Tag: NHL Bets

Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins matchup, with NHL betting odds, analysis and picks.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (42-20-5) visit the Boston Bruins (43-13-12) in a Saturday-night (7 p.m. ET) battle of beasts in the East at TD Garden. We analyze the Lightning-Bruins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Lightning at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Tuukka Rask

Vasilevskiy carded a 32-save shutout against Montreal Thursday (both Tampa Bay and Boston head into Saturday’s tilt after one off day). The Thursday start and the turn prior (Tuesday vs. Boston) combined to mark a bounce-back for the 25-year-old Russian. Over four games from Feb. 20-29, Vasilevskiy had posted a mere .839 save percentage. In the start against the Bruins Tuesday, he stopped 33-of-35 pucks. For the season, he owns a 2.56 goals-against average and .916 SV. He’s 2-1 with a .931 SV against Boston.

Rask started Tuesday’s game at Tampa Bay (his last start) and earned the win, allowing just one goal on 21 shots. He has started all three games against the Lightning and has registered a .920 SV in the process. On the season, Rask has notched a 2.13 GAA and .928 SV in 39 games. Since the All-Star break, the 13-year NHL veteran has logged an 8-3 record alongside a 1.77 GAA and .937 SV. Over his last five start on three days’ rest, Rask has posted a .966 SV.

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

Lightning at Bruins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Saturday at 11:39 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Tampa Bay 3, Boston 2

Moneyline (ML)

The analysis here shakes out as a Lightning lean on Pythagorean comparisons (comparing won-loss record to what is “should be” using goals for and against) and on recent puck-possession analytics. Going against Rask swings the lean back to almost level.

But the price on the visitors is just good enough to make TAMPA BAY +115 a small-confidence play.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

All three previous meetings between the Lightning and Bruins have been decided by one goal. The projected game flow here calls for a one-goal game and an under, but the puck line price — Tampa Bay +1.5 (-250) — isn’t worth the risk. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is a combined 22-11 for these teams when playing in a game lined with a 5.5 total. The average total for Tampa Bay-as-road-dog games is 5.29.

PLAY THE UNDER 5.5 (-115) in this intriguing Saturday-night Atlantic Division tilt.

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]

Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Buffalo Sabres (29-30-8) try to cool off the red-hot Philadelphia Flyers (40-20-7) at Wells Fargo Center Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Sabres-Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Sabres at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton vs. Carter Hart

Hutton is confirmed to start Saturday’s game. He has posted a 12-13-4 record, 3.18 goals against average and .898 save percentage with two shutouts to date. He was drummed in his only meeting against the Fly Guys, allowing six goals on 29 shots in a 6-1 loss in Philadelphia Dec. 19.

Hart is expected to be tabbed for this start, as he has been red-hot lately. He enters play 23-12-3 with a 2.47 GAA and .911 SV% in his 38 starts and 41 appearances overall this season. He won that Dec. 19 game against the Sabres, turning aside 16 of his 17 shots for the easy win. Since the All-Star break he has managed a solid 8-1-0 record, 2.01 GAA and .928 SV%.

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

Sabres at Flyers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Flyers 5, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Flyers (-250) are absolutely on fire lately, rattling off 17 victories across their past 22 outings, while going 20-7 in the past 27 in Philly. They’re also 7-0 in the past seven following a win, while going 26-9 in the past 35 as a home favorite. While the Sabres (+200) are 3-13 in the past 16 in Philly, and 8-20 in the past 28 meetings overall, you cannot risk two-and-a-half times your potential return. Look to the puck line instead. AVOID.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The FLYERS (-1.5, +110) are a much better bet on the puck line, as no one has been able to cool them off lately. Toss in the fact that Hutton coughed up six times in his one and only matchup with Philly, and the home side looks like a great play.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-139) is a solid play in this one, and the Flyers could potentially take care of it all by themselves. The over is 4-0-1 in Buffalo’s past five inside the Eastern Conference, and 4-1-2 in the past seven against winning teams. The over is 9-1-1 in Philly’s past 11 overall, and 3-1-1 in the past five at home.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

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

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

Predators at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Juuse Saros vs. Ben Bishop

