NHL money line against the spread ATS Over Under total – Page 4

Minnesota Wild at LA Kings odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota Wild at LA Kings odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Wild (18-4-4) take on the LA Kings (15-8-3) Saturday evening. Puck drop from Crypto.com Arena is set for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Wild vs. Kings odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Kings lead 1-0

Minnesota is runnin’ Wild after its fifth straight victory Friday. The Wild tamed the Anaheim Ducks 5-1 as -197 road favorites. RW Kirill Kaprizov scored his 17th goal of the season, and C Marco Rossi put a couple in the net to give him 9 on the year. The Wild are playing good hockey, and coupled with Winnipeg’s slide, the Wild now lead the Central Division.

The Kings are rollin’ as well, winners of 4 straight after a 3-2 comeback win over the Dallas Stars Wednesday. They got down 2-0 after a period and scored the final 3 goals of the game with LW Warren Foegele scoring the winner early in the third.

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Wild at Kings odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 1:45 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wild +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Kings -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-185) | Kings -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Wild at Kings projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (5-0-1, 2.64 GAA, .905 SV%) vs. David Rittich (10-6-0, 2.45 GAA, .891 SV%)

The Flower makes his first start since Nov. 29, when he beat the Chicago Blackhawks and stopped 21 of 23 fired his way. He has won 5 straight starts and allowed 12 goals combined in the process. The Kings roughed him up in 2 starts last season, both losses, to a tune of a 7.02 GAA and .756 SV%.

Rittich has been really good. If you take away a 7-goal outing against San Jose Nov. 25, he allowed 11 goals in his last 8 starts. Aside from that 7-goal clunker, he has not allowed more than 2 goals in any start since October.

Wild at Kings picks and predictions

Prediction

Kings 3, Wild 2

Moneyline

If Minnesota wasn’t on a back-to-back with its backup in net, it would be favored, or this would at least be a -110 pick ’em. I think this goes to overtime, and the Kings outlast it.

Though I don’t love the price, the KINGS -160 are the play.

Puck line/Against the spread

I’m going with KIRILL KAPRIZOV UNDER 3.5 SHOTS (-115) here. The Kings are a heavy, defense-oriented team that held him to 1 SOG in the first meeting this season. He will be a focus again Saturday.

Over/Under

The juice went onto the Under as this was being published. And that’s where I was leaning. The Wild are 4-6 O/U in their last 10, and the Kings are 2-7-1. Both goalies are playing really well, and I don’t see either of them surrendering the 4 goals required to cash an Over.

Take the UNDER 5.5 (-115).

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Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Carolina Hurricanes (17-8-1) meet the New York Islanders (9-11-7) Saturday at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Hurricanes vs. Islanders odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Tied 2-2 in regular season, while Hurricanes won 4-1 in first-round playoff series

The Hurricanes halted a 3-game losing skid with a 5-3 win against the Colorado Avalanche Thursday cashing as a moderate -139 favorite while the Over (6.5) connected. The Hurricanes have allowed 3 or more goals in 8 straight games with the Over going 5-1-2 in the stretch.

The Islanders suffered a 5-2 loss against the visiting Seattle Kraken Thursday, slipping to 2-5-3 across the past 10 outings. The Over has cashed in 4 of the past 6 games, with the Isles conceding 4 or more goals in each of those contests when the Over connected.

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Hurricanes at Islanders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 10:35 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Islanders +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+145) | Islanders +1.5 (-175)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Hurricanes at Islanders projected goalies

Pyotr Kochetkov (11-3-0, 2.58 GAA, .897 SV) vs. Ilya Sorokin (6-7-4, 2.62 GAA, .910 SV%, 1 SO)

Kochetkov allowed 3 goals on 19 shots in the 5-3 victory against the Avalanche Thursday, his first win in 2 starts since returning from a concussion. He has allowed 3 or more goals in each of his past 3 starts, including Nov. 23 when he was shaken up in overtime at Columbus.

