Tag: NHL betting odds lines against the spread over-under picks

Calgary Flames vs. Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Calgary Flames vs. Dallas Stars Thursday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Dallas Stars and the Calgary Flames drop the puck for Game 2 of the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals Thursday at 10:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Flames NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Flames vs. Stars: Projected starting goalies

Cam Talbot vs. Anton Khudobin

Talbot racked up his third consecutive victory in Game 1, stopping 24 of 26 shots. Talbot has settled into the starting job and is running with it, as All-Star David Rittich is relegated to a backup role. There is no reason for the Flames to make any alterations now.

Khudobin is likely to make another start, as he wasn’t bad in Game 1. He coughed up three goals on 26 shots, while Ben Bishop served as the backup. Bishop was previously deemed unfit to play during the final two round-robin games, but he has been rounding into form and is an option, if needed. For now, look for Khudobin to start, but to be on a short leash.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Flames vs. Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Flames 4, Stars 3

Moneyline (ML)

The FLAMES (-112) were sharp in the series opener. They’re getting good enough goaltending, gritty play from their resident sandpaper player LW Matthew Tkachuk and an unlikely offensive hero to step up in C Dillon Dube. The latter had a career-high two goals, both in the first period, to set the tone in the series opener. D Rasmus Andersson also came up from the defense to wire one past Khudobin for the game-winning tally in a total team effort. The FLAMES ARE A GOOD BET to scratch out another hard-fought win over the Stars (-106) in Game 2.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Flames returns a profit of $9, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $8.93.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Flames (-1.5, +240) are an awfully tempting play on the puck line, but this one will be close, perhaps even decided in overtime. As such, betting the puck line on the favorite is not a good idea. For the Stars, (+1.5, -304), if you like them, just take them on the moneyline. Risking more than three times your potential return is just not good wagering.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5 (-134) is the play here – I never like betting Unders on totals of a flat 5. Plus, Talbot has been good for the Flames, winning three in a row, but he hasn’t been great. The Stars offense has a total of just four goals in the past three games, but the offense is due to start clicking soon.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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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Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins Tuesday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins renew acquaintances in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Hurricanes-Bruins NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Hurricanes vs. Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Petr Mrazak vs. Tuukka Rask

Mrazek is expected to be in between the pipes for Game 1, a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. The Hurricanes hope it goes a little better than that last series, as Mrazek and Carolina were overmatched in a series sweep. Mrazek didn’t face the B’s in this regular season. The last time he saw the Bruins he was on the short end of a 6-2 loss in Game 2 of the ECF. Mrazek allowed six goals on 25 shots in that defeat, and he was 0-2-0 with a 5.02 goals-against average and .808 save percentage in the series.

Rask is confirmed for Game 1, and hopefully he and his team will fare better than their round-robin performance – they lost all three games and looked like a non-playoff team. The Bruins feel as if they’ll be able to turn it on now that the “real” playoffs are here, but against a young, hungry team like the Hurricanes, we will see. It wasn’t a problem last season in the ECF, as Rask was a dominant 4-0 with a 1.25 GAA and .956 SV% in the four-game sweep.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Hurricanes vs. Bruins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 4, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-134) are fairly cheap on the moneyline, based solely on their 0-for-3 showing in the round robin and not their experience in the postseason lately. Take advantage. The Hurricanes (+115) are a good, young team, and they exorcised a lot of demons against the New York Rangers in the qualifying series, as New York was a team which previously dominated them. However, Carolina is expected to skate without star defenseman and former B’s star D Dougie Hamilton due to an injury. That’s a big loss for the team which needs all hands on deck to win four in this series.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Bruins returns a net profit of $7.46, while the Hurricanes fetch a profit of $11.50 if they turn out victorious.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BRUINS (-1.5, +200) can help you double up if you bet this alternate puck line, and that’s a mighty sound bet. Mrazek really struggled against the black and gold last season, and Boston is due for a good outing offensively after stumbling through the round-robin stage like a rudderless ship. Boston will get on track and handle its business in Game 1.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+115) is a nice value and worth a small-unit play. This one won’t be a slam-dunk winner, but a late empty-net goal should help you cash tickets.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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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Calgary Flames vs. Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Calgary Flames vs. Dallas Stars Tuesday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Dallas Stars and the Calgary Flames meet in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Flames NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Flames vs. Stars: Projected starting goalies

