Tag: NHL money line against the spread ATS Over Under total

New York Rangers at Montreal Canadiens odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Rangers at Montreal Canadiens odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers (0-1-1) face the Montreal Canadiens (0-2-0) Saturday at Bell Centre in Montreal. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Canadiens odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Rangers were dropped 3-2 in overtime against the Dallas Stars in the home opener, following up a 5-1 drumming from the Washington Capitals on the road in the opener. An average of 1.5 goals per game (GPG) is not going to cut it.

The Canadiens have also struggled to light the lamp, falling 2-1 at the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opener, before heading down the QEW and across the Peace Bridge for a 5-1 beatdown from the Buffalo Sabres Thursday.

Rangers at Canadiens odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Canadiens -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-320) | Canadiens -1.5 (+210)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)

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Rangers at Canadiens projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (0-0-1, 2.92 GAA, .885 SV%) vs. Jake Allen (0-1-0, 2.04 GAA, .933 SV%)

Shesterkin saved 23 of Dallas’s 26 shot attempts in New York’s 3-2 overtime home loss against the Starts Thursday. This will be Shesterkin’s first career start vs. the Canadiens.

Allen was sharp, making 28 saves on 30 shots in a 2-1 setback in Toronto Wednesday. He is expected to make a majority of the early-season starts with Carey Price away from the team for personal reasons.

Rangers at Canadiens odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Canadiens 3, Rangers 2

Money line

The CANADIENS (-110) will get their first victory of the season in this battle between offensively challenged teams. The Rangers (-110) have plenty of firepower, but they just haven’t gotten off to a very good start. As long as the defense is a little better than last time out, the Habs are the play. Allen played well enough to win in his first appearance.

Against the spread

The Rangers +1.5 (-320) are way too expensive if you don’t trust them to win outright and want a little insurance. You can’t risk more than three times your potential return.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-102) is the best value on the board, as each of these teams has struggled to cobble together much in the way of offense.

The Rangers are averaging just 1.5 GPG through two games, while the Canadiens are averaging 1.0 GPG.

The sample size is obviously super small and can change dramatically, but keep thumping the Under until these teams get on track.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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New York Islanders at Florida Panthers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Florida Panthers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Islanders (0-1-0) face the Florida Panthers (1-0-0) Saturday at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Islanders vs. Panthers odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Islanders opened with a loss against the Carolina Hurricanes, getting doubled up 6-3 in Raleigh. Forwards Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee and Brock Nelson were the goal scorers.

The Panthers edged the Pittsburgh Penguins by a 5-4 count in overtime Thursday in Sunrise. Forward Carter Verhaeghe opened the scoring, and he closed it with the OT winner.

Islanders at Panthers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:55 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Islanders +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Panthers -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Islanders +1.5 (-250) | Panthers -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Islanders at Panthers projected goalies

Ilya Sorokin (0-1-0, 5.18 GAA, .875 SV%) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (1-0-0, 3.91 GAA, .915 SV%)

Sorokin was doubled up in Raleigh by the Canes, allowing five goals on 40 shots. He’ll be making his first NHL start and appearance against the Panthers.

Bobrovsky will make his second straight start after turning aside 43 of the 47 shots he faced in the opener against the Pens. Bob hasn’t faced the Isles since the 2019-20 season, when he was 0-2-0 with a 2.05 GAA and .938 SV% in two starts.

Islanders at Panthers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 4, Islanders 3

Money line

The PANTHERS (-135) is a decent play on home ice, as they look to fire out to a perfect 2-for-2 start. Bobrovsky looked like the confident goaltender Florida thought it was getting when they backed up the Brinks truck to his door a couple of seasons ago. He’ll look to get off to his best start as a Panther.

Against the spread

The Islanders +1.5 (-250) would be the play on the puck line, as I think this one is going to be a one-goal game, perhaps even going to overtime or a shootout. But you can’t risk more than two and a half times your potential return.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-115) is the best play on the board. Both of these teams have tremendous offensive firepower, and each side hit the Over in the opener. Look for another higher-scoring game in Sunrise in this one.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (0-0-0) open the season on the road against the Colorado Avalanche (1-0-0) Saturday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Blues vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blues open their season against the team that ended their playoffs last season. The Colorado Avalanche swept St. Louis, outscoring the Blues 20-7 in a lopsided series.

