames NHL sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Boston Bruins (38-11-12) visit the Calgary Flames (31-24-6) for a Friday night (9 p.m. ET) tussle on the ice at the Saddledome. We analyze the Bruins-Flames odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Bruins at Flames: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. David Rittich

Rask is the projected starter for what would be his sixth effort in Boston’s last seven games. The veteran netminder owns a 2.04 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage — the latter on pace for a career-best mark. Rask has put up monster numbers in January and February (8-1-1 record, .954 SV). He hasn’t allowed so much as three goals in a game since Dec. 23. Boston’s last game was Wednesday at Edmonton (a 2-1 overtime win); Rask stopped 28-of-29 shots.

Rittich owns a 2.93 GAA and .908 in 43 games this season. His numbers at home have been a couple clicks worse than those figures, and that’s part of a multi-year trend. Rittich’s February has been a dismal one; the 27-year-old has logged a 4.15 GAA and .872 SV. He was pulled in his last start (Saturday versus Chicago) after allowing four goals on 15 shots in 26 minutes.

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

Bruins at Flames: 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 Friday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Boston 4, Calgary 1

Moneyline (ML)

Boston (-154) has won four straight games and 10 of its last 11. Over that stretch, the goaltending has been superior and puck-possession numbers have been strong. The shot percentages — for and against — aren’t sustainable in the long run, and the Bruins overall are a tad too far out over their Pythagorean skis (their record is better than their goals and goals allowed would figure). But this is a top-shelf team with a good goalie going strong. Going against Boston would be unwise.

The straight-up price, however, doesn’t offer enough value and thus I’ll PASS ON THE MONEYLINE and look to the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bruins to win would return a profit of $6.49.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

During their 10-of-11 run, the Bruins have won six games by multiple goals. Boston is in a fight for home ice throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs, and a letdown seems unlikely. A club that is 5-1 over its last six games in a different time zone facing a Calgary squad that’s gone 1-4-1 over its last six at home is worth a puck-line play if we can get more than +165 in return.

BOSTON -1.5 (+180) is a solid play.

Over/Under (O/U)

Calgary has played in six straight overs; Boston has played in five consecutive unders. The under is a slight lean here, but the Under 5.5 (+100) has the risk/reward factor well blanketed. PASS.

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]

Midseason 2019-20 Eastern Conference future odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing the NHL futures odds for the 2019-20 Eastern Conference Winner, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

We have looked at the NHL future odds to be 2019-20 Stanley Cup champions, but who are the contenders to make it to the Stanley Cup Final as Eastern Conference winners? We assess the midseason NHL future odds and make our best bets to be the 2019-20 Eastern Conference champion.

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Monday at 11:20 p.m. ET.

2019-20 Eastern Conference favorites

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) celebrates a goal. (Photo Credit: Brad Mills – USA TODAY Sports)

Pittsburgh Penguins (+550)

The Penguins are +1100 to lift the Stanley Cup in mid-June and have exactly half those adds to win the Prince of Wales Trophy as Eastern Conference champs. Through 52 games, they’re second in the Metropolitan Division and just four points back of the Washington Capitals (+450) with a game in hand.

They’ve overcome injuries to C Sidney Crosby and RW Patric Hornqvist, and while LW Jake Guentzel is sidelined for the remainder of the season, they’re plenty deep enough. Four other players have at least 30 points on the season and Crosby isn’t even included in that group (29 points in 24 games). Backup G Tristan Jarry has emerged from nowhere to form one of the league’s top goaltending tandems alongside two-time Cup-winner Matt Murray. The Pens are well equipped for injuries, giving them an edge over the other top favorites.

Toronto Maple Leafs (+900)

With two teams from each of the Atlantic and Metropolitan divisions having odds of +550 or lower to win the conference, the Leafs are an adequate value as they are battling Florida for the Atlantic’s third seed. Backup G Michael Hutchinson has improved as the season has gone on and is finally able to reliably spell starter Frederik Andersen and give him some much need rest down the stretch run.

Toronto has four players with at least 40 points on the season. D Tyson Barrie has added 30 points, while RW Kasperi Kapanen (10) and C Zach Hyman (14) are among the six players on the team with at least 10 goals. Sending Andersen into the postseason with enough rest has been an issue for the Leafs the last few seasons. If they’re able to address that this time, either with Hutchinson or a trade-deadline acquisition, the Maple Leafs could rely on an offense able to challenge anyone in the conference.

Place a sports bet on the 2019-20 Eastern Conference winner or other NHL games at BetMGM.

2019-20 Eastern Conference longshot

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart could be one of the more rested goalies in the league come playoffs. (Photo Credit: Perry Nelson – USA TODAY Sports)

Philadelphia Flyers (+1800)

At +3500 to win the Stanley Cup, the Flyers are getting better than half those odds at +1800 to emerge from the Eastern Conference. The midseason injury to Carter Hart could prove beneficial in the long run as he’ll head into the home stretch rested, while backups Brian Elliott and Alex Lyon have kept the team in contention in the Metro Division.

Note: Not all teams included as picks to win the Stanley Cup are mentioned here. The odds need to be taken into consideration and we’re looking only for the best values. The Tampa Bay Lightning are a better pick to win it all at +800 than they are to win the Eastern Conference at +400.

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]

Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Blue Jackets at Kings NHL betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (19-15-8) drop the puck on a four-game West Coast swing with a 10:30 p.m. ET tilt against the Los Angeles Kings (17-22-4) at Staples Center.

We analyze the Jackets-Kings odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blue Jackets at Kings: Projected starting goalies

Elvis Merzlikins vs. Jonathan Quick

Merzlikins continues on as the Blue Jackets’ No. 1 goaltender while Joonas Korpisalo recovers from Dec. 31 surgery to repair a torn meniscus, which is expected to keep him out 4-6 weeks. Merzlikins — a 25-year-old rookie — is this far 2-1 in Korpisalo’s stead, logging a .945 save percentage in three starts. For the season, the 2014 third-rounder has logged a 2.94 GAA and .904 SV%.

Quick owns a 3.05 GAA and .894 SV% on the season. He’s been undone a bit by a low save rate on the PK. Quick hasn’t been in a game since Dec. 31; he has very good numbers this season when resting four days or more between appearances. The 33-year-old netminder has registered a nifty .920 SV% over his last five starts at home.

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

Blue Jackets at Kings: 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 Monday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Los Angeles 3, Columbus 2

Moneyline (ML)

Columbus is 4-8-3 against Western Conference foes this season. Yes, this particular opponent ranks last in the West with just 38 points through 43 games, but the Kings have exhibited some positive puck-possession trends of late and are a bit undervalued in general. The exchange of shots and quality looks has Columbus trending the other way.

Look for more from Quick in this one. Take LOS ANGELES (-110), although Monday-morning price fluctuations would suggest waiting for a better price.

New to sports betting? To make a $10 profit on the Kings to win straight up, one must bet $11.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Columbus plays a large percentage of one-goal games and is 14-5 against the puck line on the road. With Los Angeles at +1.5, -286, I will PASS on this one with the value so low.

Over/under (O/U)

The Jackets have played in six straight unders, and the under has prevailed in six of the Kings’ last seven home games. Expected-goal stats for both sides would indicate better days ahead for both goal scorers and netminders. The Jackets and Kings rank 29th and 30th, respectively, in 5-on-5 shooting percentage. Expect those figures to regress upward. Still, there are mixed signals in analyzing the game flow here. Will pass on the over 5.5 (+105)/under 5.5 (-125).

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]