NHL betting odds lines picks predictions

Minnesota Wild at Winnipeg Jets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota Wild at Winnipeg Jets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Wild (20-9-4) meet the Winnipeg Jets (23-10-1) Saturday at Canada Life Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Wild vs. Jets odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Jets lead 2-0; Winnipeg won 4-1 in the Twin Cities in the most recent meeting Nov. 25, while the Jets won 2-1 in OT in Winnipeg Oct. 13

The Wild suffered a 2-1 loss at home against the Utah Hockey Club Friday behind Marc-Andre Fleury as the Under (6) cashed. The Wild have dropped 3 in a row and 4 of the past 5 outings.

The Jets suffered a 3-2 setback in Anaheim Wednesday behind backup tendy Eric Comrie. The Jets are 5-2-1 across the past 8 games, while Connor Hellebuyck has gone 5-0-1 in his previous 6 starts.

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Wild at Jets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wild +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Jets -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-185) | Jets -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Wild at Jets projected goalies

Jesper Wallstedt (0-1-0, 3.12 GAA, .889% SV) vs. Connor Hellebuyck (20-5-1, 2.15 GAA, .926 SV%, 3 SO)

After Fleury started Friday’s game, the current backup Wallstedt is expected to get the starting nod Saturday, as Filip Gustavsson is nursing a lower-body injury and he is expected to be sidelined. He stopped 24 of 27 shots Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights in his season debut.

Hellebuyck is 10-2-1 with a 2.07 GAA and .927 SV% with 2 SO in 13 home starts. He will be making his third start of the season against the Wild. He is 2-0-0 with a 0.99 GAA and .972 SV%, allowing just 2 goals on 71 shots.

Wild at Jets picks and predictions

Prediction

Jets 3, Wild 2

Moneyline

The JETS (-175) are a little on the pricey side, but they’re worth playing with the Wild (+145) back on no rest after a tough loss Saturday.

Minnesota cannot be trusted, going 0-3-0 in the past 3 games, while managing a total of 4 goals of offensive support for its goaltenders.

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Puck line/Against the spread

The Wild +1.5 (-185) are just a little too expensive if you require insurance and you can’t trust Minnesota straight up.

Minnesota is 2-4 in the past 6 games as an underdog on the puck line dating back to Nov. 25.

On the flip side, the Jets -1.5 (+150) can’t be trusted to cover, either, as Winnipeg is 3-8 in the past 11 games on the puck line as a favorite.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (+100) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at best.

The Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games for the Jets, while going 11-4 across the past 15 games since Nov. 22, including the most recent meeting with the Wild Nov. 25.

The Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games for the Wild, too, while going 9-4 across the previous 13 outings.

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Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Carolina Hurricanes (20-10-1) pay a visit to the Washington Capitals (21-8-2) in a Metropolitan Division tussle Friday. The opening puck drop at Capital One Arena will be at 7 p.m. (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Hurricanes vs. Capitals odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Carolina leads 1-0

The Hurricanes, winners of 3 of their last 4 (3-1-0), open a 4-game road trip with this contest. Carolina has not won on road since since Nov. 20 (0-3-1 over that span). The ‘Canes last played Tuesday, shutting out the New York Islanders 4-0. They’ve yielded just 1 goal over their last 2 games.

The Capitals, just 2-5-1 over their last 8 against Carolina, head into Friday’s tilt having lost their last 2 games. The most recent of those was Tuesday at the Chicago Blackhawks when Washington coughed up a late lead in a 3-2 defeat. The Caps led 2-0 through 2 periods and were up 2-1 heading into the final 7 minutes of play.

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Hurricanes at Capitals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Hurricanes -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Capitals +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+170) | Capitals +1.5 (-210)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Hurricanes at Capitals projected goalies

Pyotr Kochetkov (13-5-0, 2.47 GAA, .902 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Charlie Lindgren (9-6-0, 2.69 GAA, .902 SV%)

Kochetkov earned the shutout in Tuesday’s game against the Isles. He stopped 32 of 32 pucks and has allowed just 4 goals over his last 3 starts.

Lindgren last played Monday at the Dallas Stars, allowing 3 goals on 24 shots. The 31-year-old was busy but solid when he faced Carolina Nov. 3. Lindgren stopped 41 of 44 in that one.

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Hurricanes at Capitals picks and predictions

Prediction

Capitals 4, Hurricanes 3

Moneyline

The Caps are just 3-6-1 over their last 10 games against Carolina, and they haven’t logged a regulation win in the series since March 3, 2022.