Sorokin was dinged for 4 goals on just 13 shots Thursday against Seattle, and he was pulled after 2 periods. His production has been rather erratic lately as he has allowed 4 or more goals in 2 of his past 4 starts, while allowing 2 or fewer goals in 4 of the previous 6 outings. He has literally been boom or bust.

Hurricanes at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Islanders 2

Moneyline

CAROLINA (-175) is a little on the pricey side, but it is just under my personal limit of -180 for a singular moneyline wager.

The ‘Canes got their swagger back with Thursday’s win against the Avalanche in a marquee battle.

The Islanders (+145) are just 3-5-5 in the past 13 games. New York hasn’t won consecutive games since Nov. 5-7, which is the only time this entire season it won 2 games in a row. The Islanders just haven’t shown consistency at any point this season.

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Puck line/Against the spread

The HURRICANES -1.5 (+145) are a better play — with better value — than the money line wager if you’re a little less conservative.

Carolina has 11 wins since Oct. 31, and all but one of those victories have come by 2 or more or goals. So, if you like the ‘Canes to win, you should like them to cover on the puck line, too.

On the flip side, the Islanders have dropped 3 of the past 6 games by 2 or more goals.

Just don’t bet more than 2.3 units between the 2 wagers.

Over/Under

AVOID as the total should come right down on the number.

If there is a lean, it is to the Over, going 4-2 in the past 6 games for the Islanders, and 5-1-1 in the past 7 for the Hurricanes.

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Seattle Kraken at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Seattle Kraken (17-9-0) take on the New Jersey Devils (17-9-2) Friday evening. Puck drop from Prudential Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Kraken vs. Devils odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Devils won 2-0 last season

The Kraken have started their road trip off right with wins against the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders. The latest was a 5-2 victory Thursday as +109 dogs. The 20-year-old C Shane Wright scored his 5th goal of the season as G Joey Daccord stopped 27 of 29 fired his way.

The Devs have traded wins and losses over the last 5 games with the latest being a 5-1 win against the New York Rangers Monday. C Jack Hughes put 2 in the back of the net to give him 11 on the season. He has 6 points in the last 2 games.

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Kraken at Devils odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 1:54 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Kraken +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Devils -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-115) | Devils -1.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Kraken at Devils projected goalies

Philipp Grubauer (1-7-0, 3.62 GAA, .862 SV%) vs. Jacob Markstrom (12-6-1, 2.54 GAA, .907 SV%, 1 SO)

Grubauer hasn’t won since Oct. 17, and has lost his last 5 starts. His latest was last Friday in an 8-5 shellacking from the San Jose Sharks. He allowed a ridiculous 7 goals on 26 shots. He faced the Devils once last season, falling in a 2-1 game, where he made 15 saves on 17 shots.

Markstrom was stellar in the Monday victory at the Rangers, stopping 38 of 39. He saved 3.42 goals above expected in that game. This was a rare occurrence, at least of late, as he has allowed 2+ goals in 8 of 10 starts. He was 0-2 with a 3.10 GAA and .882 SV% in 2 starts against the Kraken last year.

Kraken at Devils picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 4, Kraken 2

Moneyline

The Devils deserve to be massive favorites here. They’ve scored 5 goals in 3 straight games, and the Kraken are up you-know-what’s Creek with Grubauer’s struggles in goal. There’s no bet here, but I like DEVILS OVER 3.5 GOALS (-135).

Puck line/Against the spread

I normally avoid puck lines. They are too hard to predict as they usually require empty-netters. I also hate taking puck lines with minus odds.

I’m taking DEVILS -1.5 (-105), though. The Devils are 7-3-0 in their last 10, and 5 of those victories were by multiple goals.

Over/Under

We’re projecting a push here, and I’m good with the previous takes. I’m tempted to take Jake Hughes Over 1.5 points (+155), but that’s risky.

PASS.

