Seattle Kraken at New Jersey Devils odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Seattle Kraken at New Jersey Devils odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Seattle Kraken (1-2-1) and New Jersey Devils (1-0-0) meet Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Below, we look at the Kraken vs. Devils odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Expansion Seattle is closing out a season-opening road trip. After three competitive games coming out of the chute, the Kraken were set down 6-1 at Philadelphia Monday. Seattle has been undone by an .856 save percentage in 5-on-5 play.

The Devils are playing the second of five straight home games after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in overtime Friday. New Jersey rallied for the win after yielding two late goals in the third period. The Devils also won the game from an analytics standpoint, out-chance-ing Chicago and getting the lion’s share of high-danger looks, even in the sideways third period.

Kraken at Devils odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 9:11 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Kraken +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Devils -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-205) | Devils -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

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Kraken at Devils projected goalies

Chris Driedger (last season: 14-6-3, 2.07 GAA, .927 SV%) vs. Jonathan Bernier (last season: 9-11-1 2.99 GAA, .914 SV%)

Driedger played the back half of Saturday’s loss at Philadelphia, making six stops on seven shots. The 27-year-old is coming off tremendous back-to-back campaigns as the Florida Panthers No. 2 netminder.

Bernier came to Jersey from the Detroit Red Wings in the offseason. The 33-year-old veteran has a history as a somewhat slow starter, but he was solid on opening night against Chicago (17-of-17 in 5-on-5).

Kraken at Devils odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 3, Kraken 2

Money line

The Devils are the lean here. The Kraken could well be a fatigued group looking forward to their return home and inaugural game on Seattle ice Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks.

Consider a partial-unit play or waiting out a price under -145. But NEW JERSEY (-155) is in the right neighborhood.

Against the spread

PASS on the puck line with this one having a significant lean toward the Under and a shade toward the Devils.

Over/Under

BACK THE ALTERNATE TOTAL UNDER 6.5 (-140): there is enough of a chance of a one-sided Devils win with the visitors held under 2 goals. And there is an equal pull on the concept of Driedger keeping the Kraken in a 2-2-type game late.

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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 Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New York Rangers (1-1-1) face the Toronto Maple Leafs (2-1-0) Monday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rangers vs. Maple Leafs odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Rangers picked up their first win of the season Saturday at the Montreal Canadiens, 3-1. New York is still struggling offensively, posting just 2.0 goals per game through three outings. The Under is 2-0-1 so far this season.

The Maple Leafs bounced back with a 3-1 win against the Ottawa Senators Saturday, avenging a loss in Ottawa Thursday in the front end of the home-and-home. The Under is 3-0 for Toronto this season.

Rangers 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 9 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Maple Leafs -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-165) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+130)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

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Rangers at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (1-0-1, 1.98 GAA, .931 SV%) vs. Jack Campbell (2-0-0, 0.86 GAA, .968 SV%)

Shesterkin stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced in Montreal Saturday to earn the first win of the season for the club. He has let in just four goals on 58 shots so far.

Campbell has been lights out and he’ll have to do some heavy lifting early on with Petr Mrazek out for two weeks due to a groin injury. Michael Hutchinson will serve as the backup.

Rangers at Maple Leafs odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 3, Maple Leafs 2

Money line

The RANGERS (+155) are a value play in this battle of Original Six teams as they try to make it two straight wins.

New York was probably sad the US-Canada border was closed last season, as that meant no games in Toronto. The Blueshirts are 6-2 in their last eight trips to Hogtown, and 4-1 in the previous five meetings with the Leafs overall.

Against the spread

The RANGERS +1.5 (-165) aren’t terribly expensive if you want a little bit of insurance and don’t trust the road team straight up.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-125) is the best play available in this game as both teams have had some trouble lighting the lamp during the early going. New York has just the 6 total goals while allowing 9 markers. Toronto has lit the lamp just 7 times while yielding 5 goals. Expect another defensive slog here.

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 Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Seattle Kraken at Philadelphia Flyers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Seattle Kraken (1-1-1) faces the Philadelphia Flyers (0-0-1) Monday at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kraken vs. Flyers odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Kraken have been competitive in the early going of their expansion season. All three games have been on the road, and they have won once in Nashville while losing in overtime at Columbus Saturday. All three games have been decided by one goal, too.

The Flyers played just one game so far, a 5-4 shootout loss against the Vancouver Canucks Friday. Philadelphia erased a 4-2 deficit late to force overtime, but they just couldn’t win it in the extra session.

Kraken at Flyers 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: Kraken +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Flyers -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-210) | Flyers -1.5 (+160)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

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Kraken at Flyers projected goalies

Philipp Grubauer (1-1-1, 2.99 GAA, .894 SV%) vs. Carter Hart (0-0-1, 3.78 GAA, .897 SV%)

Grubauer, the Vezina Trophy finalist last season, has been a busy beaver for the Kraken early on. He allowed four goals in the opening-game loss, but he has yielded just five goals on 55 shots across the past two outings, going 1-0-1.

Hart allowed four goals on 39 shots, and he was bested in the shootout Friday in his initial start of the season against the Canucks. However, he picked up the pace, holding Vancouver scoreless in the final 27:53.