The Hurricanes’ puck-possession figures of late have been outstanding. Comparisons of actual to expected goals for and against (5-on-5) favor the ‘Canes as well. They are the better club when it comes to scoring-chance differential and special teams.

That’s enough green check marks in the visitors’ column for this one. BET CAROLINA (-140).

Puck line/Against the spread

No interest; PASS.

Over/Under

The last 4 series meetings in D.C. have made for the Over going 3-1.

The goalie matchup doesn’t spell stop sign, and both sides have significantly underplayed their even-strength expected goal output over the last couple weeks or so. Both sides have more offense in the tank, and that spells value on the OVER 6 (+100).

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Vancouver Canucks at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Vancouver Canucks at Vegas Golden Knights odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Vancouver Canucks (16-9-6) visit the Vegas Golden Knights (20-8-3) Thursday with puck drop from T-Mobile Arena set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Canucks vs. Golden Knights odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; split 2-2 last season

The Canucks fell 3-2 in OT as +103 underdogs at the Utah Hockey Club Wednesday as the Under (6) hit. LW Danton Heinen had a strong game, scoring a goal while adding 2 blocks and 2 hits. G Thatcher Demko took the loss, moving to 1-1-2 since his return from a knee injury Dec. 10.

The Golden Knights secured their fifth win in their last 6 games Sunday, defeating the Minnesota Wild 3-2 as -103 road favorites while the Under (5.5) cashed. RW Victor Olofsson scored twice in the victory while G Ilya Samsonov picked up the win, staying perfect in December with a 2-0 record.

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Canucks at Golden Knights odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Canucks +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Golden Knights -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canucks +1.5 (-175) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+145)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Canucks at Golden Knights projected goalies

Kevin Lankinen (14-4-3, 2.52 GAA, .912 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Adin Hill (13-5-2, 2.78 GAA, .899 SV%, 2 SO)

Lankinen earned a shutout in his last start Dec. 12 against the Florida Panthers. This month, he’s 3-1 with a 2.35 GAA and .921 SV%. His most recent start against the Golden Knights came on Feb. 20 when he made 23 saves on 26 shots in a victory while with the Nashville Predators.

Hill had an impressive December before his Saturday loss to Edmonton, going 3-0 with a shutout and just 4 goals allowed in 3 games. His last outing against the Canucks was March 7, when he allowed 3 goals on 35 shots and took the loss.

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Canucks at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Canucks 2

Moneyline

PASS.

The Golden Knights (-165) know how to handle their business at T-Mobile Arena and will get a relatively easy win Thursday. However, I’d rather take the plus odds on the puck line than pay the juice on the ML.

Puck line/Against the spread

BET GOLDEN KNIGHTS -1.5 (+145).

Vegas holds a big advantage in this matchup, resting since Sunday, while Vancouver played an OT game Wednesday night and now travels. The Golden Knights excel at home, winning 7 of their last 8 against Pacific Division rivals and covering the puck line in 5 straight. RW Mark Stone has scored in 4 consecutive home games against Pacific teams, and Vegas leads the league in discipline with the fewest penalty minutes (169).

Vancouver has dropped 4 of its last 5 against Western Conference opponents and is playing inconsistently, going 5-2-3 in its last 10. With Vegas surging and rested, the Canucks face an uphill battle.

Over/Under

In the last 10 meetings, the total is 5-4-1. Vancouver’s last 10 games are split 5-5 on the total, while Vegas’ last 6 home games are 3-3. With no clear edge, I’ll AVOID the total and stick with the puck line instead.

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Boston Bruins at Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Boston Bruins at Edmonton Oilers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Boston Bruins (17-13-3) visit the Edmonton Oilers (18-11-2) on Thursday. Puck drop from Rogers Place is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Bruins vs. Oilers odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; tied 1-1 last season with both games decided in overtime

Boston has won back-to-back games after taking down Calgary Flames 4-3 in overtime and covering as a -137 road favorite on Tuesday. Four Bruins players found the back of the net while C Elias Lindholm had a goal and an assist.

Edmonton had a 5-game winning streak snapped with a 6-5 loss against the Florida Panthers on Monday while failing to cover as a -132 home favorite. LW Zach Hyman had 2 goals in the loss.

