Tag: NHL betting odds lines picks predictions

Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks (0-1) and New Jersey Devils (0-0) tangle Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. ET.  Below, we look at the Blackhawks vs. Devils odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago is coming off a loss Wednesday at Colorado. The Blackhawks yielded three goals over a six-minute stretch in the opening period and played catch-up the rest of the evening against a strong Avalanche club. Shot and expected-goal analytics were in line with the 4-2 final.

The Devils – like the ‘Hawks – open the season as a prospective playoff bubble team and one with concerns on defense. New Jersey allowed the fourth-most goals in the NHL last season. The Devils got off to a decent start last season and then went 13-27-5 and yielded 3.64 goals per game over their last 45 contests.

Blackhawks at Devils odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blackhawks +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Devils -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-230) | Devils -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Blackhawks at Devils projected goalies

Kevin Lankinen (last season: 17-14-5, 3.01 GAA, .909 SV%) vs. Jonathan Bernier (last season: 9-11-1 2.99 GAA, .914 SV%)

Lankinen is now in a defined No. 2 role and gets the start after G Marc-Andre Fleury was between the pipes Wednesday in Denver.

Bernier comes over from the Detroit Red Wings, where he recorded a 3.30 GAA and .893 SV% in four games against the Blackhawks last season. The 33-year-old veteran has a history as a somewhat slow starter and strong finisher.

Blackhawks at Devils odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 5, Blackhawks 3

Money line

AVOID the big prices here, figuring the true odds-level pricing being sandwiched in an all-too-overflowing middle.

Against the spread

A few injuries on the blue lines at both ends, the lack of an elite goaltender and two teams further along offensively – it all spells a strong lean on the Over (see below).

The price on New Jersey getting by with a two-goal cushion is solid.

BACK THE DEVILS -1.5 (+170).

Over/Under

Peg some correction lean toward the Blackhawks getting at least a couple goals here. Chicago displayed plenty of clearing-its-own-zone issues in its opener.

The Devils aren’t the Avs, but enough quality looks make for enough New Jersey goals to edge the total to 7 or more.

TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (-107).

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Vegas Golden Knights at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and prediction

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

The Vegas Golden Knights (1-0-0) face the Los Angeles Kings (0-0-0) Thursday at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Golden Knights vs. Kings odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Golden Knights opened the post-Marc-Andre Fleury era with a 4-3 victory over the expansion Seattle Kraken at T-Mobile Arena Tuesday. Now, VGK plays its first road outing of the season.

The Kings have dropped three consecutive regular-season openers, each by one goal. Their last victory in an opener came Oct. 5, 2017, behind Jonathan Quick against the visiting Philadelphia Flyers.

Golden Knights at Kings odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Golden Knights -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Kings +133 (bet $100 to win $133)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights -1.5 (+145) | Kings +1.5 (-190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)

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Golden Knights at Kings projected goalies

Robin Lehner (1-0-0, 3.01 GAA, .903 SV%) vs. Calvin Petersen (9-18-5, 2.89 GAA, .911 SV% in 2020-21)

Lehner stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced in Tuesday’s regular-season opener against the Kraken. He posted a 4-0-0 record, 2.00 GAA and .927 SV% vs. LAK last season.

Petersen didn’t have a ton of success overall last season going 4-10-0 at home. However, he did have a respectable 2.67 GAA and .914 SV% at Staples and was the victim of poor goal support.

Golden Knights at Kings odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Kings 3

Money line

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-165) won the season opener by a 4-3 score, and I like them to win this one by the same exact margin.

In recent seasons, the Kings (+133) have come close in regular-season openers, but they have just come up short. Look for the trend to continue, as VGK is 6-2 in the past eight meetings.

