Tag: NHL lines

Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens spots betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks (21-20-6) and Montreal Canadiens (20-20-7) tangle at Bell Centre Wednesday with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blackhawks-Canadiens odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blackhawks at Canadiens: Projected starting goalies

Corey Crawford vs. Charlie Lindgren

Crawford owns a 3.09 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. Chicago is on the back nine of playing two games in as many days. Running mate Robin Lehner started Tuesday’s game in Ottawa, a 3-2 come-from-behind win for the Blackhawks. The veteran Chicago goalie has been only a Chicago goalie of late – he hasn’t started a road game since Dec. 14. Crawford owns a pedestrian .900 SV% over his last four road turns.

Lindgren draws Wednesday’s start. He enters the day with a 3.09 GAA and .908 SV% for an 0-2-0 record through just two starts.

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

Blackhawks at Canadiens: 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

Montreal 3, Chicago 2

Moneyline (ML)

The ‘Hawks have been quite good when playing the back half of back-to-backs, and they’ve won several such contests after overtime games the previous day. Tuesday’s affair in Ottawa also required a comeback from a 2-0 deficit.

Chicago has exhibited slightly better possession numbers of late, but the Blackhawks still yield too many shots to be consistent winners. Montreal does a better job producing and denying high-quality scoring chances. Over the last three weeks, the Canadiens have piled up several one-goal losses in games that were statistically even or leaning toward the Habs. The lean here is toward the CANADIENS (-182).

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Chicago has a nice road record against the line (14-8); Montreal has a shaky home record against the puck line (8-16). The ‘Hawks haven’t played in many one-goal games of late, and there are a couple questions about Crawford. Otherwise, a play on CHICAGO (+1.5, -176) – as a middling play alongside a Montreal pick on the moneyline – would be a serious consideration.

Over/Under (O/U)

The prices listed bracket what I’d peg as a likely Over to the tune of a -140 figure. Maybe higher. PASS on the line of 5.5 (Over: -149, 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.

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Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Minnesota Wild (20-19-6) pay a visit to the Pittsburgh Penguins (28-12-5) at PPG Paints Arena Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Wild-Penguins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Wild at Penguins Projected starting goalies

Devan Dubnyk vs. Tristan Jarry

Dubnyk has registered a 3.16 goals against average and .898 save percentage in 22 games (20 starts) this season. The 6-foot-6 netminder allowed five goals (on just 23 shots on goal) against Pittsburgh Oct. 12. That was part of an uneven and injury-marred start to the season for Dubnyk. Since Dec. 21, he has logged a .914 SV%.

Jarry owns a 2.08 GAA and .932 SV%. The 24-year-old has been mortal of late, going 2-1-1 with a .906 SV% since the first of the year. For the season, Jarry’s .941 even-strength SV% ranks second in the NHL. He owns the same save mark with a 1.75 GAA at home.

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

Wild 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 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Pittsburgh 4, Minnesota 3

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. C Sidney Crosby returns from injury tonight, and that puts a bit too much air in the Penguins’ straight-up odds (-208).

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Minnesota is 4-1 against the puck line over its last five road tilts. Pittsburgh is 2-5 ATS over its last seven at home. Each of the Pens’ last four wins was by a lone goal.

We will take both recent goaltender trends and ride those. The Wild are being undervalued due to recent results despite strong puck-possession and quality-shot indicators. Minnesota is 1-4-1 over its last six games. Making a play on MINNESOTA (+1.5 -154).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total has gone Over in five of Minnesota’s last seven games on the road. The total has gone Over is six of Pittsburgh’s last nine contests, and in the last six Wild-Pens games the Over is 5-1.

Pittsburgh has yielded a few extra shots of late. Minnesota’s analytic indicators show some upside in getting more quality scoring chances and in burying those once they do. That all makes for a sold play on the OVER 5.5 (-139).

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 New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Detroit Red Wings at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Detroit Red Wings (12-31-3) and New York Islanders (27-13-4) battle at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Red Wings-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Red Wings at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Jimmy Howard vs. Thomas Greiss

Howard is confirmed to start for the Wings, and that’s good news for the Islanders. The Red Wings veteran is just 2-15-1 with a 4.10 goals against average and .880 save percentage this season, and he has allowed five or more goals in three of his past four starts while failing to win in 11 outings dating back to Oct. 29.