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Bruins at Oilers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Bruins +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Oilers -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Bruins +1.5 (-165) | Oilers -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Bruins at Oilers projected goalies

Jeremy Swayman (11-10-2, 3.14 GAA, .887 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Stuart Skinner (11-8-2, 2.98 GAA, .892 SV%)

Swayman has been majorly middle-of-the-pack this season with his GAA and SV% each ranking 47th or lower. He has won 5 of his last 6 games while allowing 3 goals or fewer in each of the wins.

Skinner’s GAA and SV% both rank 39th or worse while the fifth-year goalie has won 3 of his last 4 games and 5 of his last 7 outings. He has allowed 2 goals or fewer in 5 of his last 7 games.

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Bruins at Oilers picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 4, Bruins 3

Moneyline

PASS.

There is minimal value on the Oilers (-185) to win outright.

Puck line/Against the spread

BET BRUINS +1.5 (-165).

Boston has been hot recently, winning back-to-back games on the road, and winning 7 of its last 10 games. It has held opponents to 3 goals or fewer in 8 of its last 10 outings while scoring 3 or more goals in 7 of its last 10 contests. It clashes with an Edmonton team that has also been hot, winning 8 of its last 10 games, but is coming off a tough home loss.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6 (-110).

The Oilers have scored 5 or more goals in 3 straight games and 4 or more goals in 8 of their last 10 contests. They have hit the Over in 3 straight.

The Bruins have hit the Over in 6 consecutive games and in 8 of their last 10. They have scored 4 or more goals in 4 of their last 6 ganes while allowing 3 or more goals in 4 of their last 5 outings.

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Florida Panthers at Minnesota Wild odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Florida Panthers at Minnesota Wild odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Florida Panthers (19-11-2) tangle with the Minnesota Wild (20-7-4) in a Wednesday night contest in Minneapolis. The opening faceoff from the Xcel Energy Center will be at 9:30 p.m. (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Panthers vs. Wild odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Minnesota leads 1-0

Florida is wrapping up a 5-game road swing. A 6-5 victory at the Edmonton Oilers Monday lifted the Panthers to a 2-2-0 record on the voyage. Overall, Florida is 10-6-1 on road ice.

Minnesota is playing game No. 4 of a 5-game home stand. The Wild last played Sunday, dropping a 3-2 decision against the Vegas Golden Knights. They are 1-2-0 thus far on the home stand and 8-5-1 at home overall.

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Panthers at Wild odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 6:31 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Panthers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Wild +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1.5 (+170) | Wild +1.5 (-210)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Panthers at Wild projected goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (14-6-1, 2.97 GAA, .889 SV%) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (6-1-1, 2.51 GAA, .909 SV%)

Bobrovsky started Monday’s tilt in Edmonton and allowed 5 goals. The veteran netminder has run hot and cold over recent weeks. He’s allowed 9 goals over his last 2 starts.

Fleury last played Saturday, stopping 21 of 22 against the Philadelphia Flyers. He owns a .921 SV% across 3 games this month.

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Panthers at Wild picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 4, Wild 3

Moneyline

This one simply comes down to how you feel about the 2 defenses vs. the numbers they’ve posted so far. Per Hockey-Reference.com, Minnesota leads the NHL with a .941 SV% in 5-on-5 play. Florida’s .902 mark ranks 31st in that same measure.

Peg both sides as due for market corrections. Shot-type and puck-possession analytics are bullish on the Panther defense and bearish on the Wild’s.

BACK FLORIDA (-145).

Puck line/Against the spread

No interest. STEER CLEAR.

Over/Under

The Over has gone 7-2-1 across the last 10 series meetings.

The goalie match-up may have been a terrific one five years ago, but it creates an Over lean these days.

Florida has banged out 5-plus goals 5 times over its last 11 games. Minnesota has yielded 3.80 goals per game over its last 5 contests. And the Wild defense has killed off just 7 of its last 13 penalties.

The OVER 5.5 (-105) is the value side here.

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Vancouver Canucks at Utah Hockey Club odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Vancouver Canucks at Utah Hockey Club odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Vancouver Canucks (16-9-5) visit the Utah Hockey Club (14-11-5) Wednesday. Puck drop from the Delta Center is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Canucks vs. Utah odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Canucks took 2 of 3 last season when Utah was the Arizona Coyotes

The Canucks have won 2 of their past 3 contests, including a 3-1 victory as +128 home underdogs vs. the Colorado Avalanche Monday with the Under (6) cashing. LW Kiefer Sherwood scored a natural hat trick with his final tally giving Vancouver a 3-0 lead 2:35 into the third period. The Avs scored their lone goal in the final minute.

