Tag: NHL lines

Pittsburgh Penguins at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Nashville Predators sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (21-11-4) and Nashville Predators (18-12-6) come out of the holiday break for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop at Bridgestone Arena in Tennessee Friday. We analyze the Penguins-Predators sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Pekka Rinne

Murray is 10-6-4 with an .892 save percentage and 2.91 goals against average through 22 starts. He entered the break with two losses in his last three starts, giving up four goals on 14 shots against the Vancouver Canucks in his final outing.

Rinne got the win in four of his last five starts before the break to improve his season record to 13-5-3 through 21 starts. He has an .896 SV% and 2.93 GAA with three shutouts on the season.

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

Penguins at Predators: 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

Predators 3, Penguins 1

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-134) are modest home favorites over the Penguins (+110). The Preds are 10-6-4 at home for the season and entered the break 6-2-2 over their last 10 games and on a two-game winning streak. The Pens took a 4-1 loss against the Canucks last Saturday but are still 7-3-0 over their last 10 games; however, they’re just 7-7-2 as the road team this season.

Rinne comes into Friday in the better form of two goalies playing well below their career standards this season. It’s enough to side with the home team.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 bet on the Predators to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $7.46.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PREDATORS (-1.5, +200) can warrant a small wager on the spread in hopes of a win by 2 or more goals. The Preds are just 16-20 against the spread overall and 8-12 at home while the Pens are 17-19 ATS overall but 9-7 on the road.

Five of Nashville’s last seven wins before the break were by 2 or more goals. Each of Pittsburgh’s last four losses was decided by a margin of at least 2 goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 5.5 (+105) at plus-money. The Penguins went 4-6-0 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games while the Predators were 6-3-1 against the projected totals. Both goaltenders playing to their potentials following the extended rest period will keep this below the number.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 141-111

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins odds, lines, picks and best bets

Analyzing the Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins Monday sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Washington Capitals (26-6-5) visit the Boston Bruins (21-7-9) in a Monday holiday mixer at TD Garden in Boston. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Capitals-Bruins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Capitals at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Tuukka Rask

Holtby owns a 2.75 GAA and .911 SV. He’s been solid (.918 SV%) over six starts in December, and he’s logged a .927 SV% over 124 minutes against Boston. Holtby stopped 102-of-105 (.971) shots against the Bruins last season. The 30-year-old stopped 26-of-27 against the Lightning in his last start (Dec. 21).

Rask has registered a 2.29 GAA, .929 SV% this season. But the 32-year-old Finn has been a bit off his game of late – over his last five games, he’s 0-2-3 with an .882 SV%. That stretch includes three home games. Rask logged a 3.43 GAA and .884 SV% against Washington (87 minutes) last season.

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

Capitals at Bruins: 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 Monday at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Washington 4, Boston 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Capitals are 17-5 over their last 22 games in Boston. Their successes this season are mostly backed up by possession analytics. In particular, the Washington defense does tremendous work in keeping the low slot clear of would-be shooters. That’s been a benefit for the effective goaltending tandem of Holtby and Ilya Samsonov.

Will make a play on WASHINGTON (+110).

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Bruins are 1-7 over their last eight games; five of those losses have been by a one-goal margin. Boston has been solid in getting back into games when trailing by multiple goals or when trailing late.

The Washington (+1.5, -250) line draws a PASS, but its not too far off from being a profitable play (-230).

Over/under (O/U)

The Caps are the highest scoring team in the NHL, and they’ve scored 5+ goals in 4-of-their-last-7 road games. Over that stretch, the Washington powerplay (normally a top-10 unit) has even been cold. The Capitals do commit more than their share of penalties, and that’s a boon for a top-3-ranked Boston powerplay. The over is: 11-2 in Washington’s last 13 vs. a team with a winning record … 21-10 in the Caps’ last 31 games …

Clocking in on the OVER (5.5, -129) is unlikely. A price near -120 would do the trick.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1369]

New York Rangers at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s New York Rangers at Philadelphia Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Rangers (17-14-4) and Philadelphia Flyers (20-11-5) convene at Wells Fargo Center at 7 p.m. ET Monday before heading out for the holiday break. We analyze the Rangers-Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Rangers at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Alexandar Georgiev vs. Carter Hart

Georgiev has posted a 9-7-1 record, 2.93 goals-against average and .915 save percentage with two shutouts. He is likely to get the start after Henrik Lundqvist started (and won) on Sunday afternoon against the Anaheim Ducks. King Henrik has started back-to-back before, and with the holiday break coming up, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him tabbed for this one since he saw such a low workload Sunday.

Hart is 12-7-3 with a 2.33 GAA and .912 save percentage with a shutout, and he has back-to-back wins vs. Anaheim and the Buffalo Sabres, turning aside all but two of the 60 shots he faced.

