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

Minnesota Wild vs. Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Minnesota Wild vs. Vancouver Canucks Thursday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks tangle in a pivotal Game 3 in their Western Conference qualifying round series Thursday at Rogers Place in Edmonton. The puck is scheduled to drop at 2:30 p.m. ET on NHL Network. We analyze the Wild-Canucks’ NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Tied 1-1.

Wild vs. Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Alex Stalock vs. Jacob Markstrom

Stalock sparkled in Game 1, posting his first career playoff shutout by stopping all 28 shots he faced in a 3-0 win. He tumbled back to Earth in Game 2 Tuesday, coughing up four goals on 28 shots. His Game 2 showing wasn’t terrible, and one of the goals he allowed was of the power-play variety.

Markstrom kicked aside 32 of the 35 shots he faced in Game 2, although the red-hot Kevin Fiala beat him for a pair of late goals. He has been decent enough in the series, posting a .923 save percentage with 60 saves on 65 shots. If Vancouver is going to advance, Markstrom is going to have to carry this team with his play in the crease. They have two decent scoring lines and then they have to rely mostly on defense and goaltending to win.

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Wild vs. Canucks: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Wild 3, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The WILD (-112) and Canucks (-106) have been locked in a pretty entertaining series so far. We’ve had a little bit of everything through two games, including a shutout, a fight, a multi-goal game and a shorthanded marker. Right now, Minnesota has one of the top offensive players going, as Fiala has netted three goals in two games. The Wild have been more balanced to date, and they’ll ride that balance past the top-heavy Canucks.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Wild returns a profit of $9, while a $10 wager on the Canucks fetches a return of $9.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Wild (-1, +170) are a tempting play on the pick line, as you can nearly double your initial stake if they’re able to win by two goals. This important Game 3 should be a hard-hitting, lower-scoring affair with both teams taking few chances. This will be a one-goal game, and it could be decided in overtime. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-121) is the play for a multitude of reasons. The Over/Under has split in the first two in this series, both later puck drops. This contest will kick off at 12:30 p.m. local time, a very early start for both of these Western Conference clubs.

And keep this in mind, the Under is 5-2 in Minnesota’s past seven playoff games as a favorite.

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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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Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers Wednesday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers will drop the puck for Game 3 in their best-of-five Western Conference qualification round series Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Blackhawks-Oilers NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

This high-scoring series has seen impressive performances by young stars, and one of these teams will be one win away of advancing to the next round come Thursday morning. The ‘Hawks will be the home team Wednesday, so they’ll have last change on faceoffs.

Blackhawks vs. Oilers: Projected starting goalies

Corey Crawford vs. Mikko Koskinen

Crawford registered a 2.77 goals against average and a .917 save percentage in the regular season. He allowed a couple late goals in the Chicago’s opening 6-4 victory. Crawford then allowed a couple – three to be exact – soft goals in Edmonton’s 6-3 win in Game 2.

Koskinen posted a 2.75 GAA and .917 SV% in the regular season. He spelled G Mike Smith in a 10-of-10 performance against Chicago in the regular season. The 32-year-old netminder has made some impressive stops in one-plus games in this series.

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Blackhawks vs. Oilers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Tuesday at 11:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Oilers 2

Moneyline (ML)

Chicago’s 5-on-5 play has been admirable in the series. We’ll throw that into the mix with impressive looks on the power play in Game 1 and in the exhibition against the St. Louis Blues last week. That edges some value into the BLACKHAWKS (+120) camp vs. the favored Oilers (-143) in this one.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The goal-and-change line here is pricey, and it doesn’t jibe with the upstream swim on the O/U action. TAKE A PASS on both puck lines: Blackhawks +1.5 (-209) and Oilers -1.5 (+170).

Over/Under (O/U)

These are not teams blessed with an overabundance of blue-line talent or red-hot goaltending. Still, the price here on a wonky one-way Under (a 4-1 score or something) or a tighter game with less looks on the man-advantage makes for a good play. GRAB THE UNDER 6.5 (-110).

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

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

The Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes meet in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference qualifying round series, looking for the upper hand on Wednesday 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: Tied 1-1.

