NHL money line against the spread ATS Over Under total – Page 8

Seattle Kraken at Dallas Stars odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Seattle Kraken (1-1-0) take on the Dallas Stars (2-0-0) Sunday. Puck drop from American Airlines Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Kraken vs. Stars odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Dallas won 3-0 last season.

The Kraken secured their 1st victory of the season with a 5-4 shootout victory against the Minnesota Wild Saturday night. RW Jordan Eberle netted his 1st 2 goals of the season

The Stars shut out the New York Islanders 3-0 Saturday. G Jake Oettinger saved all 34 shots that came his way. C Tyler Seguin scored 2 goals in the game. The Stars lost D Matt Dumba to a lower-body injury, and he’s likely out for this game.

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Kraken at Stars 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 12:25 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Kraken +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Stars -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-160) | Stars -1.5 (+135)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Kraken at Stars projected goalies

Phillip Grubauer (0-1-0, 3.09 GAA, .880 SV%) vs. Casey DeSmith (12-9-6, 2.89 GAA, .896 SV% in 23-24).

Grubauer suffered a 120-second barrage from the St. Louis Blues in his 1st start. All 3 goals came in 1:55 as the Kraken fell 3-2. He stopped 22 of 25 in the process. Grubauer faced the Stars once last season and saved 27 of 30 in a 3-1 defeat.

DeSmith is slated for his 1st start of the season after coming over from Vancouver in the offseason. He had a solid campaign and was pretty good in 2 playoff appearances, going 1-1-0 with a 2.02 GAA and .911 SV%.

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Kraken at Stars picks and predictions

Prediction

Stars 3, Kraken 2

Moneyline

Both teams are on back-to-backs, and Seattle has the edge between the pipes. I still give a slight edge to Dallas, but I wouldn’t bet anything close to -200 with their backup in net for the first time.

Instead, I’ll take JASON ROBERTSON OVER 2.5 SHOTS ON GOAL (-110). He had 5 SOG Saturday and 3+ SOG in 2 of 3 matchups against Seattle last season.

Puck line/Against the spread

I don’t have enough faith to take the Kraken straight up, but KRAKEN +1.5 (-160) is within range for me. The goalie edge that Seattle has is pretty glaring, but the home-ice advantage puts Dallas over the top for me.

Over/Under

Each team is 1-1 O/U thus far. The Over has cashed just once in the last 4 meetings between the clubs. Neither team is really clicking offensively yet. Take the UNDER 6 (-120).

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Anaheim Ducks at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Anaheim Ducks at Vegas Golden Knights odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Anaheim Ducks (1-0-0) meet the Vegas Golden Knights (2-0-0) at T-Mobile Arena Sunday. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Ducks vs. Golden Knights odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Ducks won 3-1 in 2023-24

The Ducks were in action Saturday night in San Jose, and Anaheim picked up a 2-0 victory. C Isac Lundestrom broke a scoreless tie midway through the 3rd period and C Trevor Zegras added an empty-net goal for insurance to win the season opener.

In games with no rest lastbseason, Anaheim went just 3-8-0 with a minus-19 goal differential in 11 tries, and it’s one of the reasons it decided to shore up the backup goaltender spot with veteran James Reimer.

It was rather shocking, but the Ducks won 3 of the 4 regular-season meetings with the Golden Knights, including a 4-1 victory April 18 as a giant underdog (+303) as the Under (6.5) cashed. In fact, Anaheim has won 3 in a row in the series, outscoring Vegas 13-5. The Under went 3-1 in the 4 meetings in 2023-24.

The Golden Knights doubled up the Colorado Avalanche 8-4 in the regular-season opener Wednesday, taking care of the Over (6.5) on their own. Vegas then eased by the St. Louis Blues 4-3 as a heavy underdog (-208), although it didn’t cover the puck line. The Over (6) also cashed in that one.

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Ducks 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 7:08 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Ducks +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Golden Knights -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Ducks +1.5 (-105) | Golden Knights -1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Ducks at Golden Knights projected goalies

James Reimer (11-8-2, 3.11 GAA, .904 SV%, 2 SO – 2023-24 w/Red Wings) vs. Adin Hill (2-0-0, 3.50 GAA, .870 SV%)

Reimer is expected to make his team debut after a back-to-back situation. He allowed 4 goals on 35 shots in a 5-3 loss March 9 in Vegas in his only appearance with the Red Wings against VGK last season.