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Colorado Avalanche at Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Colorado Avalanche at Carolina Hurricanes odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Colorado Avalanche (14-12-0) meet the Carolina Hurricanes (16-8-1) Thursday at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Avalanche vs. Hurricanes odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Avalanche lead 1-0; Colorado won 6-4 at Ball Arena in Denver on Nov. 9 as a slight underdog (+111) as the Over (6.5) easily cashed.

The Avalanche had a crazy game in Buffalo Tuesday to kick off the 5-game Eastern Conference road trip. It fell behind theSabres 4-0 after 11:49, and Alexandar Georgiev was pulled after coughing up 4 goals on just 8 shots. Newly acquired Scott Wedgewood made his Avs debut, and he stopped all 22 shots he faced in the 5-4 comeback win.

The Hurricanes got tendy Pyotr Kochetkov back from concussion protocol Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken, but Carolina lost 4-2 on home ice. It was its third consecutive loss, and the Canes have been outscored 16-5 in the skid.

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Avalanche at Hurricanes odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 11:46 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Avalanche +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Hurricanes -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche +1.5 (-185) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Avalanche at Hurricanes projected goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (7-7-0, 3.54 GAA, .867 SV%) vs. Pyotr Kochetkov (10-3-0, 2.55 GAA, .900 SV)

Georgiev is looking to bounce back after getting peppered in Buffalo for 4 goals on just 8 shots in 11:49 of ice time. He allowed 4 goals on 31 shots in the first meeting with Carolina on Nov. 9, picking up the victory.

Kochetkov allowed 4 goals on 28 shots against the Kraken Tuesday after missing nearly 2 weeks with a concussion. He has allowed 4 goals in each of his past 2 starts since Nov. 23 after allowing 3 or fewer goals in 10 of his first 12 appearances.

Avalanche at Hurricanes picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Avalanche 3

Moneyline

The HURRICANES (-155) are a risky play as moderate favorites on home ice, as Carolina has just not been playing well lately. But, it got RW Seth Jarvis back on offense recently, and Kochetkov hopefully has put his concussion in the rear-view mirror. This is a team capable of breaking off plenty of points in a short amount of time, and this offense is due.

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Puck line/Against the spread

The Avalanche +1.5 (-185) will cost you almost 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward. Colorado stormed back in Buffalo on Tuesday, but it was a microcosm of its season. Goaltending has been the biggest issue, and the Canes should be able to get well against the Bulgarian-born Georgiev.

AVOID.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (-110) is worth a look, but go very lightly.

Again, Carolina has struggled to light the lamp lately, but Georgiev’s confidence could be shaken after letting in 4 quick ones and getting pulled last time out. The Hurricanes hope to add to his woes.

The Over has a slight 4-2 edge in the past 6 games for the Avs, and it cashed in the first meeting with the Hurricanes. In fact, the total has gone high in 3 straight battles in this series.

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Winnipeg Jets at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Winnipeg Jets at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Winnipeg Jets (18-8-0) take on the Buffalo Sabres (11-12-2) Thursday evening. Puck drop from KeyBank Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Jets vs. Sabres odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Jets won 2-0 last season

The Jets have lost 4 straight games and 5 of 6 after falling 4-1 to the St. Louis Blues Tuesday as -211 home favorites. C Mark Scheifele scored the only goal, which was his 13th of the season. He’s going through some sort of injury, though, because he’s playing the wing instead of center to take stress off his upper body. LW Kyle Connor, who had scored in 4 straight against St. Louis, has been held scoreless in 6 straight games.

The Sabres took it to the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday, but someone must’ve forgot to tell them the game is 3 periods long. They got up 4-0 in the first and wound up losing 5-4. It was their fourth straight loss. RW Tage Thompson scored his 12th and 13th goals in the game, and G Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was great, stopping 36 of 41.