The Avalanche have one game under their belt, doubling up the Chicago Blackhawks behind new tendy Darcy Kuemper. Rearguards Bowen Byram and Jack Johnson helped pick up the slack with superstar Nathan MacKinnon away from the team due to COVID protocols.

Blues at Avalanche odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blues +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Avalanche -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-180) | Avalanche -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

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Blues at Avalanche projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (18-14-8, 2.65 GAA, .910 SV% in 2020-21) vs. Darcy Kuemper (1-0-0, 2.00 GAA, .941 SV%)

Binnington posted a 3-4-0 record with a 2.89 GAA and .909 SV% in seven starts against the Avalanche during the regular season in 2020-21. While he had a 2.53 GAA at home last season, he had a 2.79 GAA and .906 SV% on the road.

Kuemper replaces Vezina finalist Philipp Grubauer in between the pipes. So far, so good, as he turned aside 32 of 34 shots against the Blackhawks to win his team debut.

Blues at Avalanche odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Blues 2

Money line

The AVALANCHE (-170) are the play as they roughed up Binnington and the Blues (+135) in the postseason. Some teams are just in the heads of their opponents, and St. Louis probably wishes it was opening the season anywhere else. The good news is that MacKinnon is expected to miss a second straight game, but that’s about the only thing going for the Blues.

The Blues have dropped five straight trips to Denver, and a sixth consecutive setback is on the way.

Against the spread

The AVALANCHE -1.5 (+140) is worth a small-unit play on the puck line as they have plenty of weapons to make up for the loss of MacKinnon, including rookie Alex Newhook, who takes his place. Colorado will pick up right where it left off last season against St. Louis, posting another decisive victory.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-130) is the lean, ever so slightly. It might take a late empty-net goal to push this one across the finish line, but it’s a better play than the Under. The Over is 5-2-1 in the past eight meetings between these teams.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks (0-1) and New Jersey Devils (0-0) tangle Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. ET.  Below, we look at the Blackhawks vs. Devils odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago is coming off a loss Wednesday at Colorado. The Blackhawks yielded three goals over a six-minute stretch in the opening period and played catch-up the rest of the evening against a strong Avalanche club. Shot and expected-goal analytics were in line with the 4-2 final.

The Devils – like the ‘Hawks – open the season as a prospective playoff bubble team and one with concerns on defense. New Jersey allowed the fourth-most goals in the NHL last season. The Devils got off to a decent start last season and then went 13-27-5 and yielded 3.64 goals per game over their last 45 contests.

Blackhawks at Devils odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blackhawks +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Devils -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-230) | Devils -1.5 (+170)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Blackhawks at Devils projected goalies

Kevin Lankinen (last season: 17-14-5, 3.01 GAA, .909 SV%) vs. Jonathan Bernier (last season: 9-11-1 2.99 GAA, .914 SV%)

Lankinen is now in a defined No. 2 role and gets the start after G Marc-Andre Fleury was between the pipes Wednesday in Denver.

Bernier comes over from the Detroit Red Wings, where he recorded a 3.30 GAA and .893 SV% in four games against the Blackhawks last season. The 33-year-old veteran has a history as a somewhat slow starter and strong finisher.

Blackhawks at Devils odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 5, Blackhawks 3

Money line

AVOID the big prices here, figuring the true odds-level pricing being sandwiched in an all-too-overflowing middle.

Against the spread

A few injuries on the blue lines at both ends, the lack of an elite goaltender and two teams further along offensively – it all spells a strong lean on the Over (see below).

The price on New Jersey getting by with a two-goal cushion is solid.

BACK THE DEVILS -1.5 (+170).

Over/Under

Peg some correction lean toward the Blackhawks getting at least a couple goals here. Chicago displayed plenty of clearing-its-own-zone issues in its opener.

The Devils aren’t the Avs, but enough quality looks make for enough New Jersey goals to edge the total to 7 or more.

TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (-107).