Cam Talbot vs. Anton Khudobin

Talbot sparked in the qualifying round, allowing six goals in a 3-1 series win vs. the Winnipeg Jets. He posted a 1.51 goals against average and a .945 save percentage. Plus, he tossed a 4-0 shutout in the series-clincher. Talbot met the Stars once in the regular season, allowing just two goals on 31 shots, but the Flames lost 3-1 at home back on Nov. 13.

Khudobin was sharp in the final round-robin game, a 2-1 shootout victory against the St. Louis Blues to wrap up the three-seed in the West. Khudobin made 21 saves on 22 shots in that win. Ben Bishop, the Stars’ top goalie, has been battling an unspecified ailment and hasn’t been able to play. Even if Bishop – 21-16-4, 2.50 GAA, .920 SV% in the regular season – is ruled OK for Game 1, Khudobin is likely to get the nod after his scintillating performance Sunday.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Flames vs. Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Flames 3, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The FLAMES (-106) rolled the Jets in four games, outscoring the opposition by a 16-6 count. It was a physical series, and Winnipeg suffered several injuries along the way to aid Calgary’s push. Now, the Flames head into a series against the Stars (-112), a team which won just once in three round-robin games, while being outscored 10-5. If you’re not feeling overtime, you can bet the FLAMES (+155) on the 3-way line – which means they have to win in regulation. However, if the game goes OT and Calgary wins, the bet loses.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Flames returns a profit of $9.43, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $8.93.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Flames (-1, -200) are an expensive buy on the puck line. AVOID along with PASSING on all alternate puck lines on this game, as it is going to be a knock-down, drag-out fight that will be decided by one goal. The Stars’ alternate line of -1.5 (+240) is tempting if you like them to win the opener, but it’s not a winning play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 5: Over -139, Under +115. While the alternate line of UNDER 5.5 (-154) will cost you, it’s the play. Calgary’s offense is a well-oiled machine and averaged 3.0 goals per game against the Stars in three regular-season meetings, going 2-1. In Talbot’s lone start against Dallas this season, he lost 3-1.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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 vs. St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Dallas Stars vs. St. Louis Blues Sunday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Dallas Stars and the St. Louis Blues meet in their final Western Conference round-robin game Sunday at 3 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Blues NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

With both teams 0-2 in round-robin action, Sunday’s contest will determine the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds for the quarterfinals. The winner will face the eighth-seeded Calgary Flames, while the loser draws the seventh-seeded Vancouver Canucks.

Stars vs. Blues: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Jake Allen

Khudobin might have been 16-8-4 with a 2.22 goals against average and .930 save percentage during the regular season, but he was waxed in his appearance Wednesday against the Colorado Avalanche. He coughed up four goals on 40 shots in a 4-0 loss. Khudobin might get the nod again, as Ben Bishop (leg) is dealing with an injury and is a question mark to play. When Bishop did mand the net Monday, he was waylaid by the Vegas Golden Knights in a 5-3 setback, surrendering four goals. The Stars are definitely going in the opposite direction.