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

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

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

Predators at Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Saturday at 10:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Predators 2

Moneyline (ML)

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

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

The Washington Capitals (40-20-7) and Pittsburgh Penguins (39-21-6) tangle at PPG Paints Arena in the Steel City at 1 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Capitals-Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Matt Murray

Holtby is 24-14-5 with a 3.16 goals against average and .896 save percentage. He won his previous start against the Penguins Feb. 23, allowing three goals on 35 shots. Backup Ilya Samsonov, who is 16-6-2 with a 2.55 GAA and .913 SV%, lost his only appearance against the Pens, coughing up four goals on 33 shots, so it’s likely Holtby is tabbed.

Murray has started each of the previous two meetings with the Caps with mixed results. He is 1-1-0 with a 3.53 GAA and .870 SV% in his two outings against Washington, both in D.C. Murray has been much more steady at home, going 10-2-3 with a 2.58 GAA and .918 SV%, as opposed to 9-8-2 with a 3.03 GAA and .883 SV% on the road. All-Star Tristan Jarry is starting to slip, and he has dropped three starts in a row. His GAA is at 2.86 since the All-Star Game, much higher than the 2.16 GAA before the break.

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

Capitals 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 at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-129) are the play, as the Capitals (+105) have really struggled on the road recently. They’re just 1-5 in their past six away from the nation’s capital, while Pittsburgh is a strong 12-5 in its previous 17 against teams with a winning overall record. Yes, the Pens have also struggled recently, winning just two of their past eight overall, but Pittsburgh is also 11-5 in the past 16 battles with the Caps in the Steel City, too.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Penguins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $7.80 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PENGUINS (-1.5, +200) is a tremendous value. While I am picking the home side to win by just one goal, Pittsburgh is worth a small-unit bet with a chance to double your money. Just don’t get carried away.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6.5 (+115) could be a solid play at plus-money, especially if we get some fire wagon hockey. Holtby has given up more than three goals per game, and Murray has also been very generous.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Colorado Avalanche at Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Colorado Avalanche vs. Vancouver Canucks sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Colorado Avalanche (40-18-8) visit the Vancouver Canucks (34-26-6) in a Friday night (10 p.m. ET) tilt at Rogers Arena. We analyze the Avalanche-Canucks odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Avalanche at Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Pavel Francouz vs. Thatcher Demko

Francouz has registered a 2.29 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 30 games. He’s the de facto No. 1 netminder or the Avs right now: Philipp Grubauer has been on the shelf with a groin injury since mid-February. And Francouz is wearing it well. The 29-year-old Czech has logged a 6-0-1 record with a nifty .945 SV since Grubauer has been out.

Demko owns a 3.08 GAA and .904 SV over 24 games played. He’s coming off a shaky February (.882 SV in six outings) but is the likely starter with GT Jacob Markstrom out with a knee injury. Demko was lit up by Colorado on Nov. 16, allowing five goals on just 23 shots (.783 SV).

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

Avalanche at Canucks: 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 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Colorado 4, Vancouver 1

Moneyline (ML)

Vancouver has lost four straight and has coughed up 4.5 goals per game in the process. Colorado lost an overtime contest to Anaheim on Wednesday (March 4 was the last game date for both of these teams). That loss snapped a seven-game win streak for the Avs. Colorado is 5-2 over the first game of their last seven multi-game road trips.

The lean is on the Avalanche, but the COLORADO (-139) price is a bit high.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Avs’ recent win streak involved six one-goal games and one win by three. That flies against earlier-season trends, though. For the season Colorado is fourth in goals (3.41 per game) and fifth in goal prevention (2.67). All four games in the Canucks losing streak have been losses by two-plus. Francouz has sometimes faltered on longer rest – his last start fits that trend. But on one-day rest, the Avalanche netminder has logged a .957 SV in six such starts.

COLORADO -1.5 (+195) has excellent value and is the top play of the three listed here.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is: 7-1 over the Avs’ last eight games … 8-0 in the Avs’ last eight road games.

The Under as a play in this one runs slightly counter to taking Colorado on the puck line. We’re on the side of Colorado by two but also on the side of the total under five. But the payoff makes doubling up a solid play. WILL TAKE THE UNDER 5.5 (+110).

