Tag: NHL Bet of the Day

Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Washington Capitals (24-5-5) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (12-14-6) Monday at Nationwide Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Capitals-Blue Jackets odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Capitals won at the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 Saturday behind a four-goal third period, improving to 15-2-1 on the road.

The Blue Jackets rallied with two goals in the third period Saturday only to lose 4-3 in overtime at the Ottawa Senators.

Capitals at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Joonas Korpisalo

Holtby is 16-3-4 with a 2.80 goals against average (GAA) and a .911 save percentage. The 2016 Vezina Trophy winner has won five of his last six starts, including a 3-2 home win vs. the Boston Bruins last Wednesday when he stopped 30 of 32 shots.

Korpisalo is 12-10-3 with a 2.73 GAA and a .906 SV%. He’s 2-3-1 in his last six starts after recording four straight wins. He relieved backup Elvis Merzlikins to start the second period in the OT loss at Ottawa, allowing two goals on 19 shots.

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

Capitals at Blue Jackets: Key injuries

Blue Jackets

  • RW Josh Anderson (upper body) questionable
  • C Emil Bemstrom (upper body) out
  • LW Sonny Milano (concussion) questionable
  • D Ryan Murray (upper body) questionable
  • D Zach Werenski (shoulder) out

Capitals at Blue Jackets: 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 3:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 4, Blue Jackets 1

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS -154 are the STRONGEST PLAY as they’ll be looking to avenge last Monday’s 5-2 home loss to these same Blue Jackets (+125). Columbus only has one win its last seven games and stunningly it was that upset at Washington – as a +199 underdog. Cam Atkinson scored twice and Korpisalo stopped 37 of 39 shots for the Blue Jackets, who snapped a Capitals’ six-game winning streak.

New to sports betting? Every $1.54 wagered on a Washington win would profit a $1 if the Capitals win outright.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Back the CAPITALS (-1.5, +170) here, too. They’re 14-4 vs. the puck line (PL) on the road, including 4-1 vs. the PL in their last five. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets (+1.5, -209) are 5-12 vs. the PL at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

If Holtby and Korpisalo are in net, the UNDER 5.5 (+115) is the way to go. Wait for later in the day in case the line climbs to 6. However, if there’s a goalie change, bet the Over 5.5 (+115). Washington is 22-12 O/U and ranks second in the league with 3.59 goals per game, but is only 10-8 O/U on the road. Columbus is 13-18 O/U overall with 2.47 goals per game, while the defense allows 3.03 goals per game. Plus, the Jackets are 6-11 O/U at home.

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

Johnny’s December record: 9-1-1. Strongest plays: 5-0.

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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Vancouver Canucks at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Vancouver Canucks at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Vegas Golden Knights (17-13-5) host the Vancouver Canucks (16-13-4) Sunday at T-Mobile Arena for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Canucks-Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Canucks at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Jacob Markstrom vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Markstrom is 9-9-3 through 21 starts with a .918 save percentage and 2.55 goals against average. The latter rates would be career bests if they hold up over the season. He took the loss Saturday against the San Jose Sharks but gave up just two goals on 25 shots faced.

Fleury gave up four goals in two of his last three starts coming into Sunday. He is 12-7-2 on the year with a .919 SV% and 2.54 GAA.

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

Canucks at Golden Knights: 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 Sunday at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Canucks 1

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-200) topped the Dallas Stars 3-2 in overtime Friday for just their second win in their last five games. They’re 8-6-3 at home and 6-3-1 over their last 10 games overall. The Canucks (+165) are 8-9-1 as visitors this season and 5-5-0 across their last 10 games. They took a 4-2 loss against the Sharks on Saturday.

The Golden Knights, fourth in the Pacific Division, are the better team overall and have both the rest and home advantages. Back Vegas at higher odds than it should have.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Golden Knights to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $5.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Back a rested GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-1.5, +140) to win by at least 2 goals. Vegas is just 14-21 against the spread overall and 6-11 at home while Vancouver is 18-15 ATS overall and 12-6 on the road, but each of the Canucks’ last two losses were by at least two goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (+105) with both teams hitting the Over in just four of their last 10 games. The Canucks won’t be able to provide enough scoring on the second half of the back-to-back against a rested Fleury.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 125-99

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.