Jordan Binnington, who led the Blues to their first Stanley Cup title last season and became the only rookie to win 16 games in a single playoffs, has been a force in 2019-20. However, Colorado solved him for two goals in a 2-1 loss a week ago (Aug. 2), and while he made 32 saves vs. Vegas Thursday, he was dinged for six goals in a 6-4 defeat. As such, Allen is projected to make his first appearance of the round robin, as the Blues try to keep him sharp in the event he is needed during the remainder of the postseason.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Stars vs. Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Blues 4, Stars 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-143) are the play in this one, as they look to continue their mastery over the Stars (+120). The defending champs have picked up six wins in the previous seven meetings in this series. Perhaps Allen will be the lucky charm, getting St. Louis back on track heading into the quarterfinals. Allen, who started and won each of the past three outings vs. Dallas, was in the crease for a 4-3 shootout win over the Stars on Feb. 29 during the regular season, outdueling Khudobin.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Blues returns a profit of $6.99, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Not only has St. Louis topped Dallas in six of the past seven, but the BLUES (-1.5, +195) have won by two or more goals in three of those contests. As such, it’s WORTH MAKING A SMALL-UNIT WAGER on the pick line, too. Allen is the difference here, as Bishop was deemed unfit for the most recent game and might not play in this one. Khudobin could be flustered after getting bounced 4-0 in the last game.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+115) has not been the rule in this series. While the Over is 2-0 in the past two meetings, the Under is 4-2-1 across the past seven battles between these rivals. St. Louis outscored Dallas 23-12 in those previous seven games – and that’s an average of 5.0 total goals per game score by both teams. The Blues have bagged nine goals in the past two meetings, however, and they’ll light the lamp plenty Sunday in their final round-robin game.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

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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Philadelphia Flyers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Philadelphia Flyers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Saturday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Philadelphia Flyers and the Tampa Bay Lightning battle in their final Eastern Conference round-robin game Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Flyers-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

With both teams 2-0 in round-robin play, the winner will earn the No. 1 seed in the East when the quarterfinals begin next week, drawing the 12th-seeded Montreal Canadiens in the next round. Saturday’s loser will get the 2-seed and will face the winner of Toronto Maple Leafs–Columbus Blue Jackets qualifying series, which is headed to a deciding Game 5 Sunday.

Flyers vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hart vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Hart started the round-robin game last Sunday against the Boston Bruins, stopping 34 of 35 shots in a 4-1 victory. Brian Elliott was given the nod Thursday against the Washington Capitals, and he was rarely tested in the 3-1 victory, making 16 saves. There is no official word from coach Alain Vigneault just yet, but it’s likely the team will go back to Hart in the rotation, as the bench boss keeps both netminders fresh for when the Eastern Conference quarterfinals start next week.

Vasilevskiy has been sharp so far, backstopping the Lightning to a pair of 3-2 victories against the Capitals and the Bruins. He has stopped 56 of 60 shots, going 2-0-0 with a 1.92 goals against average and a .933 save percentage, so there is no keeping another goalie warm for the Lightning. It’s ride or die with the 2019 Vezina Trophy winner.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Flyers vs. Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Lightning 3, Flyers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-134) have won a pair of 3-2 games so far in the bubble, so why not three in a row by the same score? The Flyers (+115) have also won two games, so this is a clash for the top seed in the East. Vasilevskiy and the Lightning look like they’re on a mission to put last season’s disappointing exit in a sweep by the eighth-seeded Columbus Blue Jackets in the rear-view mirror. And, hey, the favorite is 7-0 in the previous seven meetings in this series.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lightning returns a profit of $7.46 if they prevail, while a winning $10 wager on the Flyers fetches a profit of $11.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This game figures to be a tight affair, as the two teams playing the best hockey, perhaps in all of the NHL, lock horns in the bubble. The Lightning (-1.5, +200) are oh, so very tempting at this price, but it’s hard to see the Fly Guys getting dropped by more than two goals the way things have been going. Just the same, there is no reason to go with the Flyers (+1.5, -250) and lay that kind of juice. If you like them, just grab them on the moneyline. AVOID a puck line play.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-106) is a sound play as neither side is allowing much in the way of goals. Plus, the Under has hit in five in a row for Philadelphia, and three straight for Tampa Bay.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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 vs. Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche Saturday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche square off in their final Western Conference round-robin game Saturday at 3 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Golden Knights-Avalanche NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Both teams are 2-0 in round-robin play and have clinched the top two seeds in the West. Saturday’s winner will earn the No. 1 seed and will face the 12th-seeded Chicago Blackhawks when the quarterfinals begin next week. Saturday’s loser will be the No. 2 seed and will play the 11th-seeded Arizona Coyotes in the next round.