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Jets at Sabres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 11:28 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Jets -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Sabres +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Jets -1.5 (+180) | Sabres +1.5 (-225)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Jets at Sabres projected goalies

Connor Hellebuyck (15-5-0, 2.16 GAA, .927 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen (8-6-2, 2.69 GAA, .906 SV%, 1 SO)

The Jets could go with backup Eric Comrie here. They have a back-to-back Saturday and Sunday, and it makes sense to stick with their horse here and rest him either Saturday or Sunday. Hellebuyck has been good, but beatable at times. He has allowed 3+ goals in 5 of 8 starts, allowing 3 on 21 shots against St. Louis last time out. He stopped 26 of the 28 he saw against Buffalo in a win last year.

The numbers don’t look great, giving up 9 goals in his last 2 starts, but Luukkonen did all he could trying to withstand the Avalanche Tuesday night. He stopped 36 of 41, and the team seemed to relax in front of him after going up 4-0. He hasn’t faced the Jets the last couple of years.

Jets at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Jets 3, Sabres 2

Moneyline

This Winnipeg team started out 15-1. Now, they’re not that good, but they certainly aren’t this bad. They get back into the win column despite what they do in goal here. I’m frankly surprised Buffalo’s coach still has a job after getting a 4-0 lead, which caused the other team to change goalies, and losing 5-4.

Take the JETS -135.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Sabres are 27th in the league with 9.8 penalty minutes per game, and they’re 15th with an 80.2% kill. So they take a lot of penalties and are so-so at killing them.

That’s where Connor comes in. He had a sure-thing goal against St. Louis, and G Joel Hofer made a highlight-reel blocker save. He pushed off the right post and slid to his left to stone Connor. His goal drought ends Thursday night.

Take KYLE CONNOR ANYTIME GOAL +135.

Over/Under

Buffalo is 5-4-1 O/U in its last 10, and Winnipeg is 2-8. The Over is just 1-8-1 in the last 10 meetings. Now, that’s deceptive because we have only had one 5.5 total. So there is risk involved here, but I like the UNDER 5.5 (+100) unless Comrie gets the start. If that happens, the line will jump to 6 – so be patient here.

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Boston Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Boston Bruins (13-11-3) and Chicago Blackhawks (8-15-2) are lined up for a Wednesday tilt at the United Center. The opening puck drop in the Original Six match-up will be at 7:30 p.m. (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Bruins vs. Blackhawks odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Boston swept last season’s series 2-0

Boston is playing for a second straight night and in its third game in its last four days. The Bruins took down the Montreal Canadiens 6-3 Sunday and the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in a Tuesday overtime game. Boston is 3-1-0 across its last four road games, and the club is 6-1-0 against the Blackhawks since 2020.

Chicago, which last played Monday (4-1 loss at Toronto Maple Leafs), totes a three-game losing streak into Wednesday’s contest on home ice. The Blackhawks are just 2-6-1 over their last nine games

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Bruins at Blackhawks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Bruins -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Blackhawks +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Bruins -1.5 (+165) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-200)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Bruins at Blackhawks projected goalies

Jeremy Swayman (7-9-2, 3.09 GAA, .892 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Petr Mrazek (7-10-1, 2.79 GAA, .908 SV%)

Swayman last toiled Sunday in a 6-3 home win against the Montreal Canadiens (he made 25 saves). He owns a .929 SV% in his last 4 starts.

Mrazek allowed 5 goals in his last start (Sunday vs. Columbus Blue Jackets). That marked the first time since Oct. 22 he had yielded more-than-3 goals in a contest. Since Nov. 10, the 32-year-old veteran has logged a .922 SV%.

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Bruins at Blackhawks picks and predictions

Prediction

Bruins 5, Blackhawks 2

Moneyline

Not much interest in either of these sides, but the Boston action on the Puck Line is tinged with a tad more value in a game with a likeable Over. PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The last four Boston-Chicago meetings have seen three Bruin wins; all were by multi-goal cushions. Over the last 10 meetings, Boston has averaged 39.8 shots per game.

Even-strength analytics applied to all four corners of this match-up (both sides’ offense, defense) reveal the Boston offense to be the biggest value when it comes to expected vs. actual production. A Bruins club averaging just 2.48 goals per game has been undermined by a low shooting percentage in 5-on-5 high-danger looks.