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Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (16-11-3) host the Metropolitan Division-leading Washington Capitals (23-5-5) Saturday at Amalie Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Capitals-Lightning sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Capitals at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Holtby has won five of his last six starts, and he has posted a .917 save percentage with a total of 16 goals allowed over the stretch. He is 16-3-4 on the year with a .911 SV% and 2.80 goals against average.

Vasilevskiy has rung off three straight wins with a total of five goals allowed. He is 13-8-1 on the year with a .910 SV% and 2.78 GAA, but the numbers are starting to correct for the reigning Vezina Trophy winner.

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

Capitals at Lightning: 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 11:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 3, Lightning 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Lightning (-139) enter off of two unconvincing wins over the Florida Panthers (2-1) and Boston Bruins (3-2). The CAPITALS (+115) are slight road underdogs and are a good play at plus-money. They’re 14-2-1 on the road for the year and are coming off a 2-1 victory over the same Bruins Wednesday.

The Caps claimed a 4-3 overtime victory in Washington Nov. 29 in the first meeting of the year between the two sides. Washington is 7-2-1 over its last 10 games while Tampa Bay is 5-4-1.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CAPITALS (+1.5, -227) can also be played on the puck line where they’ll need to either lose by just 1 goal or win outright. It’s a much chalkier pick with a $10 bet returning a profit of $4.40 versus the $11.50 return on the moneyline.

Washington is 18-15 against the puck line overall and 13-4 as the visitor. Tampa Bay is just 12-18 overall and 6-9 at home. Just nine of the Lightning’s 16 victories were by multi-goal margins. The Caps have just four losses by two or more goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 6.5 (-125) in the day’s marquee goaltending matchup. Both teams hit the Over just five times in their last 10 games and both ‘tenders are settling into their career norms after shaky starts to the year. Don’t be surprised if this total drops to 6 or 5.5 closer to game time, so get it early.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 123-98

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.

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New Jersey Devils at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

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

The New Jersey Devils (9-16-5) visit the Colorado Avalanche (20-8-3) Friday at Pepsi Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Devils-Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Devils at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Philipp Grubauer

Blackwood has been charged with three losses in his last five outings and is now 8-9-4 for the season. He has a .902 save percentage and 3.00 goals against average.

Grubauer has won three straight decisions and is 10-5-2 in his first year as the true starter. He has a .914 SV% and 2.76 GAA.

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

Devils at Avalanche: 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 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 6, Devils 2

Moneyline (ML)

The AVALANCHE (-250) are about as safe of a play as we get in hockey and the odds are higher than they should be with a $10 bet returning an adequate profit of $4. The Devils (+200) are second-last in the NHL with just 23 points through 30 games. New Jersey head coach John Hynes was fired earlier this month, and the team has now lost six straight games.

The Avalanche are 9-3-2 at home and coming off a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday. They’ve won seven of their last eight games.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Double down on the hosts and back the AVALANCHE (-1.5, +110) to win by at least 2 goals and receive an $11 profit on a $10 bet. All but two of the Devils’ last six losses were decided by at least two goals as they play the third of a four-game Western Conference swing. Five of Colorado’s last seven wins came by at least a two-goal margin.

The Avs are 20-11 against the spread overall and 8-6 at home. The Devils are just 10-20 ATS overall and 5-9 on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 6.5 (+115) with the very real possibility of the Avs taking care of the 7 goals all on their own. Both teams hit the Over in just four of their last 10 games, but Colorado has scored at least six goals in a game five times this season. We won’t need much from New Jersey.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 118-97

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.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

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

The Dallas Stars (18-11-3) host the Vegas Golden Knights (16-13-5) Friday at American Airlines Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Golden Knights-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Golden Knights at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Malcolm Subban vs. Ben Bishop

Subban picked up his first win of the season Nov. 27 and rung up four in a row before taking overtime and regulation losses in each of his last two outings. He is coming off a home start against the New York Rangers Sunday in which he allowed five goals on just 25 shots.