Golden Knights vs. Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Robin Lehner vs. Pavel Francouz/Philipp Grubauer

Lehner was tabbed for the team’s first start Monday, turning back 24 of his 27 shots to pick up a 5-3 win over the Dallas Stars. The second start went to Marc-Andre Fleury against the St. Louis Blues, and while he picked up a win, he made just 13 saves in the 6-4 victory. While it’s unofficial, Lehner is projected to be the starter. He made 28 saves on 31 shots in a 5-3 win at Colorado on Dec. 21 as a member of the Blackhawks, but he was also tattooed for five goals on 14 shots before getting pulled in Denver in a 7-3 loss on Nov. 30, so the results against the Avs are mixed.

Grubauer looked outstanding in a 2-1 win over the defending champion St. Louis Blues Sunday, stopping 31 of the 32 shots which came his way. Meanwhile, Francouz tossed a shutout in Game 2, turning back all 27 shots he faced against the Dallas Stars Wednesday. So, the Avalanche look to be equipped with two solid options in the crease as they look to make a deep run into the postseason. Coach Jared Bednar has a tough decision to make, but it’s a great problem to have. Expect the veteran to get the nod in this one, with Francouz serving as the understudy.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Golden Knights vs. Avalanche: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:12 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Golden Knights 2

Moneyline (ML)

The AVALANCHE (-118) are the slight favorites. The Golden Knights (+100) have had to rally from a pair of two-goal deficits in their previous two outings to get to this point. Colorado has certainly struggled much less. Plus, Colorado has also won four straight in this series, so the LEAN HERE IS TO THE AVS.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Avalanche returns a profit of $8.47, while a $10 play on the Golden Knights fetches a return of $10 if they prevail.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The AVALANCHE (-1.5, +225) are rolling right along, and they’re a strong value on the puck line as they look to lock up the top seed in the West. Give them the nod here with Colorado’s goaltender duo playing just a little bit better than that of Vegas (+1.5, -286).

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-121) is worth a small-unit play, although it might take a late empty-net goal to send this one Over. The last time these teams met it was a 7-3 rout for the Avs in Vegas, and the Oct. 25 game featured seven goals, mostly by Colorado in a 6-1 win. In fact, the Over has cashed in three straight meetings in this series.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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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Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Friday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets play Game 4 of their best-of-five Eastern Conference qualification round series Friday at 8 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Blue Jackets NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Blue Jackets lead 2-1.

Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Elvis Merzlikins

Andersen was staked to a 3-0 lead in Game 3, and things looked like they were trending in the right direction for the Leafs. Blue Jackets C Pierre-Luc Dubois had other ideas. He scored two goals in regulation before poking in the game-winner in overtime at 18:24 for a 4-3 victory, turning what looked like a certain win into a loss for the Leafs. Andersen gave up four goals on 43 shots.

Joonas Korpisalo allowed three goals on 15 shots by the mid-point of the second period. While only one of the goals was his fault, a greasy goal which should have been snared off the stick of Toronto LW Nick Robertson, Columbus head coach John Tortorella decided to shake things up and give Merzlikins a shot. That’s when things turned around. While nothing is official, you can expect Merzlikins to get the starting nod in Game 4 after he didn’t allow a goal on 21 shots in relief.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Maple Leafs vs. 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 7:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 3, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-175) were pushed to the brink in Game 3, which was a tale of two games. They were leading 3-0 mid-way through the second period, then the Blue Jackets (+150) changed their goaltender and changed their fortunes.