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Vegas Golden Knights at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Los Angeles Kings odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Vegas Golden Knights (1-0-0) face the Los Angeles Kings (0-0-0) Thursday at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Golden Knights vs. Kings odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Golden Knights opened the post-Marc-Andre Fleury era with a 4-3 victory over the expansion Seattle Kraken at T-Mobile Arena Tuesday. Now, VGK plays its first road outing of the season.

The Kings have dropped three consecutive regular-season openers, each by one goal. Their last victory in an opener came Oct. 5, 2017, behind Jonathan Quick against the visiting Philadelphia Flyers.

Golden Knights at Kings odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Golden Knights -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Kings +133 (bet $100 to win $133)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights -1.5 (+145) | Kings +1.5 (-190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)

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Golden Knights at Kings projected goalies

Robin Lehner (1-0-0, 3.01 GAA, .903 SV%) vs. Calvin Petersen (9-18-5, 2.89 GAA, .911 SV% in 2020-21)

Lehner stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced in Tuesday’s regular-season opener against the Kraken. He posted a 4-0-0 record, 2.00 GAA and .927 SV% vs. LAK last season.

Petersen didn’t have a ton of success overall last season going 4-10-0 at home. However, he did have a respectable 2.67 GAA and .914 SV% at Staples and was the victim of poor goal support.

Golden Knights at Kings odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Kings 3

Money line

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-165) won the season opener by a 4-3 score, and I like them to win this one by the same exact margin.

In recent seasons, the Kings (+133) have come close in regular-season openers, but they have just come up short. Look for the trend to continue, as VGK is 6-2 in the past eight meetings.

Against the spread

The KINGS +1.5 (-190) are a little on the expensive side. As mentioned, they have dropped three straight regular-season openers, but each have been one-goal games, with just one of the outings decided in regulation.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-122) is the best play on the board between these rivals. The Over has connected in 10 of the past 13 meetings, including six of the past seven battles at Staples. Look for the red light to be lit frequently Thursday.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Seattle Kraken at Nashville Predators odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Seattle Kraken at Nashville Predators odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Seattle Kraken (0-1-0) face the Nashville Predators (0-0-0) Thursday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kraken vs. Predators odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Kraken made their highly-anticipated debut, and they played the Vegas Golden Knights tough in their place, falling just 4-3. Seattle battled back from a two-goal deficit to tie the game 3-3 before falling by the wayside.

The Predators won its regular-season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 last season, and Nashville has won three straight openers.

Kraken at Predators odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Kraken +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Predators -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-250) | Predators -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Kraken at Predators projected goalies

Philipp Grubauer (0-1-0, 4.09 GAA, .867 SV%) vs. Juuse Saros (21-11-1, 2.28 GAA, .927 SV%, 3 SO in 2020-21)

Grubauer turned aside 26 of the 30 shots he faced in the team’s opener in Vegas. He hasn’t faced the Predators since Feb. 23, 2019, a 38-save shutout in a 5-0 win in the Music City.

Saros was money at Bridgestone Arena last season, going 15-3-0 with a 1.86 GAA and .941 SV% with all three of his shutouts coming at home.

Kraken at Predators odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Predators 4, Kraken 2

Money line

The PREDATORS (-130) are a tremendous value at home against the expansion Kraken (+105). Yes, the latter played Vegas very tough, but a cross-country trip to another hostile environment won’t result in a historic first win.

Against the spread

The PREDATORS -1.5 (+180) are a strong value at home. The Kraken looked like they could be a rather pesky team this season playing VGK tough. They are defense first but not a terribly large team. I expect the Predators, who have been starting well, to have another very successful home opener against the smallish visitors.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-120) is the lean here. Hey, we have a trend with the new Seattle team. They’re 1-0 all-time in Over results on the road. Ha.

For the Preds, although it goes back a while, the Over is 6-1 in the past seven against Pacific Division teams. The Over is also 5-2-2 in the past nine as a favorite for Nashville.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @WinWithJoe on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (0-1-0) face the Detroit Red Wings (0-0-0) Thursday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Red Wings odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning raised their latest banner Tuesday, then they were humbled 6-2 by the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. Three of the goals allowed were of the empty-net variety.

The Red Wings were bottom feeders last season, but they were a thorn in the side of the Lightning. Tampa edged Detroit 5-3, but the teams split the final six games, and each of the final three losses by the Red Wings were one-goal games.