Against the spread

The KINGS +1.5 (-190) are a little on the expensive side. As mentioned, they have dropped three straight regular-season openers, but each have been one-goal games, with just one of the outings decided in regulation.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-122) is the best play on the board between these rivals. The Over has connected in 10 of the past 13 meetings, including six of the past seven battles at Staples. Look for the red light to be lit frequently Thursday.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Seattle Kraken at Nashville Predators odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Seattle Kraken at Nashville Predators odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Seattle Kraken (0-1-0) face the Nashville Predators (0-0-0) Thursday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kraken vs. Predators odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Kraken made their highly-anticipated debut, and they played the Vegas Golden Knights tough in their place, falling just 4-3. Seattle battled back from a two-goal deficit to tie the game 3-3 before falling by the wayside.

The Predators won its regular-season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 last season, and Nashville has won three straight openers.

Kraken at Predators odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Kraken +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Predators -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-250) | Predators -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Kraken at Predators projected goalies

Philipp Grubauer (0-1-0, 4.09 GAA, .867 SV%) vs. Juuse Saros (21-11-1, 2.28 GAA, .927 SV%, 3 SO in 2020-21)

Grubauer turned aside 26 of the 30 shots he faced in the team’s opener in Vegas. He hasn’t faced the Predators since Feb. 23, 2019, a 38-save shutout in a 5-0 win in the Music City.

Saros was money at Bridgestone Arena last season, going 15-3-0 with a 1.86 GAA and .941 SV% with all three of his shutouts coming at home.

Kraken at Predators odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Predators 4, Kraken 2

Money line

The PREDATORS (-130) are a tremendous value at home against the expansion Kraken (+105). Yes, the latter played Vegas very tough, but a cross-country trip to another hostile environment won’t result in a historic first win.

Against the spread

The PREDATORS -1.5 (+180) are a strong value at home. The Kraken looked like they could be a rather pesky team this season playing VGK tough. They are defense first but not a terribly large team. I expect the Predators, who have been starting well, to have another very successful home opener against the smallish visitors.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-120) is the lean here. Hey, we have a trend with the new Seattle team. They’re 1-0 all-time in Over results on the road. Ha.

For the Preds, although it goes back a while, the Over is 6-1 in the past seven against Pacific Division teams. The Over is also 5-2-2 in the past nine as a favorite for Nashville.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (0-1-0) face the Detroit Red Wings (0-0-0) Thursday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Red Wings odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning raised their latest banner Tuesday, then they were humbled 6-2 by the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. Three of the goals allowed were of the empty-net variety.

The Red Wings were bottom feeders last season, but they were a thorn in the side of the Lightning. Tampa edged Detroit 5-3, but the teams split the final six games, and each of the final three losses by the Red Wings were one-goal games.

Lightning at Red Wings odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning -260 (bet $260 to win $100) | Red Wings +205 (bet $100 to win $205)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning -1.5 (-107) | Red Wings +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

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Lightning at Red Wings projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (0-1-0, 3.11 GAA, .906 SV%) vs. Alex Nedeljkovic (15-5-3, 1.90 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO in 2020-21 with Carolina)

Vasilevskiy allowed three goals on 32 shots in Tuesday’s home loss against the Penguins. Facing the Red Wings should snap him back on track as he was 4-0-0 with a 1.49 GAA and .935 SV% vs. DET last season.

Nedeljkovic will make his highly anticipated team debut after coming over in a surprising trade from the Carolina Hurricanes during the offseason. He was 2-1-0 with a 1.02 GAA and .961 SV% with a shutout against the Lightning last season.