Peg Swayman’s numbers as being shaded by a few too many power-play goals allowed (.805 SV% in such situations), and Boston is catching a Blackhawks defense that has allowed 10 goals over its last two games and has been a bit leaky of late in yielding too many shots from the slot.

All that noted and with prices considered, the lean here is a soft one. A partial-unit play on the BRUINS -1.5 (+165) is the recommendation.

Over/Under

The Over has cashed in the Blackhawks’ last two home games and in two of the Bruins’ last three on the road.

Expected-vs.-actual 5-on-5 analytics peg both offenses as underperforming and being due some regression. The Boston offense has performed better on road ice, and the Chicago one better at home. Mix in a very good ‘Hawk power play (23.5%–10th NHL) and a Bruins club that takes more penalties than average, and the value here is on a loftier score than how the total lays this one out.

Over the last two seasons, Boston’s games on the back half of two in a row have seen higher scoring averages both for and against.

BET THE OVER 5.5 (-118).

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Dallas Stars at LA Kings odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Dallas Stars at LA Kings odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Dallas Stars (16-8-0) meet the LA Kings (14-8-3) Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (TNT/Max). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Stars vs. Kings odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Stars won 3-0 in 2023-24

The Stars have won 3 straight games, including a 2-1 win against the Utah Hockey Club to kick off a 3-game road trip. Dallas has outscored the opposition 10-5 in the win streak, while cashing the Under in back-to-back outings.

The Kings posted a 5-2 win against the Ottawa Senators Saturday at home, cashing the Over (6). Like Dallas, L.A. has picked up 3 consecutive victories, while outscoring the opposition 11-4 as the Under has cashed in 2 of those wins.

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Stars at Kings odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 7:51 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Stars -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Kings +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Stars -1.5 (+200) | Kings +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Stars at Kings projected goalies

Jake Oettinger (13-4-0, 2.38 GAA, .915 SV%, 1 SO) vs. David Rittich (9-6-0, 2.48 GAA, .887 SV)

Oettinger allowed just a single goal on 27 shots in a 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets last time out Sunday. He has won back-to-back starts, and 7 of his past 8 outings, while allowing 2 or fewer goals in 6 of those 8 starts.

Last season, Oettinger won his only start against the Kings, stopping 31 of 32 shots in a 5-1 win in the Metroplex Jan. 16.

Rittich has been holding down the fort with Darcy Kuemper sidelined since mid-November due to an undisclosed ailment. He allowed just 2 goals on 22 shots in a 5-2 win over the Senators last time out, and he wrapped up November with a solid 6-3-0 record, 2.07 GAA and .901 SV% in 8 starts and 10 appearances.

Stars at Kings picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 3, Kings 2

Moneyline

The STARS (-120) are a solid play on the road as small favorites.

Dallas has dominated this series against the Kings (+100) in recent seasons, going 6-1 in the past 7 meetings, and 8-2 in the past 10 since Jan. 8, 2020. That includes 2 wins in the past 2 trips to L.A., while going 3-2 in the previous 5 outings in SoCal.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Kings +1.5 (-250) will set you back 2 1/2 times your potential return, if you require a little bit of insurance, and just can’t back the home side straight up.

That’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

AVOID.

Over/Under

The UNDER 5.5 (+100) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at best.

Both Oettinger and Rittich has been finishing a lot of periods with goose eggs lately, and Rittich has a sparkling GAA in November while filling in for the injured Kuemper. Meanwhile, Oettinger has been producing solid numbers most nights for the entire season.

The Under is also on a 5-0 run in this series, while cashing an at 8-2 clip in the previous 10 meetings.

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Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Vegas Golden Knights (15-7-3) host the Edmonton Oilers (13-9-2) on Tuesday. Puck drop from T-Mobile Arena is scheduled for 10:08 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Oilers vs. Golden Knights odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Vegas leads 1-0; these Pacific Division rivals met Nov. 6 with the Golden Knights prevailing 4-2 on the road

The Oilers are riding a 3-game win streak into this rematch. They last triumphed 4-1 on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche in another Western Conference road assignment, scoring all their goals unanswered. C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins starred with a goal and an assist, and G Stuart Skinner turned aside 27 of 28 shots faced.

