Tag: NHL Betting

Buffalo Sabres at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Buffalo Sabres at Colorado Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Buffalo Sabres (29-25-8) visit the Colorado Avalanche (36-18-7) Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET at the Pepsi Center. We analyze the Sabres-Avalanche odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Sabres at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton vs. Pavel Francouz

Hutton is 12-10-4 and owns a 3.19 goals against average and an .897 save percentage through 27 games. The 34-year-old has gone 5-1 with a .916 mark over his last six games. He stopped 41 of 43 pucks in his last start, a 5-2 win at the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday.

Francouz, 16-5-3, has logged a 2.27 GAA and .927 SV% in 26 games. He has started five straight games for the Avs who haven’t played since Saturday. The 29-year-old Czechoslovakia native has registered a 1.67 GAA and .938 SV% in six February games (five starts). Francouz has stopped 73 of 75 shots (.973 SV) over his last three starts.

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

Sabres at Avalanche: 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 8 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Colorado 4, Buffalo 1

Moneyline (ML)

Colorado is -228; Buffalo is +185. The Avs are 5-2-2 (+$436) when playing on three or more days rest. Despite leading the NHL in games won by three goals, Colorado has a .450 winning percentage in one-goal games.

The better risk/reward play here is on the puck line. AVOID.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Colorado has outshot foes in six of its last seven games and remains a solid risk-reward play on most nights despite being just mere percentage points short of the best record in the Western Conference. Buffalo is 6-2 over its last eight, but shooting and save percentages, and puck-possession indicators point to the Sabres having a bit of extra “puck luck” over this stretch.

The Avs have won a league-best 18 games by three goals or more. They’ve won another nine by two goals, and their combined 27 multi-goal wins is also an NHL high. The price here has a bit of value: Take COLORADO (-1.5 +120).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under has prevailed in three straight Colorado games and in nine of the Avs’ last 10. However, Hutton’s last four starts for Buffalo have gone Over. But the public and the house are all over this one. SKIP the O/U 5.5 (Over -134, Under +110).

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

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

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Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Chicago Blackhawks (27-27-8) visit the St. Louis Blues (36-17-10) in a Central Division clash Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blackhawks-Blues odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blackhawks at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Corey Crawford vs. Jordan Binnington

Crawford figures to be the steady No. 1 option the rest of the way for the Blackhawks, who traded G Robin Lehner to the Vegas Golden Knights Monday. Crawford owns a 2.80 goals against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. He permitted eight goals on 68 shots in a pair of losses against St. Louis in December, but the 35-year-old veteran has logged a robust .939 SV% in nine games since Jan. 9. Crawford stopped 31 of 33 shots at Dallas Sunday. He’s also registered a .913 SV% when starting on two-day rest.

Binnington has played in 45 games for St. Louis, logging a 2.56 GAA and .913 SV%. He’s been sharp at home (2.12 GAA, .922 SV%) and of late (2.33 GAA, .918 SV% in February). Binnington is coming off a sharp Sunday start (32 saves, one goal allowed at the Minnesota Wild), which followed back-to-back home shutouts – 14 saves in a 1-0 win vs. the Arizona Coyotes Thursday, and 17 saves in a 3-0 victory vs. the New Jersey Devils Feb. 18.

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

Blackhawks at Blues: 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 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Blues 2

Moneyline (ML)

Pythagorean comparisons (using goals and goals allowed to predict wins and losses) are bullish on Chicago and bearish on St. Louis. Recent puck-possession numbers indicate the ‘Hawks may be overlooked and worth a shot at a price +175 or better. The CHICAGO +185 line makes for moderate value.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered on the Blackhawks ML will profit $1.85 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PASS. Three of the Blues’ last four wins have been by multiple goals. But the Blackhawks line (+1.5, -150) isn’t tamped down enough to warrant a play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 3-2 over Chicago’s last five games and 4-1 in the Blues’ last five. The goal total in seven of Chicago’s last 10 games has been 5 or less. A struggling St. Louis power play makes for two subpar PP-units in this one. The netminders present a likable matchup for Under bettors, and the price here – UNDER 5.5 (+115) – is a lure. Will back the UNDER.

