Tag: NHL Betting

Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

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

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

Sabres at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton vs. Carter Hart

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

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

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

Sabres at Flyers: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Flyers 5, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

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

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

Predators at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Juuse Saros vs. Ben Bishop

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

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

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

Predators at Stars: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Stars 3, Predators 2

Moneyline (ML)

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

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

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

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Matt Murray

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

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

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

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

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

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Colorado Avalanche at Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

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

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

Avalanche at Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Pavel Francouz vs. Thatcher Demko

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

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

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

Avalanche at Canucks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Colorado 4, Vancouver 1

Moneyline (ML)

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

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

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

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

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

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

Hurricanes at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Alex Nedeljkovic vs. Carter Hart

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

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

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

Hurricanes at Flyers: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Flyers 4, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

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

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

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

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

Flyers at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Brian Elliott vs. Braden Holtby

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

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

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

Flyers at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Flyers 2, Capitals 1

Moneyline (ML)

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

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

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

Esten’s NHL betting record: 266-246

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Arizona Coyotes at Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

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

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

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

Coyotes at Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Antti Raanta vs. Thatcher Demko

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

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

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

Coyotes at Canucks: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Coyotes 3, Canucks 2

Moneyline (ML)

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

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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

Previewing Tuesday’s Boston Bruins at Tampa Bay Lightning sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Boston Bruins (41-13-12) begin a two-game swing through the Sunshine State with a Tuesday contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning (41-19-5) at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Bruins-Lightning odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Bruins at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Rask shut out the New York Islanders with 25 saves Saturday. The effort was a bounce-back after having allowed a combined 10 goals over his previous two starts. In 10 post-break starts, Rask has posted a 1.85 goals against average and a .935 save percentage. He’s registered a .910 SV% over two previous starts against Tampa Bay has logged a 2.16 GAA and .928 SV% in 38 games.

Vasilevskiy has logged a 2.62 GAA and .914 SV% through 48 games this season. He has stopped 61 of 66 shots in two appearances against the Bruins. Vasilevskiy is coming off a monster January (1.58 GAA, .948 SV%) followed by a backslide in February (2.91 GAA, .902 SV%). Those February numbers were very much influenced by the 25-year-old’s last four starts. Vasilevskiy carded an anemic .839 over that quartet of starts.

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

Bruins at Lightning: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Boston 3, Tampa Bay 2

Moneyline (ML)

Boston is perhaps too far out over its skis with a mark of 41-13-12, but the Lightning haven’t played well of late, are without C Steven Stamkos (abdominal) and are throwing out the lesser side of this goaltending matchup.

The price is right on the Bruins, who are 7-2 over their last nine road games and 5-1 over their last six contests played on two days of rest. TAKE BOSTON (+100).

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PASS on the puck line without enough value on the Bruins’ (+1.5, -278) side of the line.

Over/Under (O/U)

Trends on the Over/Under are mixed. The Under is a lean in principle, but we’re going to PASS on the line of 5.5 (Under: +110).

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

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Colorado Avalanche at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Colorado Avalanche at Detroit Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche (39-18-7) visit the Detroit Red Wings (15-47-5) for a 7:30 p.m. ET contest at Little Caesar’s Arena Monday. We analyze the Avalanche-Red Wings odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Avalanche at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Pavel Francouz vs. Jonathan Bernier

Francouz has started eight straight games for the Avalanche. The last six have been quality starts, and over that stretch, the 29-year-old rookie is 6-0 with a .957 save percentage. Four of those six turns have been on the road where Francouz has been terrific (1.64 goals against average and .951 SV%). For the season, he has notched a 2.24 GAA and .929 SV%. Francouz backs a defense which has killed 18 straight penalties.

Bernier owns a 2.94 GAA and .907 SV% through 42 games (37 starts). He has logged a .893 SV% over his last 10 games, although that coincides with a period in which the Wings put heavy pressure on their goaltenders with a spike in penalties to kill. It has been a factor in Detroit allowing 33.1 shots per game over its last eight games.

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

Avalanche at Red Wings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Colorado 4, Detroit 1

Moneyline (ML)

I pegged the Avs as my main Stanley Cup darkhorse play since they went 17-14-5 from late-October to mid-January. I’ve had them going as one of my main second-half plays, and they haven’t disappointed. Even the Colorado (-304) line here has a bit of a bargain attached, but PASS in favor of the better play on the puck line.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Colorado’s multi-goal wins are outpacing their one-goal victories, 27-12. Detroit has lost by two or more in 40-of-52 losses.

The Avs defeated the Wings 6-3 Jan. 20 and are a combined 5-1 against the worst four teams in the league. Four of those five wins have been by three or more goals. COLORADO (-1.5, -110) is a strong play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 9-1 in Colorado’s last 10 games. In the six highlighted games against bottom-feeders, the Under has gone 5-1.

The Under has a nice price here. PLAY THE UNDER 5.5 (+115).

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

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Washington Capitals at Minnesota Wild odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Capitals at Wild NHL betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Washington Capitals (39-19-6) visit the Minnesota Wild (32-25-7) for a Sunday night (8 p.m. ET) battle on the ice at the Xcel Energy Center. We analyze the Capitals-Wild odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Capitals at Wild: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Devan Dubnyk

Holtby owns a 3.12 goals-against average and .897 save percentage through 44 games. The Capitals’ 30-year-old netminder is coming off a decent February (.900 SV%) after scuffling in December and January (.876 SV%). He’s logged a fine .928 SV% over his last four road starts. Holtby hasn’t played since Feb. 25; he has struggled in recent road starts on extra rest. Over his last four starts with three-plus days off and playing away from home, he’s registered a mere .865 SV%.

Dubnyk is the expected starter for Sunday, with running mate Alex Stalock coming off three straight starts. The 33-year-old has appeared in 29 games this season, posting a 3.34 GAA and .892 SV%. Dubnyk has notched a .905 SV% over his last four starts; three of his four foes in those games — Colorado, Vancouver, and St. Louis — rank in the top third of the NHL in scoring. And that’s the neighborhood Washington operates in: the Caps’ 3.41 goals per game average ranks fourth in the league.

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

Capitals at Wild: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Sunday at noon ET.

Prediction

Washington 4, Minnesota 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Caps are the better hockey club, but the Wild appear to be playing better of late. Minnesota is 5-1, allowing just 27.3 shots on goal per game, over its last six. Washington has slogged its way to a 6-8-1 record since the all-star break. The Capitals are 2-4-1 over their last seven games.

Puck-possession analytics reveal expected regression on both sides of those recent trends. But WASHINGTON -134 isn’t enough of a discount on a straight-up bet. PASS.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Capitals to win straight up would return a profit of $7.46.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Minnesota loses by two-plus goals a bit more often than does the average team. The WASHINGTON -1.5 (+180) proposition offers the best value of these three plays.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Wild are coming off scoring a combined 12 goals over their last two games. Although a borderline play with limited value, the OVER 5.5 (-134) is the lean here.

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