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

Rangers 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 at 3 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Flyers 4, Rangers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Flyers (-200) are not worth a play, as risking two times the return is just not good business. If you’ve frequented my columns, you know the neighborhood of -160 to -170 is my cut-off, unless it’s included in a multi-team parlay.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Flyers to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $5 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The FLYERS (-1.5, +135) are a much better roll of the dice on the puck line at home. The Rangers (+1.5, -167) have won six straight inside the division, but they’re 1-4 in the past five overall, and they’re 7-16 in the past 23 when working on no rest. The Flyers have won nine of the past 13 overall, and six of the past seven at home. Philly is also 6-1 in the past seven meetings, and the favorite has hit in seven of the past nine meetings.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is the trend in this series, hitting in five straight meetings. However, buck the trend and play the OVER 5.5 (-139). Here’s why: The Rangers are playing the second end of a back-to-back, and the Over is 12-4 in their past 16 on no rest. The Over is also 5-0 in their past five overall, while going 4-0 in the past four as an underdog. The Flyers have hit six straight Overs against Eastern Conference foes.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Arizona Coyotes at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Arizona Coyotes at Detroit Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Arizona Coyotes (20-13-4) visit the Detroit Red Wings (9-25-3) at Little Caesar’s Arena Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Coyotes-Red Wings odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Coyotes at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Antti Raanta vs. Jimmy Howard

Raanta owns a 2.72 goals against average and .919 save percentage over 13 outings (12 starts). The veteran netminder has been consistent and solid, but unspectacular on the road. His even-strength SV% is .939, and he has a history of getting better as the season wears on.

Howard has struggled his way to a 3.94 GAA and .887 SV% for a Red Wings club which ranks 31st in goals allowed per game (3.89). Howard has been on a conditioning stint in the AHL while recovering from a groin injury which has kept him out of action since November 27.

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

Coyotes 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 Sunday at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Arizona 4, Detroit 2

Moneyline (ML)

Take advantage of your fellow bettors’ unwillingness to go deep into 200-level prices, even when 300-something is warranted. A play on ARIZONA (-250) bakes in plenty of value.

The ‘Yotes went 3-1 on their last multi-game road trip, and the team is 7-3 over its last 10 away from the desert. Recent missteps (3-4 record since Dec. 6) are not backed up by puck possession analytics. Arizona does a fine job getting to the gritty, high-percentage area of the slot, and that game-systemic advantage hasn’t made its way into recent box scores.

Arizona has the fewest penalty minutes in the NHL, and it’s a factor mitigating recent gains made by the Detroit power play (7 for their last 23). This is a Red Wings club all-too-routinely posting sub-40% Corsi shares while going 2-13-2 over its last 17 games.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Arizona is 14-5 against the puck line on the road. Detroit is 6-13 against the half-number when skating at home. The Wings’ last 11 losses have all been by multiple scores. The ‘Yotes are on the front end of a road trip, with plenty of standings incentive for wanting to game-control whatever sheet of ice they’re on.

Back ARIZONA (-1.5, +115) to win by at least 2 goals on a smaller, complement play to the moneyline.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Coyotes to win by at least 2 goals returns a profit of $11.50. The same wager on the moneyline returns $4 in profit.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS on the projected total of 5.5 (Over: -115, Under: -106). The Howard return and health status plays more here than in the sides.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=2059]

Calgary Flames at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Calgary Flames at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis and betting picks.

The Calgary Flames (18-14-5) and Dallas Stars (20-13-4) meet Sunday in a clash of the two current Western Conference wild-card teams as the Flames head to Big D to play the Stars at American Airlines Center at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Flames-Stars sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Flames at Stars: Projected starting goalies

David Rittich vs. Ben Bishop 

Rittich is 15-8-5, including a 6-6-2 road record, with a 2.77 goals against average and .913 save percentage. Both his GAA and SV% are ranked 22nd in the NHL.

Bishop is due for a bounce-back game at home after a stinker against the Florida Panthers Friday when he allowed six goals on only 20 shots. He is 9-4-2 with a 1.76 GAA and .943 SV% at home compared to a 3-4-1 record, 3.31 GAA and .895 SV% on the road.

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

Flames 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 at 8:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Flames 1

Moneyline (ML)

Don’t be fooled by where the Flames are in the current Western Conference standings, they are not a very good team. The Flames are ranked 23rd in the NHL in moneyline balance (-$419). Given Bishop’s success at home, the Stars’ 12-5-2 home record and the Flames’ 8-9-2 road record, I like the STARS (-154) on the moneyline.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line is a scary proposition so I’m PASSING on the Stars (-1.5, +170). While the Stars defense and goaltending are elite, their offense struggles at times, scoring only 99 goals so far this season (ranked 25th) and has one player in the top-50 in points — C Tyler Seguin. The Stars offense doesn’t inspire much confidence, and the Flames defense and goaltending are due for a good game after giving up four goals in each of their last three games.