In his third game back from an injury that’s lingered since last season, 2023-24 Vezina Trophy runner-up G Thatcher Demko saved 30 of 31 shots for a tidy win, his first this season.

Utah has enjoyed its own positive run with a win in 4 of its last 5 outings. The Club notched its latest W Saturday on RW Clayton Keller’s goal with 44 seconds left in regulation to top the host San Jose Sharks 4-3. Utah cashed as a -187 favorite and the Over (6) hit.

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Canucks at Utah odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 5:20 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Canucks +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Utah -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canucks +1.5 (-250) | Utah -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Canucks at Utah projected goalies

Thatcher Demko (1-1-1, 3.32 GAA, .881 SV%) vs. Karel Vejmelka (6-7-2, 2.40 GAA, .915 SV%)

Demko finished fourth with a .918 SV% and fifth with a 2.45 GAA last season and looked to reclaim his starting gig after saving 30 of 31 shots Monday.

One or two Demko stumbles could eventually open the door back up for G Kevin Lankinen, though; he dazzled in Demko’s absence with a 2.52 GAA and .912 SV% in 21 games (14-4-3).

Meanwhile, Vejmelka is the main reason UHC isn’t a complete pushover in its first season under its new identity.

The Czech sits eighth in the league in GAA and tied for ninth in SV%. His win-loss record more directly reflects the scoring ineptitude in front of him than his own shortcomings.

In 7 games since his last regulation loss Nov. 24, Vejmelka boasts a 2.57 GAA with a 4-2-1 line, despite underperforming with an .897 SV%.

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Canucks at Utah picks and predictions

Prediction

Canucks 3, Utah 2

Moneyline

This line has shifted a bit since Tuesday night when both clubs were -110.

The Canucks have crushed it as visitors this season (10-2-1), while Utah (4-5-3) has not held home ice well in its Beehive State debut season.

Go with the resurgent Demko to back the road warriors.

BET CANUCKS (+100).

Puck line/Against the spread

Given the goaltending matchup, only a late empty-netter would likely separate this game by 2 goals.

Of course, the market already accounts for how close this matchup should be. Don’t pay the tax.

PASS.

Over/Under

Side with the sturdy goaltending, which has helped keep Utah afloat even with offensive shortcomings and should hold up regardless of who minds the net for the Canucks.

The Hockey Club is 12-15-3 on the Over/Under, while Vancouver hovers at .500 (16-13-1).

BET UNDER 6 (-120).

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Philadelphia Flyers at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Philadelphia Flyers at Detroit Red Wings odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Philadelphia Flyers (14-13-4) visit the Detroit Red Wings (12-14-4) Wednesday. The opening puck drop at Little Caesars Arena will be at 7 p.m. (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Flyers vs. Red Wings odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Flyers lead 1-0

The Flyers have not played since Saturday when they lost 4-1 at the Minnesota Wild. Philadelphia had won its previous 2 games, and that included a 4-1 home win over Detroit Dec. 12.

The Red Wings bounced back from their setback in Philly with a 4-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Detroit has played a slew of close games of late, the Wings are 2-4-2 over their last 8 contests.

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Flyers at Red Wings odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Flyers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Red Wings -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Flyers +1.5 (-275) | Red Wings -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Flyers at Red Wings projected goalies

Samuel Ersson (6-4-2, 2.87 GAA, .891 SV%) vs. Alex Lyon (4-4-0, 2.74 GAA, .911 SV%)

Ersson started the Saturday game at Minnesota and allowed 3 goals on 21 shots. He owns a lackluster .844 SV% across his last 3 starts.

Lyon has been out since Nov. 25 with a lower-body injury. He owns a solid .916 SV% in career games on home ice.

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Flyers at Red Wings picks and predictions

Prediction

Flyers 4, Red Wings 3

Moneyline

In the meeting 2 games back, Philly outshot Detroit 36-26. But in scoring chances, the Wings managed a near 3-2 edge, and 2 of the Flyers’ goals were empty-net jobs.

Both clubs have improved analytics of late, but those gains have not really been reflected in game results. Still, Philadelphia has the more unrealized expected-goal potential, and Detroit is just 1-2-1 over its last 4 at home.

The leverage here is slight. Consider a partial-unit play on the FLYERS (-105).

Puck line/Against the spread

No interest. AVOID.

Over/Under

The Philly offense is the most untapped sector of this matchup. Figure on more being in the tank than what has showed for a club averaging 2.90 goals per game with a 16.7% power play. Per Naturalstattrick.com, the Flyers’ 13.6% conversion in 5-on-5 high-danger looks ranks 31st in the NHL. That’s a lot of lost production on the highest percentage shots from around the slot.