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

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

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New Jersey Devils at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s New Jersey Devils at Detroit Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New Jersey Devils (24-27-10) visit the Detroit Red Wings (15-45-4) in a 7:30 p.m. ET contest at Little Caesars Arena Tuesday. We analyze the Devils-Red Wings odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Devils at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Mac Blackwood vs. Jonathan Bernier

Blackwood sports a 2.73 goals against average and .916 save percentage through 43 games. He has won his last six decisions. Blackwood faced Detroit Feb. 13 and stopped 25 of 26 shots in a win. That contest against the Red Wings is part of a fabulous February that has seen the 23-year-old go 6-0 with a .970 SV%. Blackwood is making this start on two days of rest; over his last six starts on such rest, he has posted a nifty .932 SV%.

Bernier has a 2.90 GAA, .908 SV%. He allowed four goals on 26 shots against the Devils when the teams met two weeks ago.

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

Devils 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 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

New Jersey 3, Detroit 1

Moneyline (ML)

Liking the Blackwood side and going with the Devils’ more consistent ability to avoid the one-and-under goal output, back NEW JERSEY (-134).

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

New Jersey’s last multi-goal win was against these Red Wings — in Newark, Feb. 13.

New Jersey (-1.5, +200) is the lean here, but there is also a lean on the Under which is, to a certain degree, not fully compatible with a puck line play. SKIP THIS ONE and stick with the moneyline bet.

Over/Under (O/U)

This is a zag from where the money has gone in early betting, but there is a decent amount of gravity around a Devils’ win and a 4-to-5-goal total.

PLAY THE UNDER 5.5 (-106).

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

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

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Ottawa Senators at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Ottawa Senators at Columbus Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Ottawa Senators (21-30-11) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (30-19-14) for a 7 p.m. ET game at Nationwide Arena Monday. We analyze the Senators-Blue Jackets odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Senators at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Craig Anderson vs. Elvis Merzlikins

Anderson is the lean over Marcus Hogberg for this start in Columbus. Both Senators goalkeepers have similar numbers on the season; Anderson owns a 3.21 goals against average and a .901 save percentage. The veteran allowed three goals on 37 shots against the Montreal Canadiens Saturday. He stopped 18 of 19 shots in a loss at Columbus Nov. 25.

Merzlikins owns a fine 2.37 GAA and .922 SV% in his rookie season. He’s been fabulous over 14 games at home (1.51 GAA, .950 SV%), but the 25-year-old native of Latvia has had some recent struggles. Over his last four appearances, Merzlikins has logged a .869 SV%.

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

Senators at Blue Jackets: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Columbus 3, Ottawa 1

Moneyline (ML)

Merzlikins put together an impressive run against some solid offensive clubs in early February (.953 SV% over five games). Ottawa goes on the road after a six-game, 11-day homestand; they’re 1-7 in road openers after home stands.

Still, analytics on both teams come in as bearish when looking at their win-loss records. The lean is a small one on COLUMBUS (-227).

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Ottawa’s last six losses — all by multiple goals — have included a combined deficit of 18 goals. The Jackets’ most recent wins were mostly by a lone goal. We’re going back a ways to get to that comparison, as Columbus hasn’t won a game since Feb. 7.

The Blue Jackets are a slight lean, though, and the price — COLUMBUS -1.5 (+110) — again gives us some value.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 26-12 in Columbus’ last 38 games as a favorite. Recent numbers for both teams include more goals yielded than perhaps were warranted by underlying statistics.

TAKE THE UNDER 5.5 (+100) as the best play in what is the lone NHL game of the day.

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

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

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Carolina Hurricanes at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Carolina Hurricanes at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Carolina Hurricanes (34-22-4) and Toronto Maple Leafs (32-22-8) will lock horns at Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Hurricanes-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Hurricanes at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

James Reimer vs. Frederik Andersen

Reimer is expected to get the starting nod after Petr Mrazek started (and lost) at home against the New York Rangers in the front end of the back-to-back Friday. Optimus Reim has posted a 14-6-2 record, 2.67 goals against average and .914 save percentage through his 23 starts and one relief appearance. He was tuned up for four goals on just seven shots Dec. 23 in Toronto in the first meeting against his former team, an 8-6 loss.