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]

Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Carolina Hurricanes (35-24-5) and Philadelphia Flyers (39-20-7) tangle at Wells Fargo Center at 7 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Hurricanes-Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Hurricanes at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Alex Nedeljkovic vs. Carter Hart

Nedeljkovic and Anton Forsberg are holding down the fort while James Reimer and Petr Mrazek are injured. The Calder Cup-winning goalie Nedeljkovic is 0-1-1 with a 3.11 goals against average and .857 save percentage in his one start and two appearances so far.

Hart missed about a month due to a lower-body injury, but he is still an impressive 22-12-3 with a 2.51 GAA and .909 SV% in his 37 starts and three relief appearances. He allowed one goal on 34 shots in his only appearance against the Hurricanes in a Nov. 5 win.

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

Hurricanes at Flyers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Flyers 4, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The FLYERS (-150) are moderate favorites over the Hurricanes (+125). The Fly Guys have been on fire lately, winning 16 of their past 21 games, while winning five straight inside the Metropolitan Division with victories in four in a row against winning teams. They’re also 20-7 in their past 27 as a favorite while going 19-7 in their past 26 at home.

The ‘Canes are skidding, winning just once in their past five contests while going 4-12 in their past 16 inside the Metropolitan Division.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The FLYERS (-1.5, +180) are worth a small-unit bet against the skidding Hurricanes, mainly because both Forsberg and Nedeljkovic have struggled between the pipes for Carolina. Philly is red-hot and the good times should continue to roll.

Over/Under (O/U)

AVOID. The lean would be to the Under 6.5 (-154), but I choose not to play that kind of juice on totals, and if you go for Under 5.5 (+135), that’s a bit low. All of the trends in this series point to the Over.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[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]

Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Boston Bruins (42-13-12) visit the Florida Panthers (33-26-7) Thursday at BB&T Center for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Bruins-Panthers sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Bruins at Panthers: Projected starting goalies

Jaroslav Halak vs. Sergei Bobrovsky

Halak allowed three goals on just eight shots Feb. 22 against the Vancouver Canucks, but he bounced back last Thursday to stop 31 of 34 shots in a win over the Dallas Stars. He’s 17-6-6 on the season with a .917 save percentage and 2.44 goals against average.

Bobrovsky is expected to make his return from a lower-body injury. He is 23-19-6 with a .900 SV% and 3.23 GAA through 48 starts and two relief appearances.

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

Bruins at Panthers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 8:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 5, Panthers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-154) roll into Thursday on a three-game winning streak to remain atop the Atlantic Division. They doubled up the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning by a 2-1 score Tuesday. The Panthers (+125) are home underdogs after losing three in a row. They were blanked 3-0 at home by the Calgary Flames Sunday.

The season series is split 1-1 thus far, with the Panthers winning 5-4 in a shootout in Boston Nov. 12. The Bruins bounced back with a 4-2 win in Florida Dec. 14. The Bruins are 20-10-3 on the road for the season, while the Panthers are a pedestrian 16-14-3 on home ice. Take the visitors, even if Bobrovsky makes his return.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Boost your profit margin by backing the BRUINS (-1.5, +165) to win by at least 2 goals, as they did in the more recent head-to-head meeting. The Bruins are just 16-17 ATS on the road for the season, but the Panthers are a woeful 12-21 ATS at home.

Three of Florida’s last four losses were decided by at least a 2-goal margin. Boston blanked the New York Islanders 4-0 on the road Saturday ahead of Tuesday’s tight affair with the Lightning.

Over/Under (O/U)

Play the OVER 5.5 (-149). Halak is the lesser half of the Bruins’ goaltending duo with Tuukka Rask, and he may show some rust after a full week off. Bobrovsky has been shaky at his best this season, and he’s had nearly a week between starts. The Bruins had scored four goals in back-to-back games before being slowed down by the Lightning Tuesday.

