Calgary Flames at Colorado Avalanche odds, lines, picks and best bets

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

The Calgary Flames (15-12-4) and Colorado Avalanche (19-8-2) lock horns at Pepsi Center at 9 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Flames-Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Flames at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

David Rittich vs. Philipp Grubauer

Rittich is 13-7-4 with a 2.69 goals against average and .914 save percentage with a pair of shutouts so far this season, but he is 0-2-0 with a 3.57 GAA and .877 SV% in two outings against the Avs.

The goaltending situation is much less certain for the Avalanche. Grubauer left his last start due to a hamstring injury, so he is expected to attempt to test his ailment in the morning skate before his status is known. If he cannot go it would be Pavel Francouz in the crease, with Adam Werner likely to be summoned from the minors to serve as his understudy.

If it is Francouz who is tabbed for the start, he has yet to face the Flames, but he is 7-2-0 with a 2.24 GAA and .931 save percentage overall. Grubauer is 2-0-0 with a 2.50 GAA and .921 save percentage vs. Calgary this season.


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


Flames 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 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 3, Flames 2

Moneyline (ML)

The AVALANCHE (-162) are a risky play in this one based on the uncertainty of their goaltender. If Grubauer makes it through the morning skate unscathed, a small-unit wager on the Avs is warranted. Check Twitter and your favorite news sites for more information. The Flames are 0-6 in the past six meetings in this series, and 1-4 in the past five trips to Denver, too, so keep that in mind.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered for the Avalanche to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $0.62 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Head-to-head meetings between the Flames and Avs are usually nip and tuck, and I don’t like either side of the puck line. I could see this one easily decided in overtime or a shootout.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+125) is 39-18 in Calgary’s last 57 games on the road. The Under is 3-1-1 in Colorado’s past five as a favorite, too.

Every $1 wagered for five or fewer combined goals to be scored would profit $1.25 if the Under hits.

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]

Buffalo Sabres at Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Buffalo Sabres at Edmonton Oilers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

The Buffalo Sabres (13-11-6) host the Edmonton Oilers (18-10-3) at Rogers Place Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Sabres-Oilers odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Sabres at Oilers: Projected starting goalies

Linus Ullmark vs. Mike Smith

Ullmark has a 7-6-2 record for New Jersey with a 2.94 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. Ullmark stopped 25 of 29 shots in a 4-3 loss at the Calgary Flames Thursday.

Smith has a 7-7-1 record, sporting a 2.88 GAA and .905 SV%. He has struggled at home in his last two appearances, turning aside 44 of 51 shots.


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


Sabres at Oilers: 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 2:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Oilers 4, Sabres 3

Moneyline (ML)

The OILERS (-176) are the play. They’re facing a Sabres team which lost 6-5 in OT at the Vancouver Canucks Saturday. Buffalo is just 5-8-3 on the road and has lost its previous two games. Edmonton has lost three of its last five – all three defeats coming on the road. But with an 8-4-2 home record, the Oilers are the suggested pick.

New to sports betting? Every $1.76 wagered that the Oilers win profits $1 if they prevail.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

AVOID. The Sabres are 19-11 ATS, which is fourth in the league. The Oilers are just 15-16 ATS, ranking 17th. Backing Buffalo (+1.5, -189) is asking too much to risk. Edmonton (-1.5, +155) offers a nice payoff, but it has been up and down lately.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-150) is a bit of a rough number as far as profit margin, but given the goalies in this matchup six or more goals is very likely. Buffalo yields 3.5 goals per game on the road and a 73.6% penalty kill (30th in the NHL). Edmonton allows 3.29 goals per game at home. The Oilers have the best power play in the league at 32.2% with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid leading the way. LEAN to the Over. 

Placing a $10 bet will profit $6.67 if there are six or more goals.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS 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 Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Arizona Coyotes at Chicago Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

The Arizona Coyotes (17-10-4) and Chicago Blackhawks (12-12-5) tangle at United Center on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Coyotes-Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Coyotes at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Darcy Kuemper vs. Robin Lehner

Kuemper is 12-6-2 with a 1.92 goals against average and a .937 save percentage. Kuemper is on a two-game win streak, stopping 61 of 64 shots in road wins at the Philadelphia Flyers (Thursday) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (Tuesday).