Coyotes vs. Predators: Projected starting goalies

Darcy Kuemper vs. Pekka Rinne

Kuemper helped the Coyotes to a slight upset in Game 1, stopping 40 of 43 shots in the 4-3 victory. He wasn’t as crisp in Tuesday’s Game 2, getting dinged for four goals on 28 shots in a 4-2 loss. While it’s a quick turnaround, the Coyotes will likely ride of die with Kuemper. The Coyotes posted on Twitter that Antti Raanta was unfit to play, so Adin Hill served as the backup in Game 2. In a pivotal Game 3, the Coyotes are unlikely to pin their hopes on Hill despite a lack of rest for their starter.

Juuse Saros coughed up four goals on 37 shots in Game 1, but the Predators stuck with him and he paid off with a 24-save victory in Game 2. During practice, Rinne and Saros pushed each other for the starting job, and it sounded like a tight battle. Expect Rinne to start in Game 3, giving Saros a chance to recharge his battery in the back-to-back situation.

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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 Wednesday at 6:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Predators 4, Coyotes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-129) were stunned in Game 1. It will be the last game they lose in this series, as the Coyotes (+110) aren’t ready for prime time just yet. The back-to-back situation might favor the younger Arizona legs, but the experience of Nashville in the playoffs will help it through the adversity with a quick turnaround.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Predators to win returns a profit of $7.75, while a $10 wager on the Coyotes would net a profit of $11.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PREDATORS -1.5 (+220) are a fabulous value in this one. While they’re just 4-9 in their past 13 when playing on no rest, the Coyotes are even worse at 15-40 in their past 55 in the second end of a back-to-back. Arizona surprised in Game 1, but this is the game where Nashville takes charge of this series. Look for the Preds to cover the puck line here, and you can double up and then some.

Over/Under (O/U)

There were two high-scoring games in this series, with seven total goals in Game 1, and six in Game 2. Expect another higher scoring affair in Game 3. The Over has cashed in four of the previous five meetings in this series, and OVER 5.5 (+125) is the play in Game 3, too, and at a nice value.

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Winnipeg Jets vs. Calgary Flames odds, picks and best bets

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

The Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames reconvene for Game 3 of their Western Conference qualification round series Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton, one of two hub locations for the NHL restart. We analyze the Jets-Flames NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Tied 1-1.

Jets vs. Flames: Projected starting goalies

Connor Hellebuyck vs. David Rittich

Hellebuyck bounced back in Game 2, stopping 28 of the 30 shots to help his team snuff out the Flames by a 3-2 score, evening their best-of-five series 1-1. It will be interesting to see how he and his team bounce back a little more than 24 hours after their emotional victory. In addition, the Jets were without star forwards Patrik Laine (wrist) and Mark Scheifele (leg), as both left the Game 1 loss with injuries. Scheifele’s injury, a controversial one after being blasted by  Flames LW Matthew Tkachuk, appears to be more of the longer-term variety.

Rittich (24-17-6, 2.97 GAA, .907 SV%) was an All-Star this season, but interim head coach Geoff Ward elected to ride with Cam Talbot to start the playoffs. Talbot allowed four goals in two games, which is a pretty strong showing, but with a back-to-back, and a quicker than normal turnaround at that, look for Rittich to get the nod in Game 3.

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Jets vs. Flames: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Flames 4, Jets 2

Moneyline (ML)

The FLAMES (-150) are moderate favorites. They’re 4-1 in the past five tries when playing in the second end of a back-to-back set. They’re also 4-1 in the previous five in the third of a 3-in-4 situation (three games in four days). On the other hand, the Jets (+125) are just 3-13 in their past 16 in the third of a 3-in-4 situation. While the Jets are quite a bit rested after nearly a five-month hiatus due to COVID-19, it’s still difficult playing three games in four days, and they’re usually not very good at it regardless of the circumstances.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Flames to win returns a profit of $6.67, while a $10 wager on the Jets would result in a profit of $12.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The FLAMES -1.5 (+185) are worth a small-unit play at this price point, as they should be able to bounce back after Monday’s disappointing setback. Despite what happened in Game 2, they’re still the healthier team, and they have more offensive weapons with Laine and Scheifele out.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+115) is also a decent wager at plus-money. It won’t be a fire-wagon hockey game, but we should see at least six goals. Again, not to harp on Laine and Scheifele being out, but that’s Winnipeg’s biggest concern. Can the Jets’ role players step up again and fill the void? That’s the biggest question.

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

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

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their best-of-five Eastern Conference qualification round series Tuesday at 4 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: Blue Jackets lead 1-0.