Over/Under (O/U)

Hammer the UNDER 5.5 (-121). The Stars are 12-23 against the Over/Under and the Flames are 13-22 on the OU. The Under has cashed in the last four Flames-Stars games. Dallas has allowed 2.43 goals per game and only 5.08 goals per game are being scored in Stars games, both NHL lows. Each squad has a strong penalty kill unit — Calgary ranks fourth (84.4%) and Dallas ranks sixth (84.0%). They’re also unimpressive on the power play with Calgary scoring 18.0% of the time (ranked 19th) and Dallas at 17.3% (T-21).

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks (14-16-6) travel to Denver to take on the Colorado Avalanche (22-10-3) in a 9 p.m. ET Central Division battle at the Pepsi Center. We analyze the Blackhawks-Avalanche odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blackhawks at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Corey Crawford vs. Philipp Grubauer

Crawford has logged a 3.08 goals against average behind a ‘Hawks defense which yields a league-worst 36.0 shots on goal per game. The veteran netminder owns a .909 save percentage on the season, but over his last seven games — with three of those games coming against the Avs — Crawford has been tagged with an .885 figure. He owns a similar save percentage over his last four road games.

Grubauer owns a 2.79 goals against average and .915 save percentage over 20 starts. Those figures ticked toward the better when the 28-year-old German stopped 37 of 39 shots Thursday.

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

Blackhawks 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 Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Chicago 4, Colorado 3

Moneyline (ML)

These two Central Division foes are about even in killing penalties (Chicago 18th, Colorado 20th), but give the Blackhawks a special-teams advantage in this contest. The ‘Hawks own a 28% power-play success rate over their last eight games. Veteran RW Patrick Kane remains the linchpin of the Chicago offense, with or without an extra skater, and Kane has a hot hand of late. The 31-year-old has seven points over his last three games and 31 over his last 22.

Colorado’s possession analytics don’t back up the team’s 9-2-1 mark over its last 12 games. The Avs are playing their fourth game in six days. They are 1-5 in fourth games the last six times that scenario played out on their schedule. Chicago’s faceoff, possession, and special-teams indicators are headed in the right direction. BLACKHAWKS (+190) is a solid play Saturday night. But be patient – betting is heavy on the Avs side; a 2-to-1 play could be there by puck drop.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Colorado has lost in regulation just four times in 16 home games, and the Avalanche are 6-5 in the tough Central Division. Still, trends on both sides are not supportive of a puck line play. Those trends include Avalanche routs of Chicago (by scores of 5-2, 7-3 and 4-1) on Nov. 29, Nov. 30, and Dec. 18, respectively. PASS on Chicago (+1.5, -143).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 9-4 in the Blackhawks’ last 13 games as an underdog and 4-0 in the Avalanche’s last 4 games as a favorite.

But, PASS on the extra-juice proposition here 5.5 (Over: -154, Under: +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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=2059]

Nashville Predators at Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Nashville Predators at Boston Bruins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Nashville Predators (16-12-6) and Boston Bruins (21-7-8) square off at TD Garden in Boston at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Predators-Bruins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Predators at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Pekka Rinne vs. Tuukka Rask

Rinne has been a little more giving than in past years, posting a 2.99 goals against average and .894 save percentage, but he still has a rather impressive 11-5-3 record overall.

Rask has been a lot more consistent, going 13-4-5 with a 2.29 GAA and .922 save percentage this season. However, he enters on a 0-2-3 personal skid, dropping two overtime games, and a shootout while coming out on the short end of four one-goal games.

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

Predators at Bruins: 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 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Predators 4, Bruins 3

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (+135) are a nice small-unit play on the road, as Rask isn’t doing very well. While yes, he is due for a win, backing the Bruins (-162) doesn’t make a lot of sense. Plus, Nashville is 5-1 in the past six as a road underdog, and 4-1 in the past five against teams with a winning overall record.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Predators to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $13.50 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Predators (+1.5, -209) are too expensive on the road, and the B’s (-1.5, +170) aren’t going to beat Rinne by two goals. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-134) is the play here. The total has gone Over in four straight on the road for the boys from Music City while going 4-0-1 in the past five overall. The Under is 3-1-1 in the past five overall for the B’s, but the Over is 3-1-1 in their past five against Western Conference foes.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

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

The Detroit Red Wings (9-24-3) and Toronto Maple Leafs (18-14-4) lock horns at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Red Wings-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Red Wings at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Bernier vs. Michael Hutchinson

Bernier carries a 7-10-2 record, 3.26 goals against average and .896 save percentage into action. He allowed three goals on 40 shots in a 6-0 loss against the Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena back on Nov. 27.