Lightning at Red Wings odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 3, Red Wings 2

Money line

It’s hard to envision the Lightning (-260) starting out 0-2 on the season. However, you can’t risk more than two-and-a-half times your potential return on the road against a Red Wings (+205) team that gave them fits last season.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Play the RED WINGS +1.5 (-115) on home ice. I don’t expect Detroit to win outright, but I think this is going to be a close game. If anybody on the Red Wings roster knows the Lightning best, it’s Nedeljkovic, who looks to pick up right where he left off in Raleigh, N.C.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (+105) is a value play at plus-money. Tampa’s opener probably should have went Under, but head coach Jon Cooper pulled the goalie super early, allowing for several empty netters. The Under hit in three of the final four meetings between these teams last season. Look for more of the same here.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche drop the puck on their respective 2021-22 seasons Wednesday with a 10 p.m. ET game at Ball Arena in Denver. Below, we look at the Blackhawks vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago’s youth movement has taken on some veteran presence in the offseason. How those newcomers — and some stars who were out last season — perform early on will go a long way to determining if the Blackhawks are contenders or pretenders for a playoff spot in the talented and parity-ridden Central Division.

The Avs look to be the class of that division, but they have an October hurdle to get over. Head coach Jared Bednar tested positive for COVID-19 last week and star C Nathan MacKinnon was put in the COVID protocol Tuesday after he tested positive. MacKinnon had 65 points in 48 games last season and his absence adds a betting wrinkle for this lid-lifter.

Blackhawks at Avalanche odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:55 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blackhawks +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Avalanche -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-150) | Avalanche -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

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Blackhawks at Avalanche projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (26-10-0, 1.98 GAA, .928 SV%) vs. Darcy Kuemper (10-11-3, 2.56 GAA, .907 SV%)

Fleury notched six shutouts for the Vegas Golden Knights en route to winning the Vezina Trophy last season. Two of those six shutouts were against these Avs and Fleury clocked a .932 SV% across seven games against Colorado last season. He has been a fast starter over his career with a .919 SV% in October games.

Kuemper comes to the Avs after being banged up through stretches last season while playing for the Arizona Coyotes. The 31-year-old also has a decent history of getting out of the gates fast: he owns an October SV% of .921.

Blackhawks at Avalanche odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 3

Money line

Colorado went 24-4-2 at home last season. Look for the more settled roster — and one that tasted a bitter earlier-than-expected exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season — to hold serve in the opener.

A big price had an avoid tag Tuesday, but the money has poured in on the Blackhawks (and on the news of MacKinnon). Now, COLORADO (-200) is ripe for leverage coming back the other way.

Against the spread

The Avs’ plus-64 in goal differential was second-best in the NHL a year ago. Kuemper replaces G Philipp Grubaueras the main man between the pipes, and Colorado is once again a well-rounded group expected to win the Central and contend for the Cup.

Peg the new-look Blackhawks — with the returns of C Jonathan Toews and C Kirby Dach, and the additions of Fleury and D Seth Jones — as being an overrated public team. Last season, Chicago lost 14 games by 3-or-more goals; Colorado won 18 such games.

BACK THE AVALANCHE -1.5 (+120).

Over/Under

The ‘Hawks are coming off a high-scoring preseason. The Avs are the Avs, and are capable of getting most of the way to the total on a a fair number of nights.

A couple defensive injuries on both sides help open this one up. TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (+105) on what is the lightest lean of these three plays.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and prediction

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

The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs open their 2021-22 NHL regular seasons Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Canadiens look to build upon their magical postseason run that took them to the Stanley Cup Final and within a whisker of a championship. On the way to that Finals appearance, they dispatched of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs are looking to exact a little revenge after blowing a 3-1 series lead, eventually losing in seven games to the Habs in the first round. Toronto went 7-2-1 in 10 meetings during the regular season against Montreal.

Canadiens at Maple Leafs odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:00 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Canadiens +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Maple Leafs -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Canadiens +1.5 (-160) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

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Canadiens at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Jake Allen (11-12-0, 2.68 GAA, .907 SV%) vs. Jack Campbell (17-3-0, 2.15 GAA, .921 SV%)

Allen will begin the season in between the pipes with Carey Price away from the team and in the NHL/NHL Players’ Association joint player assistance program. Allen will start, with Samuel Montembeault as the primary backup and Cayden Primeau available when needed.