With Lyon returning from injury, the Red Wings having a solid power play (24.4%) and the Flyers being whistled for a lot of penalties of late (11.3 PIM per game last six games), the OVER 6 (-110) is the value side here.

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Toronto Maple Leafs at Dallas Stars odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Dallas Stars odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs (19-10-2) meet the Dallas Stars (19-11-0) Wednesday at American Airlines Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Maple Leafs vs. Stars odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Maple Leafs won 2-0 in 2023-24

The Maple Leafs have swept the regular-season series in each of the past 3 campaigns, winning 6 straight games in the series since March 15, 2022.

Toronto picked up a 5-3 victory at home Sunday over the Buffalo Sabres, cashing as a moderate favorite (-171) as the Over (6) cashed. The Leafs are 3-1-0 in the past 4 games, while the Under has connected at a 5-2-1 pace in the previous 8 contests.

The Stars picked up a 3-1 win Monday against the Washington Capitals as moderate favorites (-156), while going 3-1-0 in the previous 4 outings. The Under has hit in 3 in a row, while going 7-1-0 in the past 8 contests.

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Maple Leafs at Stars odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 6:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Maple Leafs +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Stars -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Maple Leafs +1.5 (-225) | Stars -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Maple Leafs at Stars projected goalies

Joseph Woll (8-4-0, 2.24 GAA, .918% SV, 1 SO) vs. Jake Oettinger (16-7-0, 2.32 GAA, .913 SV%, 1 SO)

Woll is likely to have to do plenty of the heavy lifting for at least the next month, as Anthony Stolarz will be sidelined 4-6 weeks due to knee surgery. Stolarz is the NHL’s leader in save percentage (.927).

Woll has allowed 3 or fewer goals in each of his past 10 starts and 11 appearances, and he is 2-2-0 with a 2.49 GAA and .906 SV% in 3 starts and 1 relief appearance in December.

Oettinger allowed just a single goal on 26 shots in a 3-1 win against the Capitals, while allowing just 2 goals on 42 shots in back-to-back victories. The Lakeville, Minn., native has a 4-3-0 record, 2.01 GAA and .918 SV% in 7 December outings.

Maple Leafs at Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 3, Maple Leafs 2

Moneyline

The STARS (-135) are worth a look as moderate favorites, but backing them against the Maple Leafs (+115) is quite risky. Toronto has won 6 straight meetings in the series.

However, the presence of Oettinger gives the Stars a leg up, ever so slightly. Woll has been good, and this will likely be a defensive battle, perhaps even decided in overtime or a shootout. But give Dallas the edge based on tending.

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Puck line/Against the spread

Backing the Maple Leafs +1.5 (-225) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return if you cannot take Toronto straight up, and you’d like a little bit of insurance instead.

Either take the Leafs straight up if you like them, although that’s not recommended, or AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (+100) is the lean at even-money, but go with a half-unit play at most.

Again, Woll hasn’t allowed more than 3 goals in any start since his first outing of the season in late October.

Meanwhile, the Under is 3-0 in the past 3 starts by Oettinger, and 6-1 across his past 7 assignments. The Under is 5-2 in the past 7 meetings in this series, too.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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New Jersey Devils at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s New Jersey Devils at St. Louis Blues odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New Jersey Devils (20-10-3) and St. Louis Blues (15-14-3) tussle in a Tuesday night affair near the shores of the Mississippi River. The opening face-off at the Enterprise Center will be at 8 p.m. (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Devils vs. Blues odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Blues lead 1-0

New Jersey last played Saturday, closing out a 5-game home stand with a 4-1 conquest as big -370 favorites over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Devils, who rank sixth in the league in goals against (2.61 per game), allowed just 17 shots on goal Saturday and have yielded only 48 shots on target over their last 3 games.

St. Louis played Sunday, earning a 3-2 triumph over the New York Rangers to snap a two-game losing streak (0-1-1). The Blues cashed as +113 home underdogs and the Under (6) came in. The Blues had been 1-5-1 over their previous games at the Enterprise Center.

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Devils at Blues odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 3:41 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Devils -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Blues +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Devils -1.5 (+135) | Blues +1.5 (-165)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Devils at Blues projected goalies

Jacob Markstrom (15-6-2, 2.35 GAA, .908 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Jordan Binnington (8-11-3, 2.93 GAA, .899 SV%, 1 SO)

Markstrom stopped 16 of 17 pucks in Saturday’s win over the Blackhawks. He owns a sparkling .934 SV% over 5 games this month.