Lehner is 6-5-3 with a 2.71 GAA and a .929 SV%. Corey Crawford’s backup snapped a three-game personal skid by stopping 37 of 40 shots in a 3-2 OT win at the Boston Bruins Thursday.


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


Coyotes 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 1:35 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Coyotes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLACKHAWKS (-115) are the play here, even though the Coyotes (-106) have been the better team overall this season as they jockey for position atop the Pacific Division with the Edmonton Oilers. Arizona is playing the third game in four days, and it’s 0-4 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation. The Coyotes should have heavy legs in this one. Plus, ‘Zona is 3-10 in the past 13 meetings and 1-5 in the past six trips to the Windy City.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This should be a tight game, and if Chicago comes away with the win, it will likely be in overtime or a shootout. The BLACKHAWKS are worth a small-unit play at -1.5, +225, however, as that’s a really nice value for a home team.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered that the Blackhawks win by 2 goals or more would profit $2.25 if they do so.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-115) has been the dominant trend. The Under is 19-7-1 in Arizona’s past 27 on the road, and 9-4 in the past 13 overall. The Under is 5-1 in Chicago’s past six at home, and 7-3 in the past 10 overall.

Every $1.15 wagered that the combined goals scored are 5 or less would profit $1 if the Under hits.

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=1369]

New York Rangers at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s New York Rangers at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

The Vegas Golden Knights (15-11-5) host the New York Rangers (14-11-3) at T-Mobile Arena Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Rangers-Golden Knights odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Rangers at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Henrik Lundqvist vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Lundqvist has a 7-6-2 record for New Jersey with a 3.21 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. Lundqvist’s last appearance was Monday when he stopped 28 of 32 shots in a loss at home to these very same Golden Knights.

Fleury has a 11-6-2 record, sporting a 2.54 GAA and a .919 SV%. The expected Vegas starter has not played since Nov. 23 when he yielded four goals in a home loss to the Edmonton Oilers.


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


Rangers 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 12: 50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Rangers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-223), 7-5-3 at home, are the rested team going up against a Rangers squad on the first game of a four-game road trip. New York is a respectable 6-5-1 on the road. However, Vegas has won four straight matchups against the Rangers. Finally, New York allows 3.42 goals per game on the road this year. Back Vegas and roll the bones!

A $10 bet with Vegas results in a $4.48 profit with an outright win for the Golden Knights. Or every $2.23 wagered on a Knights win would profit $1 if they prevail.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Rangers are 19-9 ATS, which is tops in the NHL. The Golden Knights are just 12-19 ATS (30th in the league). That gives us some pause here, so it’s best to AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-150) is a bit of risk even knowing that Vegas gives up three goals a game at home. There are some concerns about rust with both goaltenders. Lundqvist is just getting over the flu, while Fleury dealt with the loss of his father recently. The other slight concern is that New York allows 35.9 shots per game and is just 76.9% (23rd) on the penalty kill. On the other hand, both teams combine for 6.04 goals per game. Lean slightly to the UNDER.

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a $6.67 profit with a total of six or fewer goals scored.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS 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]

New York Islanders at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Dallas Stars NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Dallas Stars (16-11-3) entertain the New York Islanders (19-6-2) at American Airlines Arena Saturday at 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Stars odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Islanders at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Ben Bishop

Varlamov has a 9-3-2 record for New York with a 2.35 goals against average and .923 save percentage. The projected Islanders starter stopped 31 of 33 shots in a home, overtime win versus the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday night.

Bishop has a 10-6-2 record. He has a 2.19 goals against average and .929 save percentage in 20 games played. The expected Dallas starter stopped 36 of 38 shots in a 3-2 overtime win against the Winnipeg Jets Thursday.


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


Islanders 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 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-150) and Islanders (+125) are both rested headed into this matchup. New York is 3-2 in their last five games and Dallas is 1-3-1 in that span. Expect this game to be close and low-scoring. New York allows just 2.58 goals on the road and Dallas yields two goals a game (10-4-1 at home). BACK DALLAS slightly.

A $10 bet with Dallas results in a $6.67 profit with an outright win for the Stars.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Stars are 16-14 ATS, while New York is 14-14 vs. the spread. This is one to AVOID, as the Islanders number at +1.5 (-239) has too much tax. That payout on a $10 bet would be just $4.18 for the Islanders to lose by one goal or win outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-150) is fine and conservative play. There were rumblings that the over/under could go to five here, but the line hasn’t moved as of yet. That is fortunate as most projections suggested a 3-2 outcome. Consider that the Islanders give up just 2.41 goals per game (3rd) and the Stars 2.43 goals per game (4th), I side with the UNDER Saturday night.