Greiss is likely to make the start after Semyon Varlamov was trucked in Monday’s outing against the rival New York Rangers, coughing up six goals. Greiss came on and saved the only chance he saw. He enters 12-7-0 with a 2.57 GAA and .919 SV%.

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

Red Wings at Islanders: 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 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 5, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (-334) are heavy favorites, and my rule of thumb is to avoid favorites of more than -160 or -170 at the max. AVOID. Meanwhile, the Red Wings (+260) can’t be trusted, even though they do have two wins in the past three outings. The Wings have dropped five in a row on the road, outscored 20-10 during the span.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Islanders ML will only profit $2.99  if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, -110) are going to be angry after being embarrassed at MSG on Monday. Regardless of whether it’s Greiss or Varlamov in between the pipes, you can depend upon the Isles to get it done on home ice.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-106) is worth a small-unit wager. The Islanders shouldn’t be a problem for offense, especially against a goalie giving up four or more goals.

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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New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New Jersey Devils (17-21-7) and Toronto Maple Leafs (24-16-6) will tangle at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Devils-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Devils at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Louis Domingue vs. Frederik Andersen

It’s hard to imagine that the Devils get away from Domingue, who has posted consecutive victories against the Washington Capitals on the road and the Tampa Bay Lightning at home, snapping their 10-game winning streak. In three appearances in January he has a 2-0-0 record, 1.24 goals against average and a .959 save percentage in his two starts and three appearances. If Mackenzie Blackwood is in the crease, he’ll bring a 1-2-1 record with a 3.88 GAA and .891 SV% in four January starts.

Andersen is 21-8-5 with a 2.82 GAA and a .912 SV%, but the All-Star has struggled in the month of January. He has allowed three or more goals in each of his four outings this month, including four goals on just 12 shots in Florida Sunday before being pulled early in the second period.

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

Devils 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 10:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 5, Devils 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Maple Leafs (-278) are too expensive, especially the way Andersen has been tending net recently. If anything, the Devils (+220) are worth a roll of the dice, as they’ve been giant killers lately. Still, the best idea is to AVOID.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Devils ML will profit $22 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +105) are a little better than even money laying the goal and a half, so if you are feeling a Toronto resurgence following its beatdown in Florida, by all means this is the way to go. I don’t love it, but I’d play a small-unit wager on the home side considering the Devils are 0-4 in the past four meetings, and 1-5 in the past six trips to Toronto.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+100) is where it’s at, going 8-3-3 in the previous 14 meetings in this series. The Over is also 4-1 in Toronto’s past five at home, 4-1 in the past five as a favorite and 7-1 in the previous eight against Metropolitan Division 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.

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Vegas Golden Knights at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Buffalo Sabres sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Vegas Golden Knights (24-18-6) and Buffalo Sabres (20-19-7) lock horns at KeyBank Center at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Golden Knights-Sabres sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Golden Knights at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury vs. Linus Ullmark

Fleury heads into action with an 18-10-3 record, 2.84 goals against average and .907 save percentage with a pair of shutouts. He has actually been much better on the road than at home. He is 13-8-2 with a 3.05 GAA and .898 save percentage at T-Mobile Arena in 23 starts, while going 5-2-1 with a 2.30 GAA and .927 SV% in eight starts and nine appearances away from home.

Ullmark is coming off a 5-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on the road Sunday, and he has started nine of the past 10. That’s because Carter Hutton, who started out 6-0-0, hasn’t won since the end of October, going 0-7-2 since. Ullmark is a respectable 14-12-3 with a 2.81 GAA and .911 SV% overall.

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Golden Knights 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 10:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Sabres 3

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-167) have actually cashed in just one of their past five tries against the Eastern Conference. However, the Sabres (+140) are just 4-9 in their past 13 games overall. Don’t go crazy, but a small-unit bet on VGK is certainly warranted.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Golden Knights ML will profit $5.99 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

I never like betting favorites on the road on the puck line, although the Golden Knights (-1.5, +165) are tempting. Still, I expect this game to be a close one, and if anything, the Sabres (+1.5, -200) are the way to go. However, they’re too expensive. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-143) is the best play on the board. The Over is 5-1 in the past six games overall for the Golden Knights, and 5-1 in their past six as a favorite. The Over has also hit in four of the past five for the Sabres when their playing the fourth game in a 4-in-6 (four games in six games) situation.