Campbell fared well against the Habs in the regular season, going 4-1-1 with a 2.16 GAA and .918 SV% in six starts. He also won seven of his eight starts at Scotiabank Arena overall during the regular season.

Canadiens at Maple Leafs odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 3

Money line

The MAPLE LEAFS (-180) have a bit of a high number for my liking, as I think this is going to be a close game, even with Price unavailable to the Canadiens (+145). Allen is a veteran more than capable of helping the visitors steady the ship.

Against the spread

CANADIENS +1.5 (-160) dashed the dreams of the Maple Leafs -1.5 (+125) yet again in the playoffs. Despite the fact Phillip Danault, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Corey Perry, Eric Staal and Tomas Tatar have changed postal codes and are no longer part of the team with a deep playoff run, the Habs have enough depth to keep the Leafs close.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-135) is a strong play. In the first two NHL games Tuesday we saw an average of 7.5 total goals per game, and we should see plenty here, too. Allen is a decent veteran, but he will give up plenty to the high-octane Leafs offense. And Campbell will also yield his fair share to the pesky Habs.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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New York Rangers at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s New York Rangers at Washington Capitals odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals open their 2021-22 NHL regular seasons Wednesday at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Capitals odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Rangers added a little sandpaper this past offseason, picking up RW Ryan Reaves. He is questionable to play due to a leg injury, however. The Blueshirts won two of four appearances last season in D.C.

The Capitals were already going to be without C Nicklas Backstrom due to a hip injury, and now LW Alex Ovechkin (leg) is a huge question mark for the opener, too. Both players skated Tuesday.

Rangers at Capitals odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Capitals -133 (bet $133 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-250) | Capitals -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

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Rangers at Capitals projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (16-14-3, 2.62 GAA, .916 SV%) vs. Ilya Samsonov (13-4-1, 2.69 GAA, .902 SV%)

Shesterkin showed well against the Capitals last season, going 3-1-0 with a 2.53 GAA and .924 SV% in his four starts. He was a .500 goalie in 18 home decisions, but he posted a 7-5-3 record with a 2.65 GAA on the road in 2020-21.

Samsonov was actually better last season on the road, too. He had a sparkling 9-1-1 record away from home, but he was just 4-3-0 in seven games at home. That’s a bit misleading, however, as Samsonov did post a strong 2.17 GAA with a .916 SV% at home, while he had a 3.01 GAA and .894 SV% on the road.

Rangers at Capitals odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 4, Capitals 2

Money line

The RANGERS (+110) are worth a look as short ‘dogs on the road against the Capitals (-133), who are expected to be shorthanded. While the Rangers are just 2-8 in the past 10 trips to D.C., you can ignore that with Backstrom out and Ovie likely to join him in street clothes.

Against the spread

Rangers +1.5 (-250) is a little on the expensive side, costing you two-and-a-half times your potential return. That’s too much for a little bit of insurance. I like them straight up, and that’s the best value. AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-135) is the lean here. Again, with Backstrom out, and Ovechkin a good bet to sit out, the Caps will not be firing on all cylinders. As it stands, the Under is 27-13-4 in the past 44 meetings in D.C. The injury situation, and the trends, each point to the Under.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights open their 2021-22 NHL regular seasons Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kraken vs. Golden Knights odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Kraken will be playing their inaugural NHL regular-season game, officially becoming the 32nd team in the league. Seattle won two of its four preseason games, including a 4-0 victory at Vancouver last time out Oct. 5 behind G Philipp Grubauer.

The Golden Knights are no longer the new kids on the block. Vegas had an inconsistent preseason with three wins and three losses. G Robin Lehner takes over as the full-time starter after the team dealt Marc-Andre Fleury to Chicago in the offseason.