The Leafs were playing with desperation up until they built their big lead, then they seemed to relax. Don’t expect the Leafs to let their guard down in Game 4. If they do, they’ll be excused from the bubble.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Maple Leafs (-175) to win in regulation or overtime returns a profit of $5.70.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

It’s an elimination game, and you cannot trust the Maple Leafs -1 (-106) to win by 2 or more goals, nor is it prudent to bet the Blue Jackets +1 (-115) due to the less profitable price point. While this should be another hotly contested contest, similar to Game 3, betting the Jackets for insurance is too risky. AVOID, and bet the moneyline instead.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-133) looked like it was well on its way to cashing in Game 3, but then both offenses caught fire. Well, the Leafs offense heated up early, and Dubois heated up late for the Jackets.

We’ll likely see a low-scoring game Friday, as the Jackets do not take a lot of silly chances to give the Leafs scoring opportunities the other way. Toronto has the potential to hit these Overs by itself, but for some reason, its big guns just aren’t firing.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

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 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Montreal Canadiens vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Friday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins tangle in Game 4 of their best-of-five Eastern Conference qualification round series Friday at 4 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Canadiens-Penguins NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Canadiens lead 2-1.

Canadiens vs. Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Carey Price vs. Matt Murray/Tristan Jarry

Price is a huge reason why the 12th-seeded Canadiens have pushed the fifth-seeded Pens to the brink of elimination. Price is 2-1-0 with a 2.19 goals against average and .937 save percentage through three games. The only loss came in Game 2, and that’s because Pittsburgh’s offense provided just one goal of support.

As far as that offensive support is concerned, F Brendan Gallagher is dealing with a lower-body injury and is clearly not 100 percent, although he tries to soldier on.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan has yet to make an official decision, but we’re projecting the All-Star Jarry to get the starting nod in Game 4. Murray is 1-2-0 with a 2.50 GAA and .914 SV% in the series. Those aren’t terrible numbers. The Pens trail 2-1 for a multitude of reasons, and both of their losses are just by one goal each. More offensive production is needed as they have averaged just 2.7 goals per game in the series.

Murray might actually start, but he’ll be on a short leash. Montreal’s game-winning goal in Game 3 by Jeff Petry from a terrible angle hit Murray in the helmet and deflected in. That ricochet shot has the fans in the Steel City up in arms, and yinz might very well get your wish with Jarry.

Place a legal NHL bet on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Bet now!

Canadiens vs. Penguins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 4:31 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 3, Canadiens 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-167) have been crushing moneyline bettors playing the favorite so far in this series. They just haven’t been hitting on all offensive cylinders, and you have to figure a breakout is coming. There’s just too much talent in black and gold. Price has neutralized Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, Evgeni Malkin and company for the most part. Look for the offense to be a little frustrated again in this one, but the Pens will do enough to stay alive and force a decisive Game 5.

New to sports betting? A $10 moneyline bet on the Penguins (-167) returns a profit of $5.99 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Penguins (-1.5, +165) cannot be trusted on the puck line, and betting Pens (-1, +100) doesn’t make much sense, as I am expecting a one-goal game. There is no reason to play a win on the moneyline into a push by betting a -1. In fact, if Pittsburgh wins this one, looking ahead, there would be no reason to bet the puck line in Game 5, either. That would be an equally tight contest. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-129) has cashed in two of the first three games in this series, with Game 3’s total of seven goals the only result to cash Over. While the Pens have a ton of experience, especially in the postseason, nerves will definitely be there in this one. It would be an embarrassing loss to get bounced by the 12-seed. Look for the Pens to be careful, and look for the Habs to also be very tight, as they try to not make any mistakes to allow odd-man rushes down the ice to help the Pens to stay alive.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

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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Arizona Coyotes vs. Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Nashville Predators vs. Arizona Coyotes Friday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines.

The Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes square off in Game 4 of their best-of-five Western Conference qualification round series Friday at Rogers Place in Edmonton. The puck is scheduled to drop at 2:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Coyotes-Predators NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Coyotes lead 2-1.