Lightning at Red Wings odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning -260 (bet $260 to win $100) | Red Wings +205 (bet $100 to win $205)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning -1.5 (-107) | Red Wings +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

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Lightning at Red Wings projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (0-1-0, 3.11 GAA, .906 SV%) vs. Alex Nedeljkovic (15-5-3, 1.90 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO in 2020-21 with Carolina)

Vasilevskiy allowed three goals on 32 shots in Tuesday’s home loss against the Penguins. Facing the Red Wings should snap him back on track as he was 4-0-0 with a 1.49 GAA and .935 SV% vs. DET last season.

Nedeljkovic will make his highly anticipated team debut after coming over in a surprising trade from the Carolina Hurricanes during the offseason. He was 2-1-0 with a 1.02 GAA and .961 SV% with a shutout against the Lightning last season.

Lightning at Red Wings odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 3, Red Wings 2

Money line

It’s hard to envision the Lightning (-260) starting out 0-2 on the season. However, you can’t risk more than two-and-a-half times your potential return on the road against a Red Wings (+205) team that gave them fits last season.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Play the RED WINGS +1.5 (-115) on home ice. I don’t expect Detroit to win outright, but I think this is going to be a close game. If anybody on the Red Wings roster knows the Lightning best, it’s Nedeljkovic, who looks to pick up right where he left off in Raleigh, N.C.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (+105) is a value play at plus-money. Tampa’s opener probably should have went Under, but head coach Jon Cooper pulled the goalie super early, allowing for several empty netters. The Under hit in three of the final four meetings between these teams last season. Look for more of the same here.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche drop the puck on their respective 2021-22 seasons Wednesday with a 10 p.m. ET game at Ball Arena in Denver. Below, we look at the Blackhawks vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Chicago’s youth movement has taken on some veteran presence in the offseason. How those newcomers — and some stars who were out last season — perform early on will go a long way to determining if the Blackhawks are contenders or pretenders for a playoff spot in the talented and parity-ridden Central Division.

The Avs look to be the class of that division, but they have an October hurdle to get over. Head coach Jared Bednar tested positive for COVID-19 last week and star C Nathan MacKinnon was put in the COVID protocol Tuesday after he tested positive. MacKinnon had 65 points in 48 games last season and his absence adds a betting wrinkle for this lid-lifter.

Blackhawks at Avalanche odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:55 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blackhawks +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Avalanche -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-150) | Avalanche -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

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Blackhawks at Avalanche projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (26-10-0, 1.98 GAA, .928 SV%) vs. Darcy Kuemper (10-11-3, 2.56 GAA, .907 SV%)

Fleury notched six shutouts for the Vegas Golden Knights en route to winning the Vezina Trophy last season. Two of those six shutouts were against these Avs and Fleury clocked a .932 SV% across seven games against Colorado last season. He has been a fast starter over his career with a .919 SV% in October games.

Kuemper comes to the Avs after being banged up through stretches last season while playing for the Arizona Coyotes. The 31-year-old also has a decent history of getting out of the gates fast: he owns an October SV% of .921.

Blackhawks at Avalanche odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 3

Money line

Colorado went 24-4-2 at home last season. Look for the more settled roster — and one that tasted a bitter earlier-than-expected exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season — to hold serve in the opener.

A big price had an avoid tag Tuesday, but the money has poured in on the Blackhawks (and on the news of MacKinnon). Now, COLORADO (-200) is ripe for leverage coming back the other way.

Against the spread

The Avs’ plus-64 in goal differential was second-best in the NHL a year ago. Kuemper replaces G Philipp Grubaueras the main man between the pipes, and Colorado is once again a well-rounded group expected to win the Central and contend for the Cup.

Peg the new-look Blackhawks — with the returns of C Jonathan Toews and C Kirby Dach, and the additions of Fleury and D Seth Jones — as being an overrated public team. Last season, Chicago lost 14 games by 3-or-more goals; Colorado won 18 such games.

BACK THE AVALANCHE -1.5 (+120).

Over/Under

The ‘Hawks are coming off a high-scoring preseason. The Avs are the Avs, and are capable of getting most of the way to the total on a a fair number of nights.