Kraken at Golden Knights odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:03 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Kraken +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Golden Knights -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-122) | Golden Knights -1.5 (-102)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

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Kraken at Golden Knights projected goalies

Philipp Grubauer (30-9-1, 1.95 GAA, .922 SV%) vs. Robin Lehner (13-4-2, 2.29 GAA, .913 SV%)

Grubauer is no stranger to the Golden Knights. As the backstop of the Colorado Avalanche, he and his team lost in six games to the Golden Knights in the second round of the playoffs last summer. He was 4-2-0 with a 1.86 GAA and .935 SV% in six regular-season starts against Vegas, too.

Lehner was money at home last season for Vegas, going 8-1-0 with a 2.30 GAA and .911 SV% in nine starts at T-Mobile Arena. The last time he went head-to-head with Grubauer in the regular season was the penultimate game of their playoff series May 10, 2021, with Grubauer’s Avalanche edging the Knights 2-1 in Las Vegas.

Kraken at Golden Knights odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Kraken 1

Money line

Golden Knights (-250) is just too expensive at two and a half times your potential return, even if the Kraken are playing their first game in front of a hostile crowd.

AVOID, and look to the puck line instead.

Against the spread

GOLDEN KNIGHTS -1.5 (-102) is a better play at near even money laying the goal and a half. Grubauer was outstanding against Vegas last season as a member of the Avalanche, but he also had a legit offense supporting him.

The Kraken have some nice pieces on offense and defense, but it will take the team some time to jell and develop chemistry. It’s not happening in the opener.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-130) is a good bet. Grubauer and Lehner are each tremendous backstops, and I think the Kraken will have a difficult time revving up the offense. The Golden Knights might have some problems getting to Grubauer early on, too.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning open the 2021-22 NHL regular season Tuesday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Penguins vs. Lightning odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Penguins are likely eager to begin the new season after getting bounced in the first round of last season’s playoffs in six games by the New York Islanders. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and rearranging of divisions last season, this is their first meeting with the Lightning since Feb. 11, 2020, and their first trip to Tampa since Feb. 6, 2020.

The Lightning will raise their latest Stanley Cup championship banner before the game. Tampa Bay has won four consecutive meetings in the series since a loss Jan. 30, 2019, and has won five straight at home against Pittsburgh dating back to Oct. 12, 2017, although three of those games were decided by just one goal.

Penguins at Lightning odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:52 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Penguins +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Lightning -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Penguins +1.5 (-130) | Lightning -1.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

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Penguins at Lightning projected goalies

Tristan Jarry (25-9-3, 2.75 GAA, .909 SV%) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (31-10-1, 2.21 GAA, .925 SV%)

Jarry has posted a 1-2-2 record across the last five years in his first start of the regular season. He made 45 saves in a 3-2 loss against the Lightning Oct. 23, 2019, the last time he faced them.

Vasilevskiy was a perfect 3-0-0 with a 1.65 GAA and .953 SV% in three starts against the Penguins during the 2019-20 season.

Penguins at Lightning odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Penguins 2

Money line

Playing Lightning (-250) will cost you two times your potential return and that’s just too expensive, especially on opening night.

AVOID, and look to the puck line instead.

Against the spread

The LIGHTNING -1.5 (+105) is a much better value. Vasilevskiy has won four consecutive starts against the Penguins dating back to Jan. 30, 2019. Tampa Bay should be plenty amped up in front of a sold-out crowd as they raise another banner to the rafters.

The Pens will also be without the services of C Sidney Crosby, who is making his way back from a wrist injury.

The home team has won nine of the last 11 meetings in this series, and the favorite has won 41 of the last 59 meetings. Look for Vasilevskiy and the Lightning to get it done, although a late empty-net goal might be needed for a winning ticket.

Over/Under

Look at the ALTERNATE TOTAL of UNDER 6.5 (-140). Under a number that high is a strong play whenever Vasilevskiy is in between the pipes. While the Over has connected frequently when these teams get together some trends are made to be broken. I think the Penguins are going to have a hard time solving the defending Conn Smythe Trophy winner, especially without Sid the Kid.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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