Andersen is a solid 25-12-6 with a 2.91 GAA and .908 SV% across his 46 starts. While he allowed six goals in the Dec. 23 meeting with the ‘Canes, he stopped 34 shots en route to an 8-6 victory. He is coming off a shutout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday, a win which slapped the brakes on a personal three-game skid.

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

Hurricanes at Maple Leafs: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline (ML)

The HURRICANES (+135) have been able to bounce back after losses, and they’re in good shape with a 4-1 record in their past five in the second game of a back-to-back. The road team has also won seven of the past 10 meetings in this series. The Maple Leafs (-162), on the other hand, have posted a 2-5 mark in their past seven games against Eastern Conference opponents, while going 0-4 in their past four following a win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Hurricanes (+1.5, -200) are not worth the insurance, as you will need to risk two times your return. The Maple Leafs (-1.5, +165) are a much more attractive play if you like the home side. I don’t, however. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+125) is worth a small-unit bet, hitting in five of the past seven meetings in this series. The Over is also 8-2 in Carolina’s past 10 overall, and 6-2 in its past eight against winning teams. Toronto has played to the Under in five of its past seven, but the Over is 14-3 in the past 17 against Metropolitan Division teams, while going 9-4 in the past 13 playing on a day of rest.

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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Boston Bruins at Calgary Flames odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Bruins vs. Flames NHL sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Boston Bruins (38-11-12) visit the Calgary Flames (31-24-6) for a Friday night (9 p.m. ET) tussle on the ice at the Saddledome. We analyze the Bruins-Flames odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Bruins at Flames: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. David Rittich

Rask is the projected starter for what would be his sixth effort in Boston’s last seven games. The veteran netminder owns a 2.04 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage — the latter on pace for a career-best mark. Rask has put up monster numbers in January and February (8-1-1 record, .954 SV). He hasn’t allowed so much as three goals in a game since Dec. 23. Boston’s last game was Wednesday at Edmonton (a 2-1 overtime win); Rask stopped 28-of-29 shots.

Rittich owns a 2.93 GAA and .908 in 43 games this season. His numbers at home have been a couple clicks worse than those figures, and that’s part of a multi-year trend. Rittich’s February has been a dismal one; the 27-year-old has logged a 4.15 GAA and .872 SV. He was pulled in his last start (Saturday versus Chicago) after allowing four goals on 15 shots in 26 minutes.

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

Bruins at Flames: 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 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Boston 4, Calgary 1

Moneyline (ML)

Boston (-154) has won four straight games and 10 of its last 11. Over that stretch, the goaltending has been superior and puck-possession numbers have been strong. The shot percentages — for and against — aren’t sustainable in the long run, and the Bruins overall are a tad too far out over their Pythagorean skis (their record is better than their goals and goals allowed would figure). But this is a top-shelf team with a good goalie going strong. Going against Boston would be unwise.

The straight-up price, however, doesn’t offer enough value and thus I’ll PASS ON THE MONEYLINE and look to the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bruins to win would return a profit of $6.49.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

During their 10-of-11 run, the Bruins have won six games by multiple goals. Boston is in a fight for home ice throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs, and a letdown seems unlikely. A club that is 5-1 over its last six games in a different time zone facing a Calgary squad that’s gone 1-4-1 over its last six at home is worth a puck-line play if we can get more than +165 in return.

BOSTON -1.5 (+180) is a solid play.

Over/Under (O/U)

Calgary has played in six straight overs; Boston has played in five consecutive unders. The under is a slight lean here, but the Under 5.5 (+100) has the risk/reward factor well blanketed. PASS.

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

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

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New York Rangers at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s New York Rangers at Chicago Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Rangers (30-24-4) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (26-25-8) for an interconference tussle at United Center. Puck drop will be shortly after 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Rangers-Blackhawks odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Rangers at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Henrik Lundqvist vs. Corey Crawford

Lundqvist is projected to make his first start since Feb. 3. With the emergence of Igor Shesterkin, the 37-year-old Lundqvist has been the odd man out in a three-headed rotation in front of the Ranger twine. Shesterkin is a possibility for this one; he’s been day-to-day with an ankle injury and has missed the Blueshirts’ last three games. Lundqvist has posted a 3.12 goals against average and .907 save percentage through 25 starts and three relief appearances. He has logged a mere .879 SV% over his last five games.