Bishop has won three straight games with a total of three goals allowed on 99 shots faced. His .934 save percentage matches his league-best number from last season and he has a 2.03 goals against average.

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

Golden Knights 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 9:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Stars (-139) have won three straight and are 12-4-1 at home for the year. The recent, and surprise, firing of head coach Jim Montgomery is sure to take a toll against a quality opponent after they were able to beat the lowly New Jersey Devils 2-0 Tuesday in their first game without him behind the bench. The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (+115) are getting plus-money on the road where they’re 8-7-2 straight up.

The Knights took a 4-2 loss on the road against the St. Louis Blues Thursday and play for the third time in four nights, while the Stars have had three days off. Vegas started strong Thursday with a two-goal first period, and a similar start against a shakier opponent would present a safer lead.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Golden Knights to win outright returns a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The safe play is backing the GOLDEN KNIGHTS (+1.5, -250) to stay within 1 goal in a loss, or to win outright. Vegas has the edge in total shot attempts (Corsi) at 5-on-5, but has suffered from a woeful 6.92 team shooting percentage at full strength which ranks 28th in the NHL. The Knights are too talented up front to stay so unlucky.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (-129). Subban was enjoying his best stretch of the season before his most recent start, and Bishop is locked in for the Stars. Look for the Stars to play a simpler style in the early going under interim coach Rick Bowness.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 118-97

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.

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Nashville Predators at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and best bets

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

The Nashville Predators (14-10-5) visit the Buffalo Sabres (15-11-6) Thursday at KeyBank Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Predators-Sabres sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Predators at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Pekka Rinne vs. Carter Hutton

Rinne enters Thursday with a 10-4-3 record, .897 save percentage and 2.92 goals against average. He last played Saturday, when he allowed four goals on 33 shots faced in a win over the New Jersey Devils.

Hutton is 0-2-3 over his last five games. He last played Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks, when he allowed six goals on just 30 shots faced. He is 6-5-4 on the year with a .901 SV% and 3.05 GAA.

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

Predators at Sabres: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Sabres 4, Predators 3

Moneyline (ML)

The SABRES (+110) have surged into second place in the Atlantic Division, winning back-to-back games with goaltender Linus Ullmark in net. They’re 5-2-3 over their last 10 games and 9-3-3 at home for the year. The Predators (-133) have also won two straight games and are 5-3-2 over their last 10, but they’re just 5-5-1 away from Music City for the year.

Nashville has a plus-5 goal differential on the year to the plus-4 for Buffalo. The Preds have the advantages in Corsi (percentage of total shot attempts), scoring chances and PDO (save percentage plus shooting percentage) at 5-on-5, but take the value with the home underdogs as captain Jack Eichel looks to extend a 14-game point streak.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

There’s NO PLAY to be made on the puck line. The Sabres (+1.5, -233) are laying too much chalk to stay within a goal in a loss or to win outright. The Predators (-1.5, +190) are intriguing at nearly a 2x return. Four of their five road wins on the year were by margins of at least 2 goals, but I’m sticking with Buffalo to win outright.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Sabres to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $11. Backing them to stay within 1 goal in a loss profits just $4.30 on the spread.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 5.5 (-133). The Sabres played to goal totals of 6 or more in four of their last five games and seven of their last 10. The Preds hit the Over in four of their last 10 games, but Hutton poses an easier test for the visiting offense.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 116-97

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.

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Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Ottawa Senators (13-17-1) pay a visit to the rival Montreal Canadiens (14-11-6) Wednesday at Bell Centre for a 7:30 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Senators-Canadiens sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Senators at Canadiens: Projected starting goalies

Anders Nilsson vs. Cayden Primeau

Nilsson is expected to get a run of starts with Craig Anderson (lower body) sidelined by injury. He stopped 38 of 40 shots in a win over the Boston Bruins on Monday. He’s 8-8-1 on the season with a .913 save percentage and 3.03 goals against average.