Hutchinson carries an 0-5-1 record, 4.55 GAA and .876 save percentage into action in this one. He has allowed four or more goals in each of his past five appearances, and all six of his starts this season.

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

Red Wings 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 11:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Red Wings 5, Maple Leafs 4

Moneyline (ML)

The RED WINGS (+225) are worth a roll of the dice on the road, as the Maple Leafs (-286) haven’t had a lot of success with Hutchinson in the crease. You certainly cannot trust the home side with their winless backup.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Red Wings to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $22.50 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The RED WINGS (+1.5, +100) are still offering plus-money on the puck line if you’re not quite feeling the last-place team and want a little insurance in the event of a loss. They’ll just need to stay within 1 goal.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+120) is a big number, but with Hutchinson in between the pipes, it’s the play. The Over is 5-2 in the past seven meetings in this series, and 19-6-1 in Toronto’s past 26 against Eastern Conference foes.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

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

The Toronto Maple Leafs (17-14-4) visit the New York Rangers (16-13-4) Friday at Madison Square Garden for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Rangers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Alexandar Georgiev

Andersen owns a 2.51 goals against average and .920 save percentage in 28 games. The 30-year-old has been terrific on the road (.927 SV%). In his last road turn (Dec. 14 at Edmonton Oilers), Andersen bounced back from a shaky Dec. 12 start to turn aside 36 of 37 shots. He has registered a .932 SV% since Nov. 21.

Georgiev has posted a 2.72 GAA and .920 SV in 16 games (15 starts), but the 23-year-old Bulgarian netminder has logged a few clunkers since a hot start. After notching a .933 SV% over his first six games, Georgiev has had three games allowing five or more goals while posting a .913 SV%. He owns a .850 mark over his last two games.

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 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Toronto 4, New York 2

Moneyline (ML)

Toronto has been the sharper team over the last week. The Leafs have exhibited a bit more offensive firepower and consistency of late, and they have a more solid and well-rounded puck possession base. Posting a few three-goal wins away from home the last two weeks has been impressive.

The Maple Leafs are 8-4 since Sheldon Keefe took over behind the bench for the fired Mike Babcock.

Take the MAPLE LEAFS (-167) on the moneyline.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The New York power play has struggled since posting decent numbers through the first month of the season. The Rangers have 10 goals over their last 62 chances with an extra skater (16.1%). Andersen has been outstanding in 5-on-5 play.

The Rangers are 3-5 ATS over their last eight games. I’ll play TORONTO (-1.5, +155). The Leafs have a big advantage in recent puck-possession analytics and a favorable goaltending matchup.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS on the Under 6.5 (-139). There’s no good value/probability on either 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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=2059]

Washington Capitals at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Washington Capitals at New Jerseys Devils sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The first-place Washington Capitals (24-6-5) head to the Prudential Center to face off against the second-to-last place New Jersey Devils (11-17-5) at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Capitals-Devils sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Capitals at Devils: Projected starting goalies

Ilya Samsonov vs. MacKenzie Blackwood 

Samsonov, a former first-round pick, is filling in for Braden Holtby and has been awesome for the Capitals. He is 8-2-1, including seven quality starts, and Samsonov’s .918 save percentage and 2.38 goals against average are better than Holtby’s .909 SV% and 2.82 GAA.

Blackwood is coming off an impressive 26-save effort in the Devils’ 3-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday. The win pushed his record to 10-9-4 but Blackwood ranks just 28th in GAA (2.77) and 32nd in SV% (.910).

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

Capitals at Devils: 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 7 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 6, Devils 2

Moneyline (ML)

On one hand, the Devils have played well in their past two games, winning both, and are going for their first three-game win streak of the season.

On the other hand, the Capitals are coming off a 3-0 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets—they are 4-1 in away games coming off a loss—but are well rested with their last game being played four nights earlier, on Monday. Bet a relatively cheap CAPITALS (-208) moneyline for an easy win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

A little riskier than the moneyline but a CAPITALS (-1.5, +135) puck line wager is too juicy to pass up. The Capitals have won four out of the last five games against the Devils and all four Capitals wins were by two or more goals.

Also, the Devils have been pasted far too often this season to have any confidence in a +1.5 (-161) wager on them. Fifteen of the Devils’ 17 losses came by more than two goals.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Capitals to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $13.50.

Over/Under (O/U)

I like, but don’t love, the OVER 5.5 (-133) in this game. BetMGM knows the Over is enticing here hence the -133 price. If you’re inclined to bet a total, the Over is the play because the Capitals rank second in goals scored, are 22-13 against the Over/Under this season, and the Devils are tied for the fifth-most goals allowed in the NHL.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]