Kraken at Flyers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kraken 4, Flyers 3

Money line

The KRAKEN (+120) are worth a look in this fourth game of the road trip to start the season. Head coach Dave Hakstol makes his first return to Philadelphia after getting canned by the Flyers (-145) back in 2018, and he’ll have his Seattle team playing hard in a game that’s important to him.

Against the spread

The Kraken +1.5 (-210) is just too expensive if you are looking for insurance as they’ll cost you more than two times your potential return.

AVOID, and just play Seattle straight up on the money line.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (+110) is worth a small-unit play. The sample size is rather small, but the Over is 2-1 in Seattle’s first three games as the Kraken have averaged 3.0 goals per game while allowing 2.67 goals per game. The Flyers have just the one game, and they’re well rested after seeing a total of nine goals on the board in their initial offering.

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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Dallas Stars at Ottawa Senators odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Dallas Stars at Ottawa Senators odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Stars (1-1-0) faces the Ottawa Senators (1-1-0) Sunday at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Stars vs. Senators odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Stars opened the season with a 3-2 overtime win in New York against the Rangers, cashing as slight underdogs. Dallas then played in Boston Saturday, falling 3-1. C Luke Glendening was the only goal scorer for the Stars.

The Senators also played Saturday in Toronto, capping off a home-and-home with their provincial rivals. After winning 3-2 in the opener Thursday, Ottawa also fell 3-1 in its game Saturday, with C Josh Norris accounting for the only offense.

Stars at Senators odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Stars -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Senators +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Stars -1.5 (+170) | Senators +1.5 (-230)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Stars at Senators projected goalies

Anton Khudobin (1-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 SV%) vs. Filip Gustavsson (5-1-2, 2.16 GAA, .933 SV% in 2020-21)

Khudobin appeared in relief of Braden Holtby in the opener, coming on with just under 12 minutes left in regulation after Holtby had his helmet knocked off. Khudobin finished up and won the game in overtime.

Gustavsson hasn’t appeared in the first two games with Anton Forsberg handling the chores. But with the quick turnaround, Gustavsson gets his first shot of the season.

Stars at Senators odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 3, Senators 2

Money line

The STARS (-145) are a good play in this second end of a back-to-back. Normally, it wouldn’t really be a recommended play to take Dallas. It is 4-11 in the past 15 with no rest, and they just traveled in from Boston, which is even more challenging this season with COVID protocols, etc.

However, the Senators (+120) also had to travel after an emotional game in Toronto. And they’re a dismal 11-40 in the previous 51 when playing in the second end of a back-to-back situation.

Against the spread

The Senators +1.5 (-230) are a little on the expensive side if you want insurance for the home team. Yes, Ottawa is 6-0 in its past six at home, including 6-0 in the past six as a home underdog. But I like Khudobin and the visitors just a little bit better, especially because they have played a good brand of defense to start the season.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-115) is the best play on the board. While it’s still obviously early in the season, both of these teams might be a tad sluggish in a matinee game after playing on the prior evening. The schedule maker did not do these teams a favor, but Under bettors should be able to take advantage.

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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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Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (1-1-0) faces the Washington Capitals (1-0-0) Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lightning vs. Capitals odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lightning was surprised 6-2 by the Pittsburgh Penguins at home Tuesday. Tampa Bay appeared to be in line for a second straight loss on the road against the Detroit Red Wings Thursday, but it rallied with three goals in the final 6:17 to force overtime, eventually winning 7-6.

The Capitals were impressive with a 5-1 win over the New York Rangers in the nation’s capital Wednesday, and they’ll head into this one well-rested. Alex Ovechkin opened with a power-play goal and a shorthanded score.

Lightning 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 9:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Lightning -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Capitals +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lightning -1.5 (+180) | Capitals +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Lightning at Capitals projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (1-1-0, 4.50 GAA, .845 SV%) vs. Ilya Samsonov (13-4-1, 2.69 GAA, .902 SV%, 2 SO in 2020-21)

Vasilevskiy hasn’t been himself so far, coughing up nine goals through his first two starts. Head coach Jon Cooper obviously knows what he has in Vasilevskiy, and he’ll snap back on track thanks to a rather long leash.

Samsonov was nailed to the bench for Wednesday’s opener, as Vitek Vanecek made the surprise start. Samsonov won his only previous NHL start against the Lightning on Dec. 14, 2019, stopping 26 of 28 shots.

Lightning at Capitals odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Capitals 5, Lightning 4

Money line

The CAPITALS (+105) are a value play on home ice as short ‘dogs. The Lightning (-130) just haven’t been hitting on all cylinders yet, allowing six goals in each outing.

To be fair, three of the goals in Tuesday’s game were of the empty-net variety due to Cooper’s decision to pull his goalie early. If you’re going to get Vasilevskiy, you have to get him early. Once he snaps into form, he is unbeatable.

Against the spread

The Capitals +1.5 (-250) will cost you two-and-a-half times your potential return if you’re looking for a little insurance. That’s just too expensive.

AVOID, and just play the Caps on the money line instead.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-120) is the play, even though that’s a rather high number for the NHL. The Lightning has allowed 12 goals through two outings, hitting the Over in each. The Caps pushed on the number in Game 1.

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 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)

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

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.

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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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.

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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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)

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

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.

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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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).

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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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.

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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