Primeau is expected to relieve starter Carey Price on the second half of the Canadiens’ back-to-back. The 2017 seventh-round pick allowed three goals on 35 shots and took the loss in his NHL debut against Colorado last Thursday.

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

Senators at Canadiens: 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 1:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Senators 5, Canadiens 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Canadiens (-176) are coming off a 4-1 road win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. The SENATORS (+145) shocked the Bruins 5-2 Monday and enter as the better-rested team. Ottawa claimed a 2-1 overtime victory in the first meeting of the season between the two Atlantic Division opponents, back on Nov. 20 at Montreal.

Montreal is just 7-7-3 on home ice, and while Ottawa is a lowly 5-12-1 on the road, it’s the value play Wednesday against an opponent it knocked off already this season.

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The SENATORS (+1.5, -162) should also be played on the puck line, albeit as a less-rewarding wager with the single goal of insurance in the event of a loss. The Sens are 18-13 ATS overall and 9-9 on the road. The Habs are 16-15 ATS overall but just 6-11 on home ice. We’re betting against the inexperience of Primeau and the tired team in front of him.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams are 5-5 against the O/U across their last 10 games. Take the OVER 6.5 (+110) with the Senators tacking on a few extra goals against the backup goaltender.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 113-94

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.

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Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Capitals (22-5-5) host the Boston Bruins (20-5-6) Wednesday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. It’s a battle of the first-place teams in the Metropolitan and Atlantic Divisions, respectively. We analyze the Bruins-Capitals sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Bruins at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Braden Holtby

Rask is coming off a loss to the Ottawa Senators on Monday in which he allowed three goals on 26 shots faced. It was the third time in his last five starts with at least three goals allowed. He’s 13-3-3 on the season with a .927 save percentage and 2.19 goals against average.

Holtby had a four-game win streak snapped Monday when he allowed four goals on 37 shots against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is 15-3-4 with a .909 SV% and 2.84 GAA.

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

Bruins at Capitals: 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 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 3, Capitals 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Bruins have dropped three in a row for just the second time all season and have been off since Monday’s 5-2 loss against the rival Senators. They’re still 7-2-1 across their last 10 games and are 8-4-1 on the road. The Capitals also lost 5-2 to the Blue Jackets on Monday after winning six straight. They’re 7-2-1 across their last 10 games and have a record of 8-3-4 on home ice.

Take the BRUINS (+105) at plus money. C Patrice Bergeron returned to the lineup Monday and a better result should be expected his second time out. Rask has been the better goalie on the season and the two teams enter with equal rest. Take the value.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bruins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $10.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BRUINS (+1.5, -250) can also be played on the puck line, where they’ll need to stay within a goal in a loss or win outright for a bet to cash. It’s much less rewarding and should only be played in conjunction with the moneyline, but it’s the safer play. Boston is 15-16 ATS overall and 6-7 on the road, while Washington is 18-14 ATS overall but just 5-10 at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (+115) as Wednesday’s most profitable play. The Bruins are 4-6 against the O/U in their last 10 games while the Caps went 6-4 in favor of the higher number. With Bergeron back in the lineup, the Bruins will hope to contain Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 113-94

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.

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Montreal Canadiens at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

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

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The Montreal Canadiens (13-11-6) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (17-9-4) Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Canadiens-Penguins sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Canadiens at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Carey Price vs. Matt Murray

Price has emerged from a poor stretch in which he allowed at least three goals in five of six starts. He has stopped 50 of 53 shots faced in picking up back-to-back wins in his last two outings. He has a .902 save percentage and 3.04 goals against average for the year.

Murray is 10-5-4 on the year with a .897 SV% and 2.85 GAA, but he has just one win in his last eight decisions. He stopped 25 of 28 shots faced against the Detroit Red Wings Saturday.