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]

Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

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

The Philadelphia Flyers (38-20-7) visit the Washington Capitals (40-19-6) Wednesday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. The Flyers can close within one point of the Caps for top spot in the Metropolitan Division with a win. We analyze the Flyers-Capitals sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Flyers at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Brian Elliott vs. Braden Holtby

Elliott will spell starter Carter Hart for the first time in five games, as he makes his first start since Feb. 20, when he stopped 28 of 31 shots in a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The veteran backup is 15-7-4 with a .899 save percentage and 2.90 goals against average through 26 starts and four relief appearances.

Holtby will try to extend his personal win streak to four straight games. He allowed three goals in each of his last three wins, but he made between 30 and 37 saves each time. He is 24-13-5 with a .898 SV% and 3.12 GAA through 44 starts and a relief appearance.

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

Flyers at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Flyers 2, Capitals 1

Moneyline (ML)

Back the FLYERS (+135) at plus-money on the road. They’re 2-0-1 in the season series against their division rival, and Elliott was between the pipes for a 7-2 victory in Washington Feb. 8. Since that win, the Flyers are 8-2 and enter Wednesday on a six-game winning streak with top spot in the division in their sights.

The Caps (-162) are 4-5-1 since the loss to Philly and are barely holding onto a division lead they’ve had all season. Holtby stopped just 18 of 25 shots in the Feb. 8 meeting. Both teams played Sunday, so there’s no rest advantage for either side.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Flyers to win returns a profit of $13.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The FLYERS (+1.5, -200) are just inside my range of being worthy of a bet with one goal of insurance in the event of a loss. Both of Washington’s wins in the season series came by just 1 goal and one of those was decided in a shootout. Just one of Washington’s last four wins was decided by 2 or more goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

There’s no value on the base line of 6.5, so we’ll look to the alternate total line of UNDER 5.5 (+140) in regular time. This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the two rivals and top spot in the division remains up for grabs. Expect a playoff atmosphere at Capital One Arena with scoring at a premium.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 266-246

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]

Arizona Coyotes at Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Arizona Coyotes at Vancouver Canucks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Arizona Coyotes (32-27-8) and the Vancouver Canucks (34-25-6) do battle at Rogers Arena in British Columbia Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. ET (on ESPN+). We analyze the Coyotes-Canucks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Canucks have some injury concerns. Starting G Jacob Markstrom (knee) hasn’t played since Feb. 22. D Quinn Hughes (undisclosed), D Tyler Myers (undisclosed) and C Jay Beagle (lower body) missed Tuesday’s practice and are all questionable. D Guillaume Brisebois and D Jalen Chatfield were summoned from the minors just in case.

Coyotes at Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Antti Raanta vs. Thatcher Demko

Raanta is expected to get the nod on the road against Vancouver, although he hasn’t been nearly as effective away from home than in the desert. At home he is a sparkling 10-5-1 with a 2.11 goals against average, .933 save percentage and two shutouts. On the road he is a dismal 5-9-2 with a 3.19 GAA and .909 SV% in 16 starts.

Markstrom (knee) is projected by some as the starting netminder for Wednesday, but we’ll believe it when we see it. The Canucks traded for veteran Louis Domingue to back up Demko, and it’s doubtful they’ll rush Markstrom back, but you never know. Demko was 1-3-1 with a 3.52 GAA and an .882 SV% in six games (five starts) in February.

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

Coyotes at Canucks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 3:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Coyotes 3, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

ARIZONA (+100) is an underdog on the road, and rightly so. But the Coyotes might be catching the Canucks (-121) at a good time since Vancouver is banged up and might be relying on some unproven commodities for this Hump Day affair. The goaltender situation is also a bit muddled, so Arizona could take advantage.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Coyotes to grab the road win returns a profit of $10, while a $10 wager on the Canucks results in a profit of $8.26.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Coyotes puck line (+1.5, -278) is quite a bit more than their moneyline, which is a much better value. It’s just too high a price at -278. Arizona has struggled away from home, going 1-10 in the past 11 road games. The Canucks (-1.5, +225) are 1-4 in the past five as a favorite.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-110) is a good bet, going 33-15-4 in the past 52 meetings, and 6-2-2 in the past 10 meetings in B.C. While the Over is 5-1 in the Canucks’ past six at home, they’re short-handed. Goals could be at a premium. The Coyotes are 4-0-1 on the Under across their past five on the road, and 7-2-1 in the past 10 overall.

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]