A couple defensive injuries on both sides help open this one up. TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (+105) on what is the lightest lean of these three plays.

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Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs open their 2021-22 NHL regular seasons Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Canadiens look to build upon their magical postseason run that took them to the Stanley Cup Final and within a whisker of a championship. On the way to that Finals appearance, they dispatched of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs are looking to exact a little revenge after blowing a 3-1 series lead, eventually losing in seven games to the Habs in the first round. Toronto went 7-2-1 in 10 meetings during the regular season against Montreal.

Canadiens at Maple Leafs odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:00 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Canadiens +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Maple Leafs -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Canadiens +1.5 (-160) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

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Canadiens at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Jake Allen (11-12-0, 2.68 GAA, .907 SV%) vs. Jack Campbell (17-3-0, 2.15 GAA, .921 SV%)

Allen will begin the season in between the pipes with Carey Price away from the team and in the NHL/NHL Players’ Association joint player assistance program. Allen will start, with Samuel Montembeault as the primary backup and Cayden Primeau available when needed.

Campbell fared well against the Habs in the regular season, going 4-1-1 with a 2.16 GAA and .918 SV% in six starts. He also won seven of his eight starts at Scotiabank Arena overall during the regular season.

Canadiens at Maple Leafs odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 3

Money line

The MAPLE LEAFS (-180) have a bit of a high number for my liking, as I think this is going to be a close game, even with Price unavailable to the Canadiens (+145). Allen is a veteran more than capable of helping the visitors steady the ship.

Against the spread

CANADIENS +1.5 (-160) dashed the dreams of the Maple Leafs -1.5 (+125) yet again in the playoffs. Despite the fact Phillip Danault, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Corey Perry, Eric Staal and Tomas Tatar have changed postal codes and are no longer part of the team with a deep playoff run, the Habs have enough depth to keep the Leafs close.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-135) is a strong play. In the first two NHL games Tuesday we saw an average of 7.5 total goals per game, and we should see plenty here, too. Allen is a decent veteran, but he will give up plenty to the high-octane Leafs offense. And Campbell will also yield his fair share to the pesky Habs.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @WinWithJoe on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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New York Rangers at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s New York Rangers at Washington Capitals odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals open their 2021-22 NHL regular seasons Wednesday at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Capitals odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Rangers added a little sandpaper this past offseason, picking up RW Ryan Reaves. He is questionable to play due to a leg injury, however. The Blueshirts won two of four appearances last season in D.C.

The Capitals were already going to be without C Nicklas Backstrom due to a hip injury, and now LW Alex Ovechkin (leg) is a huge question mark for the opener, too. Both players skated Tuesday.

Rangers at Capitals odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Capitals -133 (bet $133 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-250) | Capitals -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

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Rangers at Capitals projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (16-14-3, 2.62 GAA, .916 SV%) vs. Ilya Samsonov (13-4-1, 2.69 GAA, .902 SV%)

Shesterkin showed well against the Capitals last season, going 3-1-0 with a 2.53 GAA and .924 SV% in his four starts. He was a .500 goalie in 18 home decisions, but he posted a 7-5-3 record with a 2.65 GAA on the road in 2020-21.

Samsonov was actually better last season on the road, too. He had a sparkling 9-1-1 record away from home, but he was just 4-3-0 in seven games at home. That’s a bit misleading, however, as Samsonov did post a strong 2.17 GAA with a .916 SV% at home, while he had a 3.01 GAA and .894 SV% on the road.

Rangers at Capitals odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 4, Capitals 2

Money line

The RANGERS (+110) are worth a look as short ‘dogs on the road against the Capitals (-133), who are expected to be shorthanded. While the Rangers are just 2-8 in the past 10 trips to D.C., you can ignore that with Backstrom out and Ovie likely to join him in street clothes.

Against the spread

Rangers +1.5 (-250) is a little on the expensive side, costing you two-and-a-half times your potential return. That’s too much for a little bit of insurance. I like them straight up, and that’s the best value. AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-135) is the lean here. Again, with Backstrom out, and Ovechkin a good bet to sit out, the Caps will not be firing on all cylinders. As it stands, the Under is 27-13-4 in the past 44 meetings in D.C. The injury situation, and the trends, each point to the Under.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @WinWithJoe on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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