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

Canadiens at Penguins: 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 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 2, Canadiens 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Canadiens are coming off a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers Friday, but they’re just 2-6-2 across their last 10 games. The Penguins are 6-2-2 across their last 10 outings and have won three straight, including the 5-3 victory over the Red Wings. The previous two wins were shutouts with backup Tristan Jarry in the net.

The PENGUINS (-167) are the smart play with a 12-3-2 home record and plus-22 goal differential on the year. They’ve been largely unaffected by the month-long absence of C Sidney Crosby (core). The Canadiens (+137) are without C Jesperi Kotkaniemi (concussion) and LW Jonathan Drouin (wrist) and depth is a much more significant issue for them.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins to win outright in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $6.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Back the CANADIENS (+1.5, -182) to keep this one close without having to face Crosby. Price is back to proper form and Pittsburgh won’t be able to pull away without a late, empty-net goal.

Montreal is 15-15 against the spread overall but 9-4 on the road. The Pens are 15-15 ATS overall and just 8-9 at home. The Habs will need to stay within one goal in a loss or win outright for a $10 bet to fetch a profit of $5.50.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 6.5 (-139). The Penguins have been forced to adapt to a slower, more defensive style without Crosby, while the Canadiens are without two of their top offensive players. Both teams are 6-4 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games, but this is a marquee goalie battle.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 111-93

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.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

The Columbus Blue Jackets (11-14-4) visit the Washington Capitals (22-4-5) Monday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Capitals odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Blue Jackets lost their fourth in a row Saturday, falling at the Florida Panthers 4-1 in the first game of a four-game road swing.

Meanwhile, the Capitals are on a six-game win streak. C Jakub Vrana scored the winner 1:37 in to the third period to give Washington a 3-2 victory at the Anaheim Ducks on Friday to wrap up a perfect four-game road trip.

Blue Jackets at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Joonas Korpisalo vs. Braden Holtby

Korpisalo is 11-10-1 with a 2.85 goals against average (GAA) and a .900 save percentage. He lost his last two starts, allowing three goals in each contest, and has lost three of his last four.

Holtby is 15-2-4 with a 2.78 GAA and a .910 SV%. The 2016 Vezina Trophy winner is on a four-game win streak, stopping 114 of 124 shots.

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

Blue Jackets at Capitals: Key injuries

Blue Jackets

  • D Zach Werenski (shoulder) out
  • C Emil Bemstrom (upper body) questionable

Capitals

  • C Nicklas Backstrom (upper body) probable

Blue Jackets at Capitals: 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 1:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 6, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Capitals (-239) are not losing this one, but the price is too costly. Every $2.39 wagered on a Washington win would profit only a $1 if the Caps prevail. I can’t advise anyone to bet that kind of chalk – however, I’m going to play it for a few coins. The Blue Jackets are +195, meaning every $1 wagered would profit $1.95 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

If you don’t want to take the risk with their ML, the CAPITALS (-1.5, +115) puck line offers $1.15 for every $1 wagered if they win by two goals or more. Keep in mind that Washington is 5-9 at home on the PL – the Caps’ last two home wins were only by a goal apiece. While Columbus (+1.5, -139) is struggling, it is 7-5 vs. the PL on the road (but 12-17 on the PL overall). Only one of its last four losses was by one goal. Thus, a small lean with the home team.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-154) is the STRONGEST PLAY – if you’re passing on the Capitals ML. Washington is 20-11 O/U and ranks third in the league with 3.61 goals per game. However, Columbus is 11-17 O/U and ranks 30th (out of 31 teams) with 2.45 goals per game. The positive side of this play, the Blue Jackets allow 3.10 goals per game.

Every $1.54 bet on the Over profits $1 if there are 6 or more goals.

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

Johnny’s NHL record: 4-5. Strongest plays: 2-2.

2019 plays (all sports): 226-199-4. Strongest plays: 94-83.

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