Vegas has gone bust in 2 of its past 3 games, including a 6-0 loss at the hands of the Utah Hockey Club. Luckily, C Jack Eichel remains near the top of the NHL leaderboard with 36 points, tied for third.

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Oilers at Golden Knights odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 3:33 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Oilers -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Golden Knights +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Oilers -1.5 (+185) | Golden Knights +1.5 (-225)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Oilers at Golden Knights projected goalies

Stuart Skinner (8-6-2, 3.09 GAA, .887 SV%) vs. Adin Hill (10-4-2, 2.84 .894 GAA, SV%)

These goalie assignments are unconfirmed at publishing time.

In winning 3 of his past 4 games, Skinner has averaged a .915 save percentage, including a trio of contests of .931 or better. His 5-goal disaster Nov. 21 against the Minnesota Wild ruins this run.

Hill carries a .924 SV% across his past 6 games (4-1-1).

Among goalies with at least 16 games (both these netminders have logged that many so far), VGK’s ‘tender ranks ninth of 20 with 0.123 Goals Saved Above Expected, per Moneypuck. Skinner ranks 19th of 20 (-0.528).

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Oilers at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 5, Golden Knights 3

Moneyline

Expect the first-place hosts to stumble again versus their high-scoring opponents. Edmonton ranks sixth in xGoals% (53.22). Vegas tails at 26th (46.88).

Skinner will get a bit more luck bouncing his way as his skaters will keep pressure at the other end.

While the Oilers’ ML isn’t as profitable as bettors should like it, it’s an OK wager, especially if part of a same-game parlay.

BET OILERS (-130).

Puck line/Against the spread

The aggressive yet justified target for this one positions us for the road puck line.

This recommendation does buck the ATS trends: Edmonton is just 8-16 ATS this year, and Vegas has held court at 13-12.

However, this market doesn’t account for Edmonton’s recent surge. Don’t expect a sluggish Golden Knights forecheck to stop Leon Draisaitl (32 points, T-12) and Connor McDavid (31 points, 14th).

BET OILERS -1.5 (+185).

Over/Under

Given the general shakiness of the netminders, expect goals to fly in this Western showdown.

The Golden Knights sit 16-8-1 on the total, which should help account for Edmonton’s middling 10-13-1 line.

BetMGM lists the OVER 6.5 (-110). It’s a fine bet if you only have an account with them, but if you’re shopping (you should), BET FanDuel Sportsbook’s alternate total of OVER 7.5 (+210).

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Colorado Avalanche at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Colorado Avalanche at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Colorado Avalanche (13-12-0) take on the Buffalo Sabres (11-11-2) Tuesday evening. Puck drop from KeyBank Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Avalanche vs. Sabres odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; tied 1-1 last year

The Avs have dropped 3 of 4 after a 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers Saturday as -124 favorites. C Nathan MacKinnon‘s goal-scoring drought has reached 10 games. He has 7, 5 and 10 shots on goal the last 3 games – so he’s trying.

The Sabres have lost 3 straight games and were shut out in 2 of them, including a 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders Saturday. RW Tage Thompson has not scored in the 3 games, coincidentally, which followed a 4-game goal streak.

The Avs are 8-2-0 in the last 10 meetings, but the Sabres have won 2 of the last 3, in each team’s building.

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Avalanche at Sabres odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Avalanche -160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Sabres +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+150) | Sabres +1.5 (-185)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Avalanche at Sabres projected goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (7-7-0, 3.31 GAA, .875 SV%) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen (8-5-2, 2.54 GAA, .909 SV%, 1 SO)

Let’s give Georgiev credit. He played a back-to-back Friday-Saturday against 2 Stanley Cup contenders in the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers. He wasn’t great, but he wasn’t terrible, either. He stopped 19 of 23 against Dallas and 28 of 31 against Edmonton. They lost both of those games. Buffalo beat him in his only start against them last season as he stopped 25 of 28.

