Tag: NHL Betting

Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing day’s Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Detroit Red Wings (14-42-4) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (35-15-6) for a Sunday matinee (12:30 p.m. ET) at PPG Paints Arena.. We analyze the Red Wings-Penguins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Red Wings at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Jimmy Howard vs. Matt Murray

Howard has some ugly numbers on the season, and it begins with his 2-21-1 record on the season. His 3.98 GAA is last in the league by more than a half-goal. His .889 save percentage is also last in the NHL. He is coming off of a promising showing, though, as he stopped 42 of 43 shots in the 2-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets Feb. 7. He also stopped 35 of 37 shots in the 2-1 overtime loss to the Pens Jan. 17.

Murray owns a 2.82 GAA and .902 SV on the season. The 6-foot-4 25-year-old has been solid at home (.917 SV) this season and quite good everywhere of late. He’s logged a .927 SV over his last five starts, and that stretch began with stopping 28 of 29 against the Red Wings (Jan. 17). Murray has been a strong finisher over his career, hoisting his best numbers in February, March and April.

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

Red Wings 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 Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Pittsburgh 4, Detroit 1

Moneyline (ML)

Pittsburgh is 17-4-1 on one-day rest. Detroit is 2-6-1 on two days’ rest, and the Red Wigs are just 5-24-1 away from home. Comparing goal margins to won-loss records points to Detroit actually being too far out over its skis with even 14 wins. The same look indicates the Penguins may be better than their current 35 wins.

So, a PITTSBURGH -385 line isn’t that far off. But let’s skip the straight-up moneyline for a better risk/reward play on the puck line.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Recent puck-possession trends have not been strong, and Pittsburgh has won by multiple goals just once in the last month. That “once” was a 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night. The Pens are 2-0 against Detroit this season. Both wins (by scores of 5-3 and 2-1) have come with the Red Wings on home ice.

The price is right here. WILL BACK PITTSBURGH -1.5 (-134).

Over/Under (O/U)

Detroit allows 4.1 goals per game on the road, but the Wings’ recent trends are peppered with unders. The under is also 5-1 over the Pens’ last six games against a foe coming off a game scoring two goals or less. And then there is the Pittsburgh offense, which has more to give than recent rates of scoring would indicate.

LAY OFF THE OVER 5.5 (-150) in a game that could well be high-scoring on one side and low-scoring on the other.

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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Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Los Angeles Kings (20-33-5) face off Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche (33-17-6) in the neutral setting of the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon Stadium for an 8:00 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Kings-Avalanche odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Kings at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Quick vs. Philipp Grubauer

Quick has had a 2020 to forget: He’s 0-7-1 with a .900 save percentage and a 3.33 goals against average since the turn of the year. This season, Quick is 11-22-3 with a .895 save % and 3.05 GAA.

The other netminder, Grubauer, has had a solid beginning of the year, going 8-3-1 with a .925 save % and 2.18 GAA. Grubauer has won four of his last five starts pushing his record to 18-12-4 on the season with a .915 save % and 2.65 GAA.

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

Kings 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 1:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 5, Kings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Kings +220 are coming into this game off of a 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames but lost their previous five, and the Avalanche -278 dropped their last game, 3-2 to the Washington Capitals, after winning five straight. 

Colorado should have its way with Los Angeles and the neutral site location shouldn’t matter much for this game. The Kings are a decent 12-12-1 at home but awful 8-22-4 in games, while the Avalanche has a strong record wherever they play and actually have a better record on the road (18-9-2) than at home (15-8-4). 

Personally, I don’t like the Kings’ chances at all here and the Avalanche -278 is priced too high. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Los Angeles has lost two of its last three games to the Avalanche, giving up seven goals in both of those losses. Plus the Kings’ last six games have been decided by two or more goals.  Colorado has a slightly better against the spread record (32-24) than the Kings (30-28). Also, the Avalanche are 5-1 when favored by -200 or more whereas the Kings are 2-4 when they are a +200 or more dog. Let’s TAKE AVALANCHE -1.5 (EVEN) at the reduced vig and gamble on the much stronger Colorado side putting this game away early and/or getting an empty-net goal to get an ATS win.