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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New York Islanders at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

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

The New York Islanders (27-12-4) make the short trip to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers (21-19-4) Monday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop.  We analyze the Islanders-Rangers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

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Islanders at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Alexandar Georgiev

Varlamov owns a 2.33 goals against average and .923 save percentage in 28 games. The 31-year-old netminder has been terrific on the road (1.84 GAA, .936 SV%) and has excelled since the calendar flipped to January (1.76 GAA, .941 SV% through four games). Varlamov’s .935 SV% in 5-on-5 action is one of the best in the game. He stopped 41-of-43 in his last game against the Rangers (Oct. 16, 2018).

Georgiev has been out for a few games, with the Rangers testing the wares of rookie G Igor Shesterkin. On the season, the 23-year-old owns a 3.17 GAA and .909 SV% through 20 games (19 starts). Last season, Georgiev logged a .967 SV% over three games against the Islanders.  He hasn’t appeared in a game since Jan. 4, but he has fared well on long rest intervals this season.

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

Islanders 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 11:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Rangers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders’ scoring is down lately (2.1 goals per game over the team’s last nine contests)– due to recent power-play struggles and a low team shooting percentage (12.6% over the last 10 games) on low-slot scoring chances. The Isles do a credible job in creating the latter, and that’s how they outscore some projections based on broad puck-possession stats.

The sizable difference between these two Gotham foes is defense. The Islanders rank second in the league in fewest goals allowed; the Rangers rank 23rd. Yes, the Rangers have won four in a row at MSG. But they lost four straight on home ice before that. Overall, the Blueshirts are 12-8-2 at home. The Isles are 6-2 over their last eight on the road. Take the visiting side in this one: ISLANDERS (-134).

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Rangers are 29-15 against the puck line and 15-7 against the number at home. We won’t cross that or get weighed down in the extra juice on the Islanders (-1.5, +200) line. The Islanders are tied for the NHL lead with 15 wins by one goal.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+105) is a lean. It will become a strong play only on a line move north of +108. Worth watching, although the line has been static since it was posted.

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

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

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

The Carolina Hurricanes (27-16-2) and Washington Capitals (30-11-5) battle at Capital One Arena in Washington at 7 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Hurricanes-Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Hurricanes at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Petr Mrazek vs. Ilya Samsonov

Mrazek posted a shutout his last time out, Friday against the Arizona Coyotes. He has posted a 17-10-2 record with a 2.64 goals against average and .905 save percentage. He and backup James Reimer have three shutouts apiece, the first time in Whalers/Hurricanes franchise history they’ve had two goaltenders with three or more shutouts in the same season.

The rookie Samsonov is 12-2-1 with a 2.24 GAA and .921 save percentage, and he continues to eat into the playing time of Braden Holtby. He allowed three goals on 41 shots Jan. 3 in Raleigh in a win in his only meeting against the Hurricanes.

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

Hurricanes at Capitals: 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 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 4, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS (-143) will be facing a team coming off of back-to-back wins, so the Hurricanes (+120) are due to let a few in, especially in a hostile environment.

Carolina is also 2-9 in the past 11 games against Metropolitan Division opponents, and Washington is 1-4 in the past five divisional matchups, so something’s gotta give. The Caps are 12-5 in the past 17 as a favorite, so the arrow definitely points at them.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Capitals ML will profit $7.00 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CAPITALS (-1.5, +180) might be a nice small-unit play. They edged the Canes 4-3 in Raleigh last time they met, snapping a four-game winning streak by Carolina in this series, including last season’s playoff matchup. Despite a win earlier this season, and a Game 7 win in D.C., the Canes are still just 4-11 in their past 15 trips to the nation’s capital.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-139) isn’t a slam-dunk play, but a good bet with Carolina coming in having pitched two straight shutouts, while Samsonov tends twine for Washington. He barely gives up more than two goals per contest.

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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Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (24-15-6) and Florida Panthers (23-16-5) lock horns at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. at 7 p.m. ET Sunday. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Panthers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Maple Leafs at Panthers: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Chris Driedger

The all-star Andersen heads into this one with a 21-8-5 record, 2.74 goals against average and .914 save percentage with a shutout this season. He hasn’t faced the Panthers in 2019-20, but he was 2-0-1 with a 3.29 GAA and .895 save percentage in three appearances vs. Florida last season.

Driedger has started to carve into Sergei Bobrovsky‘s playing time lately, as the huge free-agent has had some issues with consistency that the team hopes will be ironed out by a little more rest. Driedger is 4-2-0 with a 2.16 GAA and .935 save percentage with a shutout, as he has came out of nowhere to eat into the highly-paid Bobrovsky’s workload while sending top prospect Sam Montembeault back to the minors.