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a $6.67 profit with a total of six or fewer goals scored.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS 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]

New Jersey Devils at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New Jersey Devils at Nashville Predators matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Nashville Predators (12-10-5) entertain the New Jersey Devils (9-14-5) at Bridgestone Arena Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Devils-Predators odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Devils at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Louis Domingue vs. Pekka Rinne

Domingue has a 1-2 record for New Jersey with a 3.45 goals against average and .870 save percentage. New Jersey’s goaltending allows 3.83 goals per game on the road. Domingue’s last appearance was in Buffalo, where he yielded five goals on just 15 shots in 20 minutes of work.

Rinne has a 9-4-3 record, sporting a 2.84 goals against average and .899 save percentage on the season. The likely Nashville starter stopped 28 of 31 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss versus the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday.


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


Devils 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 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Predators 5, Devils 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PREDATORS (-228), 7-5-4 at home, are the rested team going up against a Devils team on the second half of a back-to-back. New Jersey is 0-3-1 in their last four games while being outscored 17-6. New Jersey also has lost 11 of its last 12 road games coming off an overtime result.

A $10 bet with Nashville results in a $4.39 profit with an outright win for the Predators.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Devils are 10-18 ATS, which is last in the NHL. The Predators have more than enough offense to connect on the spread (-1.5, +110).

A $10.00 bet here results in a $11.00 profit with the expectation Nashville wins by two or more goals Saturday.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-143) is worth a safe play. New Jersey expects to be a little more loose with pucks in their zone Saturday as they face a Nashville team that likes to push the puck up the ice. The Predators average 3.31 goals per game at home but also allow 3.06 goals per contest. New Jersey should be able to score a few goals, which help my LEAN toward Nashville.

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a $6.99 profit with a total of seven or more goals scored.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS 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]

Colorado Avalanche at Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Colorado Avalanche at Boston Bruins matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Colorado Avalanche (18-8-2) and Boston Bruins (20-3-6) lock horns Saturday evening at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Beantown. We analyze the Avalanche-Bruins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Avalanche at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Philipp Grubauer vs. Tuukka Rask

Grubauer checks in with a 10-5-2 record, 2.75 goals-against average and .916 save percentage. He enters on a three-game win streak, allowing a total of five goals on 91 shots, including a 39-save win at Toronto Wednesday, 3-1.

Rask will patrol the crease for the B’s, putting his impressive 13-2-3 record, 2.15 GAA and .929 save percentage on the line.


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


Avalanche 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 10:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Bruins 3

Moneyline (ML)

It’s one of my favorite wagers every season, even when the AVALANCHE (+125) haven’t been very good. Colorado enters with a 5-1 mark across the past six against the Bruins (-154), while the Avs are 10-1 in the past 11 trips to Boston.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Colorado to pull the upset returns a $12.50 profit with an Avs win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Since I’m backing the underdog, there is no sense betting the spread. The Avalanche (+1.5, -209) is just too expensive, and the Bruins (-1.5, +170) isn’t worth a play since I like Colorado to continue their winning ways in Boston.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-150) is worth a small-unit bet, as Grubauer and Rask are likely to face plenty of shots in this one. The over is 5-1-1 in the past seven for Colorado on a day of rest, while the over is 4-1 in Boston’s past five against teams with a winning record over .600.

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=4 category=2059]

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

Analyzing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Pittsburgh Penguins (16-9-4) and Detroit Red Wings (7-20-3) do battle Saturday evening at 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Hockeytown. We analyze the Penguins-Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Penguins at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Jimmy Howard

Murray is expected to get the start Saturday after Tristan Jarry posted a shutout Friday night, his second straight. There is a goaltender controversy in the Steel City, and Murray needs a big performance to keep Jarry from continuing to carve into his role. Murray is 9-5-4 with a 2.84 goals-against average and .897 save percentage with one shutout.

Howard has been terrible, going 2-11-1 with a 3.94 GAA and .887 save percentage, as he comes in on an 0-6-1 skid while allowing three or more goals in six of the past seven outings.