Luukkonen dropped a 4-3 heartbreaker in overtime Friday to the Vancouver Canucks. He stopped 18 of 22 in the game. He actually had a really good November with a 5-2-1 mark, a 1.94 GAA and a .926 SV%. He’s not a household name, but he’s a sneaky good goalie at 25. He was 1-1-0 with a 2.50 GAA and .904 SV% against Colorado last season.

Avalanche at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Sabres 2

Moneyline

The Sabres are 6-6-1 at home, and the Avs are 6-5-0 on the road. I really, really could see Buffalo winning this game. Colorado just doesn’t have a good vibe right now, and they feel like they know they need help and are waiting for the front office to make a trade.

It’s telling that Buffalo is only at +135 here because the Avs would normally be around a -180 favorite. If Buffalo were at +150, I’d probably take a shot there, but not at this price. This books have this one cornered. I’d rather go with NATHAN MACKINNON OVER 4.5 SHOTS (+125). BetMGM has given most users a 20% NHL boost, which would take this to +150. MacKinnon was routinely at this number last season, and he has hit it in 5 straight games. So you’re basically getting 1 1/2 times your profit for something that was commonplace last year.

Puck line/Against the spread

I like Buffalo here, but I don’t want to pay the -185. Give me UKKO-PEKKA LUUKKONEN OVER 26.5 SAVES (-110) instead. Line his numbers up with Igor Shesterkin, and UPL is just as good with a worse team dating back to the beginning of last season.

Over/Under

I don’t like this total. Honestly, at first glance of all 3 lines in writing this, I felt like the book gave us snake eyes. We have had 6, 4 and 6 goals in the last 3 meetings, dating back to the 2022 calendar year. I don’t want to look at much beyond that because these teams are too different since then.

Take the ALTERNATE OVER 5.5 (-160), and if you still have that 20% boost, drop it here to bring it to -134.

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Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Chicago Blackhawks (8-14-2) take on the Toronto Maple Leafs (14-7-2) Monday evening. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Blackhawks vs. Maple Leafs odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Blackhawks won 2-0 last year

The Hawks fell 6-3 to the Columbus Blue Jackets Sunday in what was their sixth loss in 8 games. C Connor Bedard scored his fifth goal of the season. He has 5 goals and 14 assists for 19 points in 24 games. The Hawks are 4-8-2 on the road thus far.

The Leafs got back in the win column Saturday with a 5-3 win in Tampa. RW William Nylander scored his 15th goal of the season. He is tied for fifth in the NHL in goals thus far. The best news from that game was the return of C Auston Matthews (upper body), who missed nearly a month due to injury. He had 2 assists in the game.

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Blackhawks at Maple Leafs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 12:59 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blackhawks +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Maple Leafs -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +2.5 (-150) | Maple Leafs -2.5 (+125)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Blackhawks at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Arvid Soderblom (1-4-1, 2.36 GAA, .926 SV%) vs. Anthony Stolarz (7-6-0, 3.33 GAA, .872 SV%, 1 SO)

The 25-year-old Swede has lost 3 straight starts, but he has performed well in them. He stopped 21 of 24 against Anaheim last time out, and he stopped 29 of 31 and 37 of 39 against Vancouver and Dallas. Soderblom has yet to allow more than 3 goals in his 6 starts. He was between the pipes in a 4-3 OT win against Toronto last year, stopping 34 of 37.

Stolarz took the 5-1 loss to Florida Wednesday, allowing 4 goals on 23 shots. He was solid overall in November, going 3-2-1 with a 2.18 GAA and .927 SV%. Stolarz suffered a 5-2 loss to the Hawks last year, stopping 20 of 24.

Blackhawks at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 3, Blackhawks 2

Take the UNDER 6 (-115).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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