Coyotes vs. Predators: Projected starting goalies

Darcy Kuemper vs. Pekka Rinne

Kuemper stopped 39 of the 40 shots he faced in Game 3, and he has the Coyotes on the precipice of their first playoff series victory since 2012 when they were called the Phoenix Coyotes. That last series triumph came in the 2012 Western Conference semifinals against the Predators. Meanwhile, these Coyotes have a lot more work to do to get through to the next round, but they have to be gaining a lot of confidence behind Kuemper.

Juuse Saros allowed three goals on 27 shots in Game 3 as the Predators are trailing in this series for the second time and are now on the brink. Coach John Hynes is on record saying the team would need both Saros and Rinne to win this series. Perhaps with the Preds facing elimination, a change will be made. If Saros does start, his leash will be super short. Either way, it’s a tough spot for the six-seed to be in.

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Coyotes vs. Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Predators 3, Coyotes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-139) turned to Saros, their goaltender of the future, in Games 1 through 3, but they might need to turn back the clock and roll with their all-time franchise leader in playoff victories in Rinne. Hynes has been mum on his Game 4 starter, and very careful to tip his hand, but he’ll catch a lot of flak back in the Music City if he sticks with Saros and the Preds are excused against a Coyotes (+120) team they were heavily favored to oust. BET ON THE VERTERAN LEADERSHIP OF NASHVILLE.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Predators to win returns a profit of $7.19, while a $10 wager on the Coyotes would net a profit of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Predators (-1.5, +200) have really struggled in this series, and even though this is a rather tempting price, you cannot back them with the way they have been playing against the Coyotes (+1.5, -250). Nashville has given bettors zero confidence that it will be able to push past a red-hot Kuemper. Betting the moneyline is fine for Nashville, but AVOID the puck line.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5 (+120) is the play. The Under hit in Game 3 with a 4-1 Coyotes victory, thanks in large part to the power outage for the Predators, but that O/U was 5.5. Expect the scripts to be flipped in Game 4, with the Coyotes failing to flick the goal switch and the Preds doing enough to win.

Get some action on this NHL matchup in CO, IN, NJ and WV. Place a legal sports bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.

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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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Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets meet in an important Game 3 in their best-of-five Eastern Conference qualification round series Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, one of two hub locations for the NHL restart. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Maple Leafs’ NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Tied 1-1.

Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Joonas Korpisalo

Andersen was able to return the favor in Game 2, posting a shutout victory after his team was blanked in the series opener. It was his third-career playoff shutout. Things weren’t all great for Andersen and the Leafs, however, as defenseman Jake Muzzin went down with an apparent upper-body injury in a collision, and he was taken off on a stretcher. While he was discharged from the hospital, which is the good news, the bad news is that he is out for the remainder of the series, quarantining in the team’s hotel.

Korpisalo battled Elvis Merzlikins hard during training camp, just edging out the rookie and fan favorite for the starting job. The move by head coach John Tortorella paid off, as Korpisalo picked up a 28-save shutout in Game 1, the first in franchise history during the playoffs. He held the Maple Leafs powerful offense down until 16:00 of the second period when Auston Matthews finally broke through. John Tavares, who has been visibly upset at times with the tight checking and suffocating defense of the Jackets, also broke through at 4:56 in the third, helping square the series.

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with an NHL bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 8:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 3, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-150) will look to take the upper hand in Game 3, taking a step toward the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. However, nobody in blue and white is looking ahead, as there is plenty of work to be done. Still, you have to love the Leafs playing in their own building, dressing in the familiarity of their locker room and being in their own town. After a wake-up call in Game 1, they’ll continue to work hard and step on the gas here.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Maple Leafs to win returns a profit of $6.67.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Maple Leafs (-1.5, +185) are an awfully tempting play on the puck line, but the goaltending has ruled the day in this series. While each of the first two games haven’t been one-goal games, you can expect one here. There will also be no shutout, but we will still have a low-scoring, defensive battle.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-129) has cashed in the first two games in this series, so why stop thumping the Under now? Korpisalo and Andersen have been on point in Games 1 and 2, and they’ll continue to look sharp in Game 3. Hit the Under, and don’t look back.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

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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