Binnington was solid in his last start, which was Saturday at the Dallas Starts (35 saves). The 31-year-old had been shaky over his two previous efforts, clocking an .846 SV% across games on Dec. 7 and Dec. 12.

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Devils at Blues picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 4, Blues 3

Moneyline

New Jersey is 13-5-1 since Nov. 4 and figures to be out for retribution after a lackluster 3-0 loss to the Blues in Newark Nov. 27.

As mentioned above, the Blues have had their issues of late at home, and recently they’ve had difficulties getting shots on frame (21.3 shots per game over the club’s last 4 games). In this one, St. Louis takes to the ice with a rest disadvantage — and the Devils are 3-1-0 when playing on 2 days’ rest.

If Markstrom gets the call, he gives New Jersey a talent edge in goal. The 34-year-old has done well to avoid off nights and ranks a solid 19th in Hockey-Reference’s goals saved above average.

The 5-on-5 expected-goal analytics favor the Devils having more scoring punch in the tank. Lately, they’ve been hurt by some likely-unlucky shooting percentages, but they have been getting more scoring chances and more of the high-danger variety. Plus, in special teams, the Devils are light years the better club in this matchup — despite an 0-for-13 stretch on the power play since Dec. 6.

BET DEVILS (-185).

Puck line/Against the spread

The Devils have played 4 straight 1-goal games. The best value on a New Jersey play is on the ML.

Over/Under

The Blues have shown some decent early scoring punch of late. Season and recent-trend expected-goals calculations point to the Blues scoring more and allowing a bit more as well and for the Devils to have some more punch on offense.

BACK OVER 5.5 (-115).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

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New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New York Islanders (12-13-7) meet the Carolina Hurricanes (19-10-1) Tuesday at Lenovo Center in Raleigh. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+ / Hulu / Disney+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Islanders vs. Hurricanes odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Islanders lead 1-0; New York won 4-3 at home as a heavy underdog (+174) while the Over (6) cashed Dec. 7

The Islanders suffered a 5-3 loss on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks Sunday as the Over (5.5) cashed. The total has gone high at a 4-1-1 clip in the past 6 outings. The Isles are 3-2-0 in the past 5 games, too.

For the Hurricanes, they topped the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1 as giant favorites (-356) Sunday while the Under (6.5) cashed. Carolina has alternated wins and losses in the past 6 games in December, while cashing the Under in each of the past 3 contests.

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Islanders at Hurricanes odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 8:38 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Islanders +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Hurricanes -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders +1.5 (-135) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+115)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Islanders at Hurricanes projected goalies

Ilya Sorokin (9-9-4, 2.71 GAA, .906% SV, 1 SO) vs. Pyotr Kochetkov (12-5-0, 2.61 GAA, .895 SV%)

Sorokin coughed up 4 goals on 22 shots in Sunday’s 5-3 loss at Chicago, following a 5-4 win against the Blackhawks in the front end of the home-and-home. He has managed a 3-3-1 record, 3.15 GAA, .885 SV% in 7 starts in December.

Kochetkov allowed just 2 goals on 21 shots in Ottawa Friday, but he received zero goal support in a 3-0 loss. He has a 2-3-0 record and 3.11 GAA with an .871 SV% in 5 starts since returning from the concussion protocol.

Islanders at Hurricanes picks and predictions

Prediction

Islanders 3, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline

The ISLANDERS (+185) are worth a look for the chance to nearly double up. New York has been a major thorn in the side of the Hurricanes (-250) in recent seasons, winning 4-3 as a heavy underdog in the first meeting Dec. 7, while going 2-2 in last season’s regular-season series, with 3 of those games decided by a single goal.

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Puck line/Against the spread

If you can’t bring yourself to bet New York straight up and would like a little insurance, ISLANDERS +1.5 (-135) isn’t priced out of line. In 4 of the past 5 regular-season meetings, the winning margin has been a single goal, including 2 overtime affairs.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (+100) is worth a look in this battle in Raleigh, although you’ll be going against the trends. The Over is 4-1 in the past 5 regular-season matchups.

While the Over is 4-1-1 in the past 6 games for the Islanders, the Under is 4-2-1 in the past 7 outings on the road.

For the Hurricanes, the Under has cashed in the past 3 games, with Carolina averaging 2.3 goals per game (GPG) while allowing just 2.0 GPG in the span.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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