Blue Jackets vs. Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Joonas Korpisalo vs. Frederik Andersen

Making his first career playoff start, Korpisalo turned aside all 28 shots he faced in a 2-0 victory in the series opener. It was quite an impressive shutout considering the fact the Leafs were third in the NHL during the regular season with 237 goals. In addition, Columbus was 0-1-1 in two meetings during the regular season, and Korpisalo just barely edged out rookie Elvis Merzlikins in training camp for the starting job. There won’t be any doubt as to the starter in Game 2.

Andersen was equal to the task for the first two periods, but Cam Atkinson beat the Dane early in the third period to break the ice. That’s all Andersen would allow, as his offense gave him absolutely no support. Alexander Wennberg added an empty-net goal, but that obviously doesn’t go on Andersen’s ledger.

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

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 3, Blue Jackets 1

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-154) scored more goals than just two other teams in the NHL, yet mustered a goose egg on their home ice? That won’t happen again. We saw this movie last season with the Blue Jackets (+130) stunning the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning. Are we going to see the sequel? It’s doubtful, as Toronto should be able to bounce back against a goalie with just one career playoff start under his belt.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Maple Leafs to win returns a profit of $6.49, while a $10 wager on the Blue Jackets results in a profit of $13.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +170) laid a major egg in Game 1, so playing them on the puck line is risky business. However, just like we saw the Pittsburgh Penguins rebound in Game 2 against the heavy underdog Montreal Canadiens, we’ll see the Leafs make amends for their ugly opening loss with a bounce-back victory by at least two goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-121) is the way to go here. Toronto had the shackles thrown on its superstar forwards in Game 1, but it should break out somewhat. Andersen will have to be superb again in Game 2, and he will be. Look for a defensive battle.

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New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes are back in action Tuesday for Game 3 of the best-of-five qualification round series at 8 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Rangers-Hurricanes NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Hurricanes lead 2-0.

Rangers vs. Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies

Henrik Lundqvist vs. Petr Mrazek

Rookie Igor Shesterkin was again listed as not physically fit for Game 2, so the veteran Lundqvist made a second consecutive start Monday. It wasn’t good, as he yielded four goals on 34 shots in the loss. After dominating the Hurricanes in the regular season, Carolina has turned the tables on the Blueshirts, pushing them to the brink. Expect Lundqvist to be in there yet again for Game 3.

Mrazek didn’t look great against the Rangers during the regular season, but he has regained the postseason magic he showed during his team’s run a year ago. He allowed just one Artemi Panarin power-play goal on 24 shots in the victory, and he was helped by second-year phenom Andrei Svechnikov, who netted the first-ever playoff hat trick in Hurricanes franchise history.

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Rangers vs. Hurricanes: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rangers 4, Hurricanes 3

Moneyline (ML)

The RANGERS (+130) have their backs up against the wall, and they’re about to have their Toronto vacation (and season) end early if they can’t find a way to beat Mrazek. So far they have had very few answers against the Carolina tendy. They have dominated the Hurricanes in the past, winning 37 of the past 51 meetings, but so far that hasn’t mattered since the restart. The underdog is still 6-2 in the previous eight in this series, and the Blueshirts will bow their backs and show a little pride here.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Rangers returns a profit of $13, while a $10 wager on the Hurricanes (-154) results in a profit of $6.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Rangers +1.5 (-223) are just too expensive on the puck line. The +1, -139 line is a little more attractive, but still, why pay juice when you can bet them straight up and make plus-money? It just doesn’t make sense to bet the dogs on the puck line in almost any circumstance, and it’s especially silly to bet +1 in most situations. Not many experienced bettors ever do that.

Why risk it and play a potential win into a push? The Hurricanes (-1.5, +180) are tempting, if you feel they’re going to finish this off and broom the Blueshirts, but I have picked against Carolina all series and just can’t see a sweep. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+105) is a rather strong bet, as the Carolina offense has been high octane against the Rangers so far. It’s a quick turnaround for Mrazek, so you can expect he’ll let in a few more here, too. While the Under is 6-2 across the past eight meetings in this series, buck the trend and look for the Over.

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Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers Monday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Oilers resume their qualifying round series in Game 2 Monday at 10:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Blackhawks-Oilers NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Blackhawks vs. Oilers: Projected starting goalies

Corey Crawford vs. Mikko Koskinen

Crawford was staked to a 4-1 lead heading to the dressing room after 20 minutes in Game 1, giving him plenty of wiggle room. In fact, the four goals scored were, uhh, an NHL record for first-period goals by a No. 12 seed. Look it up!