Over/Under (O/U)

The past six Kings-Avalanche games have alternated between the Over and the Under with the Over cashing in their last meeting. But that streak ends here today because Avalanche games have the fifth-highest goals per game—scoring the most goals per game in the NHL—and are going against a Kings team that is 23rd in opponent’s goals per game. The Avalanche have an Over/Under record of 27-26 but that’s skewed a tad since the Under has cashed five straight Colorado games.

BET OVER 5.5 (-129). 

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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Montreal Canadiens at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Montreal Canadiens at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Montreal Canadiens (27-25-7) visit the Steel City to play the Pittsburgh Penguins (34-15-6) at PPG Paints Arena in a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Canadiens-Penguins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Canadiens at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Carey Price vs. Matt Murray 

Price dropped his last two starts against the Boston Bruins (4-1) and the Arizona Coyotes (3-2). His record is 24-20-4 with a .913 save percentage and 2.71 goals against average through 48 games played (all starts).

In the other crease, Murray is coming in on consecutive losses himself, but both were to the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have the second-most points in the NHL. Murray is 16-7-5 on the season with a .902 SV% and 2.82 GAA.

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

Canadiens 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 12:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 3, Canadiens 2

Moneyline (ML)

This is the third meeting this year between the Canadiens and Penguins with the season series tied 1-1. Both games were won by the road team and both went Over the projected total. The Canadiens (+155) have been better on the road this season with a 14-10-3 record and a plus-.26 goal differential on the road compared to a 13-15-4 record and minus-.33 goal differential at home. Also, Montreal has won two straight games in Pittsburgh. 

The Penguins (-189) are one of the better teams at home this season with a 19-5-4 record in Pittsburgh. Their scheduled starting goalie, Murray, has a 4-1 lifetime record against Montreal with a .921 SV% and 2.19 GAA. PASS ON THE MONEYLINE because there isn’t enough value on either side.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Despite the low odds, the CANADIENS (+1.5, -167) are the right play here because of their against the spread trends. Montreal is 17-10 ATS on the road and 21-7 when getting 1.5 goals. Pittsburgh is just 11-17 ATS at home and 13-23 when laying 1.5 goals. Price has been better on the road than at home this season. He has a better record, higher SV% and lower GAA in 21 road starts. Also, the underdog is 5-0 in the last five meetings. 

Over/Under (O/U)

The last three Canadiens-Penguins games went Under the projected total. Plus, the Under has cashed in four straight Canadiens games and two consecutive Penguins games. The Canadiens have played a lot of close, low-scoring games against quality opponents recently. The Under is 3-0-1 in the Canadiens last four games versus a team with a winning record and 5-1-1 in the Canadiens last seven games as an underdog.

BET UNDER 5.5 (+105).

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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St. Louis Blues at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s St. Louis Blues at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (32-15-9) will take on the Vegas Golden Knights (28-22-8) Thursday at 10 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena. We analyze the Blues-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blues at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Jordan Binnington vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Binnington owns a 2.66 goals against average and a .910 save percentage through 40 games. He’s scuffled away from home and hasn’t been in good form of late with a .870 SV% since Jan. 15.

Fleury has logged a 2.87 GAA and .904 SV% through 41 games (40 starts). The veteran netminder has coughed up nine goals over his last 105 minutes between the pipes. He owns a lowly .854 SV over his last four outings. Fleury has faced the Blues twice this season, allowing four goals each time.

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

Blues 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 10:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Vegas 4, St. Louis 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Golden Knights (-161) are opening a five-game homestand and perhaps just now getting their legs back after an eight-game road stretch (split in half by the bye week), a return to home ice for one and then a trip to Minneapolis. Vegas is 8-3-1 as a home favorite and taking on a St. Louis squad which is 1-7 over its last eight on the road and looking for answers at both ends of the ice. The home team has won seven of the last eight head-to-head meetings between the two teams.

PASS on the moneyline play for Vegas, however, as there’s better value on the spread. Even accounting for the extra risk, the reward on the puck line play makes for a more acceptable return.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Knights have played below expected levels when it comes to what their record “should” be based on goals scored and allowed. Those numbers can also be improved on the margins based on puck-possession and shot-quality analysis. In the futures market, Vegas is a solid play at the right price.