Crawford heads into Wednesday’s tilt with a hot hand. The veteran netminder owns a robust .931 SV% over his last seven games, but he has gone just 3-3-1 over that time. For the season, Crawford owns a .912 SV% and 2.89 GAA. He stopped 18-of-19 shots in a turn against the Rangers last season.

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

Rangers at Blackhawks: 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 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Chicago 4, New York 2

Moneyline (ML)

Recent win-loss records spell good things for New York (4-1 over its last five games) and disaster for Chicago (1-4-2 since Feb. 4). In both cases, puck-possession analytics lean toward regression. The ‘Hawks are opening a two-game homestand after a five-game road trip. In home games after multi-game road trips, Chicago is 5-1-2 this season.

The lean is there, and the price is right: CHICAGO (-134) is a solid play.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

On the road, the Rangers are 18-9 against the puck line, but the BLACKHAWKS (-1.5, +200) are an intriguing pick. Both teams last played Sunday, and the Blackhawks have enjoyed tremendous success on two days of rest. The ‘Hawks are 8-2-1 overall in such games and 8-3 against the puck line. Chicago’s power play continues to be dreadful, as the Blackhawks haven’t scored an extra-man goal since Feb. 5, and they rank last in the NHL with a 14% success rate in such situations.

PASS on the puck line in this one, but the price is attractive. A shift to +210 unleashes a play.

Over/Under (O/U)

Over and Under trends for both sides are mixed. The scoring has more gray area than the average game. PASS on the Over 5.5 (-154)/Under 5.5 (+125).

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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Toronto Maple Leafs at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (31-21-8) visit the Steel City Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at the PPG Paints Arena against the Pittsburgh Penguins (36-15-6). We analyze the Leafs-Penguins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Tristan Jarry

Anderson lost back-to-back starts, including a 5-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in Toronto’s last game on Sunday. He’s now at 24-11-6 on the season with a .908 save percentage and a 2.93 goals against average.

Jarry has been better than Matt Murray as the Penguins netminder in essentially the same amount of games. He has a higher winning percentage and save percentage plus gives up fewer goals per game. Jarry is 19-8-1 with a .930 SV% and a 2.14 GAA.

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

Maple Leafs 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 Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Leafs 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Penguins are a phenomenal home team with a 21-5-4 record and a +1.06 goal differential in games at home. Pittsburgh crushed the Maple Leafs, 6-1, in their first meeting of the season on Nov. 16. The game was played in Pittsburgh, where the Penguins have owned the Leafs in recent years (10-4 in the last 14 home games against Toronto). Furthermore, this is a bad spot for the Leafs, who are 0-8 in their last eight in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 scenario.

BET PENGUINS -139 ON THE MONEYLINE.

New to sports betting? A $100 wager on the Penguins to win would return a profit of $71.94.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This game could be a more competitive game as Toronto +1.5 (-200) is starting its top goaltender in Anderson, whereas the Leafs started Kasimir Kaskisuo for his first, and only, career NHL game in their first meeting. But the Penguins -1.5 (+165) are the hotter team—winning five out of their last seven games with their only two losses coming against a Tampa Bay Lightning team that is second in the NHL in points. Also, five of the last six Leafs-Penguins games have been decided by two or more goals. 

TAKE THE PENGUINS ON THE PUCK LINE. 

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-115) is the right play on the total because the trends say so and BetMGM is trying to scare bettors off with heavier vig on the Under. Three out of the last four Leafs-Penguins games have gone Under the projected total. The Under is 3-0-1 in Penguins last four games as a favorite and 3-0-2 in their last five versus Eastern Conference foes. 