The Blackhawks also held a 6-2 lead through 40 minutes, helping Crawford and the underdogs cruise to the 6-4 win on Edmonton’s home ice, sans the crowd, of course.

Mike Smith was a disaster in Game 1, coughing up five goals on 23 shots before getting yanked 6:32 into the second period. Koskinen came on and righted the ship, eating 18 of the 19 pucks he faced. He is expected to get the starting nod in Game 2. Koskinen also relieved Smith in a 4-3 loss in Chicago on March 5. He stopped all 10 shots he faced in his only appearance against the ‘Hawks in the regular season.

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Blackhawks vs. Oilers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 4, Oilers 3

Moneyline (ML)

The BLACKHAWKS (+120) looked really good, as Jonathan Toews and Dominik Kubalik sparkled on offense. The underdog visitors looked comfortable in Edmonton, and it shouldn’t have been a major surprise. Chicago is 14-6 in their past 20 games in Edmonton, and 4-1 in the previous five meetings overall. The Oilers (-139) are on the ropes in their own barn.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blackhawks (+120) to win returns a profit of $12, while a $10 wager on the Oilers (-139) results in a profit of $7.19.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

You can count on this game to be much closer than Game 1. While I expect the underdogs to come away with another win, it won’t be as easy as the opener. The Oilers -1.5 (+170) have too much pride.

If you’re not feeling the 12-seed again, Blackhawks +1 (-143) might make some sense. That’s not for me, though. If you like Chicago, just bet the moneyline, for a much better value. This one will be too tight for puck line action. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6.5 (+100) is worth a play, as there is a lot of offensive talent on both sides of the ice. Couple that with the fact there are some solid goaltenders in this one, but not championship-caliber netminders, and the recipe is there for another Over result.

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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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Montreal Canadiens vs. Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

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

The Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins battle in Game 2 of their qualifying round Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Canadiens-Penguins’ NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Canadiens vs. Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Carey Price vs. Matt Murray

Price was superb in Game 1, stopping 39 of the 41 pucks he faced in a 3-2 overtime upset victory. He had a bit of a hiccup midway through the second period, yielding an even-strength goal to Penguins C Sidney Crosby and a power-play goal to Bryan Rust just 2:39 later; however, he regrouped and the Habs never fell behind at any point in the opener.

Murray allowed goals to Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Nick Suzuki and Jeff Petry (OT winner) in the opening-game loss, but most people would agree that none of the even-strength goals were his fault. Head coach Mike Sullivan would be crazy to turn to Tristan Jarry after Game 1, but desperate times also call for desperate measures. Another loss in Game 2 and then it’s win or go home in this five-game series against the 12th-seeded Habs.

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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 7:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 5, Canadiens 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-176) were stunned in Game 1, and you can bet they’re not going to be surprised again. If Murray allows any goals early on, whether or not they’re his fault, Jarry will get the call, but it’s unlikely he’ll fall behind. The Canadiens (+150) won’t catch the Pens napping in this one, and you can expect Sullivan to whip his team into shape ahead of this crucial and unexpected near-must-win game. They’re not losing to the No. 12 seed again in the series.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins (-176) to win returns a profit of $5.70, while a $10 wager on the Canadiens (+150) results in a profit of $15.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS -1.5 (+165) can be expected to fire out of the chute early in this one, and Price will face a blitzkrieg of gold and yellow in the first period. I expect puck line bettors to be very pleased early on, as Pittsburgh builds a big lead and hangs on to win by more than two goals. Grab the Pens on the alternate line.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+105) is a great value, as the Penguins are likely to be very embarrassed about their Game 1 showing. Look for them to crash the net early and often, trying to throw Price from his comfort zone. The Pens and the Over make for a nice parlay opportunity, too.

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

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

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Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Monday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning square off in Eastern Conference round-robin action Monday at 4 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Capitals-Lightning NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Capitals vs. Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Holtby posted a 25-14-6 record with a 3.11 goals against average and .897 save percentage across 48 games (47 starts). With rookie backup Ilya Samsonov injured in Russia during the break, suffering an undisclosed ailment, Vitek Vanecek will serve as the understudy for now. That means Holtby will do a majority of the heavy lifting for the Caps. That’s bad news for the Lightning, as Holtby went 2-0-0 with a 1.95 GAA and .930 SV% in two regular-season starts.