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


Penguins 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 10:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 5, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Penguins (-209) are expensive, and even with Murray in there instead of the red-hot Jarry, they should have enough against the Red Wings (+170). Still, you can’t give twice as much as your return. That’s just not good business.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS (-1.5, +125) are an attractive play against the sieve known as Howard. In the past three wins by the Pens, they have also covered the puck line, so feel confident laying the goal and a half.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-150) will cost you quite a bit of juice, but you’re not going to have to worry about it. Howard has been terrible, and the Penguins will pepper him. In fact, they might be able to take care of the over themselves.

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=4 category=2059]

Arizona Coyotes at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing the Arizona Coyotes at Pittsburgh Penguins Friday NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Arizona Coyotes (17-9-4) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (15-9-4) at Nationwide Arena Friday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Coyotes-Penguins odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Coyotes at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Antti Raanta vs. Matt Murray

Raanta is expected to start and has a 5-3-2 record with a 2.66 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. Raanta suffered a tough loss in San Jose last Saturday stopping 26 of 29 shots.

Murray has a 9-5-4 record with a 2.84 GAA and a .897 SV%, with one shutout on the year. The Pittsburgh goaltender is projected in net and has not played since November 30th, when he allowed five goals on just 27 shots in a road defeat to St. Louis.


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


Coyotes 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 8:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Coyotes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-189) are the rested team Friday night going up against one of the best road teams in the NHL (Arizona 10-3-3 road mark). Pittsburgh counters with an 11-3-2 home record. Also, there is a possibility Pittsburgh may have Bryan Rust and Jordan Schultz back from injury (both game-time decisions). Take the Penguins.

A $10 bet with Pittsburgh results in a $5.29 profit with an outright win over the Coyotes.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Penguins are just 12-16 ATS, while the Coyotes are best in the NHL at 20-10. However, the Coyotes are the underdogs (+1.5, -182) and that does not look appealing. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (EVEN) is worth a small bet. The Over has connected in two of the previous three meetings between the teams. Also, Pittsburgh averages 3.5 goals per game at home, while Arizona averages 2.69 goals per contest on the road. 

Placing a $10 bet here will earn a $10.00 profit with a total of six or more goals scored.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS 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]

Minnesota Wild at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Minnesota Wild at Tampa Bay Lightning sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets

The Minnesota Wild (13-11-4) visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (13-9-3) for a Thursday 7 p.m. ET tilt at Amalie Arena. We analyze the Wild-Lightning odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Wild at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Alex Stalock vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Stalock owns a .912 save percentage on the season and a 2.67 goals against average. The 32-year-old has logged a .937 SV% mark over his last two starts. On the down side, Stalock has been much better at home (.946 SV% vs. .892 SV% road).

Vasilevskiy has posted a .908 SV% with a 2.90 GAA through 18 games. That’s a would-be career-low save percentage for the netminder who registered a .923 mark over the last two seasons. Vasilevskiy has not been particularly sharp at home, and he was iffy in two starts against the Wild last season.


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


Wild 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 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Minnesota 3, Tampa Bay 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Lightning snapped a three-game losing streak in their last game, a 3-2 OT win at the Nashville Predators Tuesday. All three losses were of the one-goal variety. Tampa Bay had won three in a row – outscoring foes 15-6 before the short skid.

Minnesota comes in having won four straight, including two on the road. The Wild have been on a nice scoring tear, averaging 3.4 goals per game since Nov. 19. They yield too many shots at times, but they do a credible job in an exchange of shots from the slot, a higher-percentage shooting area. With the recents, the netminders and some solid underlying fundamentals, MINNESOTA +170 is the lean here.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered on the Wild will profit $1.70 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line is MINNESOTA +1.5 -154. With the above noted and the fact that Vasilevskiy hasn’t been at his best, the Wild side has some value.

The Wild have done a nice job staying out of the box of late. That’s key against a club like the Lightning, which sports a 29% success rate on power plays (33% last four home games). Minnesota is 9-9 against the puck line on the road; Tampa Bay (-1.5, +125) is 5-6 against the line at home.

Over/under (O/U)

AVOID the O/U 5.5 (-150, +125). I’m not seeing any value here. Game flow predictions could play out on the Under enough to make value hard to find even on a price change.

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=3 category=1369]