And the VEGAS -1.5 (+170) is a solid play in Thursday’s market as well.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 6-1 in the Golden Knights’ last seven games as a home favorite, 7-2 in Vegas’ last nine games playing on one-day rest and 5-1-1 in the Blues’ last seven road tilts.

The Over is the general lean here, but the OVER 5.5 (-121) doesn’t deserve backing. The play is over-saturated on that side.

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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St. Louis Blues at Anaheim Ducks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s St. Louis Blues at Anaheim Ducks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (32-15-9) travel to Southern California to take on the Anaheim Ducks (23-26-7) Tuesday for a 10 p.m. ET puck drop at Honda Center. We analyze the Blues-Ducks odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blues at Ducks: Projected starting goalies

Jordan Binnington vs. John Gibson

Binnington owns a 2.66 goals against average and .910 save percentage. He allowed three goals on 24 shots against the Ducks Nov. 16. Binnington has won just twice in seven since Jan. 11, and he has posted an .870 SV% over that stretch.

Gibson owns a 2.96 GAA and .904 SV% through 41 games. The 26-year-old has been solid at home (2.62 GAA, .913 SV%), and he’s logged a couple nice starts against the Blues (.931 SV%). Gibson has registered a .892 SV% in five games since the All-Star break. He’s well-rested, with his last start being last Thursday.

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

Blues at Ducks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

St. Louis 3, Anaheim 1

Moneyline (ML)

Overall this season, the Blues have been a bit puck-lucky with goal-scoring outpacing support numbers. That’s not the case of late, however. The last nine games for St. Louis have resulted in a 2-5-2 record, with puck-possession and shot-value indicators remaining much the same as they had been over a 12-2-1 surge prior. Over those nine games, the Blues have logged a 7.8% shooting mark and a .871 SV%.

A tip of the cap, though, as the Blues’ (-162) moneyline price would indicate a realistic appraisal by the market. PASS on the ML.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +170) are the better play of the two sides. That’s a borderline low-confidence play, although a price closer to +180 would more strongly encourage a play. The two-goal cushion also works against what I view as the top play on this game — the total.

Over/Under (O/U)

Projecting Binnington to bounce back and reckoning both offenses as being a bit over-valued make for the UNDER 5.5 (-115) being a profitable play in this one. The Ducks’ penalty-killing unit was roughed up in a four-game road trip that concluded their last time out. Anaheim’s PK is sub-par overall, but the Blues draw penalties at a below-average rate. The public has been moving the way of the Under for this game. Waiting too long may cut into profitability with a higher cost.

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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Florida Panthers at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Florida Panthers at Philadelphia Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Florida Panthers (29-19-6) pay a visit to the Philadelphia Flyers (30-18-7) Monday for a 7 p.m. ET contest at Wells Fargo Center.  We analyze the Panthers-Flyers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Panthers at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Carter Hart

Bobrovsky has started each of the Panthers’ last eight games and on the season owns a 3.27 goals against average and .898 save percentage. His last couple starts have been dodgy, and he has scuffled away from home this season (.886 SV%). Monday’s game will be the 500th of Bobrovsky’s career.

Hart returns from injury (abdomen) to make his first start since Jan. 13. The 21-year-old has posted a 15-11-3 record on a 2.61 GAA and .905 SV%. Hart has one of the widest home-road splits of any regular goaltender in the league. He has registered a 13-2-2 record with a 1.69 GAA and .940 SV% on home ice.

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

Panthers at Flyers: 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 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Philadelphia 5, Florida 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Flyers are 8-3-1 over the last month. Wins in that stretch have come against the Washington Capitals (twice), Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, and Colorado Avalanche — an impressive who’s-who in the league standings. Florida is 2-5 in road games on the heels of multiple games at home. That’s the situation here, and the Flyers have had much better puck-possession figures of late.

Take the FLYERS (-139) as insurance to the puck-line play below.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Philadelphia’s margin of victory over its last five wins is 3.4 goals. Overall, the Flyers have outscored opponents 94-85 at home. Back the FLYERS (-1.5, +175) to win by at least 2 goals at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 5-2 in the Panthers’ last seven games vs. teams with a winning record and 5-1 in the Flyers’ last six with the same condition. Florida has a 32-19 record against the Over/Under on the season overall.

TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (+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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Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Dallas Stars (30-19-5) travel to Enterprise Center to take on the St. Louis Blues (32-15-8) Saturday in a Central Division clash. We analyze the Stars-Blues odds and lines, while providing NHL betting picks and tips around this matchup.

Stars at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Anton Khudobin vs. Jordan Binnington

Khudobin was solid in a win against the New York Rangers Monday in his first start back from the All-Star break. The 33-year-old owns a 2.34 goals against average and .927 save percentage through 18 starts and three relief appearances. In even-strength hockey, Khudobin has registered a sparkling .941 SV%. The Blues don’t generate a ton of power-play chances, but they are effective when they get them.

Binnington owns a 2.65 GAA and .910 SV% across 39 games. The second-year NHL’er has fallen off after a hot start to the season. Binnington has logged a mere .880 SV% over his last 12 games. He is, however, at his best when between the pipes at Enterprise Center. Binnington has posted a 2.27 GAA and .919 SV% at home.

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

Stars 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 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

St. Louis 4, Dallas 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Stars (+125) are the lean. The analytic underpinning the Stars’ 2.7 goals per game is predictive of better days ahead. Maybe those days have already started, as Dallas has come out of a much-needed bye week averaging 3.4 GPG.

The pricing here makes the play a no-go. AVOID.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

A Stars team which is 16-11 against the puck line on the road is the lean here. Again, the price has to be right. With the defending Stanley Cup champion Blues at home, perhaps the DALLAS +1.5 (-189) line heads toward something more in range of a profitable -175. A -180 tag would suffice.

Over/Under (O/U)

A familiar refrain with this game — which usually means it’s priced correctly: the OVER 5.5 (+105) is a lean but only at a better price. Wait this one out and see if it doesn’t follow some early market action and get closer to +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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Anaheim Ducks at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Anaheim Ducks at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Anaheim Ducks (22-26-6) visit the Toronto Maple Leafs (28-19-7) Friday night at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is set for shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Ducks-Maple Leafs odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Ducks at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Ryan Miller vs. Michael Hutchinson

Miller figures to start Friday in Toronto with starter John Gibson playing Tuesday and Thursday and going past regulation time in both efforts. In 14 games this season, Miller owns a 2.86 goals against average and .912 save percentage. He stopped 71 of 73 shots over his last two starts.

Hutchinson is the most likely Toronto netminder for this start. Injured workhorse Frederik Anderson (upper body) was originally slated for a Friday return, but that prospect was listed as doubtful as of Thursday. Hutchinson was not sharp in the Leafs’ last game. He allowed four goals on 34 shots Wednesday in a loss to the New York Rangers. Hutchinson is 4-9-1 with a 3.66 GAA and .886 SV%.

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

Ducks at Maple Leafs: 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 10:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Toronto 4, Anaheim 2

Moneyline (ML)

Anaheim (+195) is on game No. 4 of a five-game road trip. In a hard-fought game against the Tampa Bay Lightning preceding the trip and during the road stretch itself, puck-possession numbers have been solid for the Ducks. Anaheim has looked better on defense than it did in January. The club allowed 3.3 goals per game last month.

Toronto (-238) has lost back-to-back games and seven of its last 11. The Maple Leafs have perhaps been a bit puck-unlucky during the stretch. Trends and analytics don’t make for a lean in any direction on a line well-bracketed by extra juice. PASS on the moneyline.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Six of the Maple Leafs’ last seven wins have been of the multi-goal variety, but Toronto has lost a couple of win-able games over that same span. Still, the +115 price stands out here and makes the puck line — TORONTO -1.5 (+115) — worth at least a small play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 6-1 in the last seven Ducks-Leafs’ meetings in Toronto. That’s a four-year trend, and there are some likable Under signals in the analytics, but the price overshoots the lean.

PASS on the Under 6.5 (-154).