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

Follow @Geoffery_Clark 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 Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Washington Capitals at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Capitals (37-16-5) travel to Fabulous Las Vegas to take on the Vegas Golden Knights (30-22-8) in a President’s Day contest at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. ET. We analyze the Capitals-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Capitals at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Holtby and the Capitals have had three days off since beating the Colorado Avalanche in Denver Thursday. The Caps netminder owns a 3.14 goals against average and .896 save percentage. Over 11 games from Dec. 23-Feb. 8, Holtby was torched to the tune of a .842 SV%. He gave up seven goals in his last home start but has rallied since to stop 12-of-12 in a relief appearance and 32-of-34 at Colorado last Thursday.

Fleury has appeared in 41 games this season (40 starts). He has posted a 2.87 GAA and .904 SV%. The 13-year NHL veteran has scuffled his way to a .854 SV% over his last 223 minutes of ice time.

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

Capitals at Golden Knights: 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 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Vegas 4, Washington 3

Moneyline (ML)

Washington is an impressive 6-1 on three days of rest this season. Vegas is 1-2-1. The Golden Knights are a solid rest-of-the-way dark horse. They are in the middle of a difficult stretch of their schedule that had them bracket their late-January bye week with four road games before and four after (no home games from Jan. 12-Feb. 7). Then, the Knights returned home for just one game before going to Minnesota. Now, Vegas is hosting five straight games, but against a tough collection of foes (St. Louis Blues, New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers).

Through it all, Vegas has maintained some peripherals worth backing. Today’s line — VEGAS -139 — is worth backing.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Washington is 20-9 against the puck line on the road. Vegas is a mere 9-21 at home.

The overall lean toward the Knights and a solid price are worth a watch here. KEEP AN EYE ON VEGAS -1.5 (+180) and grab the Knights if the line approaches +185.

Over/Under (O/U)

Washington has allowed 4.0 goals per game over its last seven. When Washington plays on three days of rest, their combined goal totals have averaged 7.14 per game. For Vegas, the total has averaged 7.5. In a combined 10 games on three days of rest, the Over is 9-1. The Over is a combined 12-5 when these teams play during the day.

Take the OVER 6.5 (+125) at a generous price.

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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Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (31-20-8) take a quick trip across the border to play the Atlantic Division-rival Buffalo Sabres (26-24-8), in the KeyBank Center at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Sabres odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Jonas Johansson

Anderson lost in his last start against the Dallas Stars at home, saving just 16 of 19 shots. His record is now 24-10-6 with a .909 save percentage and 2.88 goals against average. 

Johansson is making just his third start in his career as he was called up after backup goaltender Linus Ullmark was sidelined with an injury. This is back-to-back starts for Johansson who’s lost both of his starts and is 0-1-1 with a .899 SV% and 2.78 GAA.

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

Maple Leafs at Sabres: 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 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Sabres 4, Leafs 3

Moneyline (ML)

While the Maples Leafs are seeded eighth in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, and Buffalo is 11 points behind the second wild card team, this is a fierce rivalry that the Sabres will get up for. Toronto is 7-1 in the last eight tilts against Buffalo, but the Leafs played on Saturday night and Toronto is 2-6-3 in the second game of back-to-backs. One of those victories did come in the second of a home and away back-to-back against Buffalo. The difference in this game is that the Sabres didn’t play the night before and are fresher than the Leafs. Expect the Sabres to hold down home ice and bet BUFFALO +125. 

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

It’d be wise to take BUFFALO +1.5 (-209) as insurance for our moneyline wager. Buffalo is 6-1 ATS over the previous seven games. Also, the Sabres are 27-12 as 1.5-goal dogs and the Leafs are 19-30 against the 1.5-goal puck line this season.

Over/Under (O/U)

The matchup to watch is first-line centers Sabres’ Jack Eichel vs. Leafs’ Auston Matthews. Buffalo’s captain has 22 points in 16 career games against the Leafs. Matthews scored two goals in their first meeting this season, but has only tallied one assist in the next two games. Eichel will continue his tear against Toronto, and Matthews will light the lamp in Buffalo against a rookie goalie. 

The Over/Under Leafs-Sabres trends look good for the Over too. The Over is 18-7-3 in the last 28 meetings. Bookmakers have adjusted — setting their totals at 6.5 for the past six meetings — and the Over is 4-2 in those games. OVER 6.5 (+120) is the play.

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

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