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

Maple Leafs at Panthers: 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 11:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 5, Panthers 3

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-121) are a strong play with the Andersen in the crease against Driedger. Yes, the latter has been playing well, but he isn’t on the same level as Freddie. The only concern is the Panthers have won five straight home games against the Leafs, so go lightly, although the favorite is 5-2 in the past seven meetings.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Maple Leafs ML will profit $8.26 if they win in regulation, overtime or a shootout.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +220) are a tempting play at this price level, only because you can double your money if they win by 2 or more goals. I’d go really, really lightly here.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 7.5 (+165) is an interesting play. Both teams have been rather challenged defensively, and you can get some decent plus-money playing this line. The Over is 4-1 in the past five head-to-head meetings while going 6-2 in Toronto’s past eight overall and 25-10-2 in Florida’s past 37 on home ice. The ‘regular’ total is OVER 6.5 (-110), if you want to play it a little safer.

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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New York Rangers at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New York Rangers at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Rangers (21-18-4) and St. Louis Blues (28-10-7) drop the puck at Enterprise Center in St. Louis at 8 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Rangers-Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Rangers at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Henrik Lundqvist vs. Jordan Binnington

Lundqvist is confirmed to start, putting his 9-9-3 record, 3.10 goals against average and .910 save percentage on the line against the defending champs.

Meanwhile, the Blues are expected to counter with Binnington, who cruised past the Buffalo Sabres Thursday in a 5-1 victory. He improved to 21-7-4 with a 2.49 GAA and .917 SV%. Despite the win over the Sabres, he is still just 1-2-0 in his past three starts against Eastern Conference clubs dating back to Nov. 30. He also lost his only appearance against the Blueshirts last season, allowing three goals on just 24 shots at Madison Square Garden March 29.

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

Rangers 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 7:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 4, Rangers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Blues (-209) are listed with the same exact odds they had vs. the Sabres Thursday. However, the Rangers (+170) are a little better, and a slightly larger risk. You shouldn’t risk more than two times your return anyway. AVOID.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Blues ML will profit $4.78 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +125) are worth a small-unit bet, although confidence isn’t terribly high. Still, four of their past six victories have also resulted in a puck-line cover, and seven of their past 10 wins at home have covered the line, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-154) is a bit pricy, and no guarantee. If I were to lean to one side, it is Over, but I wouldn’t go crazy, especially with this kind of juice. Looking at alternative totals, Over 4.5 (-304) is too expensive, and Under 6.5 (-162) is equally unappealing. If you’re thinking offense will rule the day, OVER 6.5 (+135) might be your best bet – but I don’t like it much.

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 New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Boston Bruins at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Boston Bruins (26-8-11) and New York Islanders (27-12-3) will do battle at Barclays Center at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Bruins-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Bruins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Semyon Varlamov

Rask hits the crease with a 16-4-6 record, 2.29 goals-against average and .924 save percentage with two shutouts. However, the last time he faced the Isles (Dec. 19 in Boston), he allowed two goals on 23 shots in a 3-2 shootout loss.

Varlamov enters with a record similar to Rask, going 15-5-3 with a 2.30 GAA and .924 SV% and a pair of shutouts. He was on the winning side of that Dec. 19 battle, stopping two of the 31 shots. However, he shut out the high-octane Colorado Avalanche 1-0 Monday, stopping all 32 shots he faced.

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

Bruins at Islanders: 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

Islanders 3, Bruins 2

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+110) are a nice value as short ‘dogs at home. Not to be unoriginal, but I like the score to end up the same as the last time the teams met Dec. 19.

While the B’s are 20-8 in the past 28 against Metropolitan Division opponents, they are just 4-9 in the past 13 when working on one day of rest. The Isles are 6-1 in their past seven as an underdog, and 5-1 in the past six as a ‘dog in their own barn. They’re also 9-3 in the past 12 against winning teams.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Islanders ML will profit $11.00 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

These are two really good teams, and the puck line isn’t a recommended option. No one is getting blown out here. If you want insurance at home, the Islanders (+1.5, -250) is probably the way to go, but I don’t like risking two and a half times my investment.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-121) is where it’s at, as Rask and Varlamov have been on point all season. The last time these two netminders locked horns it was an Under result, and this time should be no different.

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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