Vasilevskiy was in the midst of another outstanding season, going 35-14-3 with a 2.56 GAA and .917 SV% over 52 starts while posting three shutouts. While those numbers are outstanding, he went just 0-1-1 with a 3.98 GAA and .882 SV% in his two regular-season showings against the Caps.

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Capitals vs. Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Capitals 4, Lightning 3

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS (+120) are a very attractive option at plus-money given Holtby’s strong play against the Lightning (-143) this season, and Vasilevskiy’s struggles against the Caps, albeit a small sample size. In addition, the Caps have won four consecutive meetings with the Lightning, and Washington also doesn’t take too kindly to being an underdog. They have won 10 of their past 13 as dogs.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Capitals to win returns a profit of $12, while a $10 wager on the Lightning results in a profit of $7.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Capitals (+1.5, -223) are just too much chalk on the puck line. If you like the Caps to win, just take them straight up on the moneyline. It’s much less of a risk. If you’re feeling the Lightning (-1.5, +180), despite Vasilevskiy’s struggles against the Caps this season, they’re the better value here. Personally, it’s not for me, and I rarely play puck lines unless backing an overwhelming favorite I really like. That isn’t the case here. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

Over 6.5 (-110) is OK. Or you can roll with Over 5.5 (-150), but it will cost more juice. Inestead, let’s BET the alternate line of OVER 6 (-121). The Over has hit in 22 of the past 27 for Washington against teams with a winning record, and is 9-3 in the past 12 for the Caps as a dog. The Over has also hit in nine of the previous 12 for the Lightning. In addition, these teams hit the Over in five of their previous six meetings.

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

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

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New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and best bets

NHL betting analysis around the New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Monday matchup, with NHL odds, spreads and betting lines to exploit.

The New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes hit the ice Monday in Game 2 of the best-of-five qualification round series at noon ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. We analyze the Rangers-Hurricanes NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Series: Carolina leads 1-0.

Rangers vs. Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies

Henrik Lundqvist vs. Petr Mrazek

Head coach David Quinn tabbed the veteran Lundqvist for Game 1, as apparently super rookie Igor Shesterkin wasn’t as physically fit as the bench boss would have preferred. In fact, Alexandar Georgiev dressed as the backup in Saturday’s 3-2 loss. Lundqvist looked pretty good, making 34 saves, and one of the goals he allowed was a deflection off D Marc Staal’s boot. Quinn said he wasn’t sure if Shesterkin would be ready to play in Game 2, but the way King Henrik looked, it’s likely ride or die with the veteran at this point.

While Mrazek was an unseemly 0-3-0 with a 3.44 GAA and .872 SV% in three regular-season starts against the Rangers, he turned aside 24 of the 26 shots he faced Saturday. It was just the Hurricanes’ seventh win against the Rangers in the previous 38 meetings since the 2010-11 season. While Mrazek didn’t have All-Star defenseman Dougie Hamilton on the ice in Game 1 as he recovers from an undisclosed injury, rearguard Sami Vatanen made his team debut. The Hurricanes have one of the deepest defensemen corps in the NHL, so that will help Mrazek immensely.

The NHL is back! Get some action with a bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Rangers vs. Hurricanes: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rangers 3, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The RANGERS (+135) are bigger dogs than they were in Game 1 (+110), which is surprising because, despite Saturday’s loss, they have dominated the Hurricanes in head-to-head matchups across the past 10 seasons. New York is a good bet to get back on track against the Carolina (-162), and this series is likely to go the distance. These two teams are very evenly matched and each have explosive top scoring lines and plenty of star power.

New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Rangers returns a profit of $13.50, while a $10 wager on the Hurricanes results in a profit of $6.17.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Rangers (+1, -129) isn’t a terrible play, but if you like the Rangers in Game 2, just bet the moneyline. As far as the Hurricanes (-1, +105) are concerned, they’re awfully tempting at this price. However, this will be a tight battle, and their recent history against the Rangers makes them a very risky selection. And taking Carolina (+1, -334) or (+1.5, -455) would be financial suicide if it doesn’t come through. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-106) is the way to go. While we saw some special teams goals in the series opener, with a Sebastian Aho power-play goal and a Staal short-handed marker, the 5-on-5 play was a bit more measured and the goaltending was solid. Look for another under result in Game 2.

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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