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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Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Detroit Red Wings (12-38-4) head to the KeyBank Center in Buffalo to clank swords with the Buffalo Sabres (23-23-7) in Thursday night (7 p.m. ET) Atlantic Division action. We analyze the Red Wings-Sabres odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Red Wings at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Bernier vs. Jonas Johansson

Bernier missed seven games last month due to a leg injury, but the 31-year-old is back now and playing well. Over his last 10 games, he has registered a .940 save percentage. On the season, Bernier has posted a 2.89 goals-against average and a .908 SV in 30 games. Thursday’s road tilt would mark his third straight start, and he has stopped 58 of 61 shots over his last two.

Johansson is expected to spell Carter Hutton (the current No. 1 with the ailing Linus Ullmark (leg) on the shelf), who was pulled Tuesday after allowing five goals on 18 shots. Johansson is an AHL call-up making his first career start. He was solid in stopping 13 of 14 over the back half of Hutton’s misstep against a high-scoring Colorado team.

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

Red Wings 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 Thursday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Buffalo 4, Detroit 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Sabres are a heavy favorite despite some recent struggles at home. But this is a club that went 7-2, averaging over 3.5 goals per game, in a nine-game stretch at home earlier this season (Nov. 29-Jan. 4). In final games of multi-game home stands, Buffalo is 5-1 straight-up and 5-1 against the puck line. The latter is where the Sabres side finds some value in this matchup.

WILL PASS ON BUFFALO -228.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since Jan. 10, the Red Wings have piled up nine straight losses; seven of those have been by two goals or more. Included in that stretch is a 5-1 loss to these Sabres on Jan. 12. Figure on Detroit getting an angry and hungry Buffalo team coming off its 6-1 loss to the Avs. The Sabres have yielded six goals in a game six times this season; they are 5-1 over those ensuing bounce-back efforts.

WILL BACK THE BUFFALO -1.5 (+120) as a play with some value against a Detroit team perhaps not nearly as good as its 12-38-4 record.

Over/Under (O/U)

The under is: 13-3-1 in the Sabres’ last 17 games following a loss of three or more goals. It’s also 5-2 in Buffalo’s last seven against a team with a winning percentage below .400, 3-1 in Detroit’s last four games and 5-2 in the last seven series games held in Buffalo.

There are also some expected-goal figures that would back the under here. WILL MAKE A PLAY ON THE UNDER 5.5 (+105).

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 New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Rangers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (28-18-7) battle the New York Rangers (25-22-4) in a 7:30 p.m. ET contest at Madison Square Garden Wednesday. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Rangers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Michael Hutchinson vs. Igor Shesterkin

Hutchinson is Toronto’s primary goaltender with Frederik Andersen on the shelf (upper body injury). With Andersen’s heavy workload, Hutchinson had only appeared in a dozen games prior to his starts on Saturday and Monday. The latter of those two turns was a shaky effort at Florida which got the 29-year-old journeyman pulled after 37 minutes. On the season, Hutchinson owns a 3.62 goals against average and an .886 save percentage.

Shesterkin has been tremendous since joining New York Jan. 6, logging a 2.51 GAA and .927 SV% in four games. The Russian rookie is one of the top goalie prospects in the NHL. He’s made all his starts at Madison Square Garden where he appears to be quite comfortable.

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

Maple Leafs at Rangers: 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 10:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Toronto 5, New York 3

Moneyline (ML)

Shesterkin has been quite good, but his work thus far is still a small sample. The Maple Leafs have been quite good in bounce-back/revenge spots. They’re coming off a 5-3 loss to Florida (Monday) are were downed by the Rangers, 5-4 the last time the two Original Six foes met (Dec. 28).

Will PASS on Toronto -139 straight-up for the better expected value in the puck line play.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

New York is a robust 17-11 against the puck line at home, but Toronto has gone 15-11 ATS on the road. The Maple Leafs are 3-1 over their last four games, and they’ve averaged 4.1 goals per game since Dec. 23.

The Rangers have been solid against the top-five scoring teams in the league (5-5-1), and their puck-possession figures of late are impressive. But the price on the Leafs is attractive, and a TORONTO -1.5 (+185) play is advisable.

Over/Under (O/U)

The 6.5 total here has some underpinning analytics that would make it a decent play at Over -110. When the Rangers play teams in the top five in scoring, the average goal total has been 8.5. The OVER 6.5 (-110) is a strong play.

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