Hill allowed 4 goals on 32 shots against the Avalanche in the opener, and he was the backstop in the 4-3 win over the Blues, tasked with making 22 saves. He hasn’t been crisp, but he has led the Golden Knights to a pair of wins so far.

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Ducks at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Ducks 4, Golden Knights 3

Moneyline

The DUCKS (+230) are worth playing in Sunday’s game. Anaheim stunned the Golden Knights (-300) in 3 of the 4 meetings last season.

Reimer gives the Ducks a veteran presence as the backup goaltender. Hill has been shaky so far for VGK, although he has led it to a pair of wins. However, the offense has needed to do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Puck line/Against the spread

The DUCKS +1.5 (-105) are not priced out of line if you would like some insurance, and just cannot roll the dice on playing the heavy underdogs straight up despite Anaheim’s dominance in the series last season.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (+100) is worth playing lightly, so go with a half-unit play at most.

The Over has cashed for both games for the Golden Knights so far, averaging 6.0 goals per game (GPG), while allowing 3.5 GPG.

While the Under went 3-1 in the regular-season series last season, and it is 7-2 in the past 9 meetings, let’s go high on the total, as the Ducks could have some heavy legs on defense after playing in a back-to-back situation.

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Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Calgary Flames (2-0-0) meet the Edmonton Oilers (0-2-0) at Rogers Place Sunday. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Flames vs. Oilers odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Oilers won 3-1 in 2023-24

The Flames doubled up the Flyers 6-3 in Saturday’s game at the Scotiabank Saddledome, and the Calgary offense is good for 6 goals in each of its 2 games. LW Jonathan Huberdeau went for 2 goals and 4 points in the win over the Flyers, while G Dustin Wolf made 37 saves on 40 shots.

The Oilers were in action Saturday against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks, and they suffered another ugly defeat. Edmonton fell 5-2, as G Calvin Pickard made just 15 saves on 20 shots. After getting beaten 6-0 in the opener against Winnipeg, at least the Oilers scored. RW Corey Perry and C Leon Draisaitl had goals, while C Connor McDavid had his 1st point on a helper.

Last season, Calgary was just 1-5-1 in 7 tries playing on no rest, with a minus-9 goal differential. The Under had a 4-3 edge in those outings. For Edmonton, it was 5-5 in 10 games with no rest, while also splitting the Over-Under, so not much to glean there.

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Flames at Oilers 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 6:44 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Flames +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Oilers -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Flames +1.5 (-110) | Oilers -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Flames at Oilers projected goalies

Dan Vladar (1-0-0, 4.87 GAA, .792 SV%) vs. Stuart Skinner (0-1-0, 9.64 GAA, .615 SV%)

After Wolf started Saturday against the Flyers, Vladar is expected to go Sunday. Vladar was shaky in a wild 6-5 OT win on Wednesday in the opener, as he made 19 saves on 24 shots to give the underdog Flames a victory.

It was a rough start for Skinner as he was tattooed for 5 goals on just 13 shots in Wednesday’s regular-season opener against the Jets, and he was pulled midway through the 2nd period. He was 2-1 with a 2.67 GAA and .904 SV% in 3 starts against the Flames in 2023-24.

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Flames at Oilers picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 5, Flames 3

Moneyline

The Oilers (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s way too expensive for either a standalone wager or as part of a small parlay. If you include Edmonton in a parlay with at least 5 or 6 legs, then it can be excused.

Other than that, AVOID.

Puck line/Against the spread

The OILERS -1.5 (-110) are risky business against their provincial rivals in this battle. Edmonton has managed just 2 total goals in 2 games, so banking on it to win by at least 2 goals against team averaging 6.0 GPG is a bold wager.

While Skinner was awful in the opener, he was pretty sharp last season against the Flames +1.5 (-110), winning 2 of 3 starts.

It has to start to click soon for the Oilers, and you have to trust that the 1st 2 games were just an aberration.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-110) is a strong play, as both of these teams are starting tendies who were shaky in their initial experience of the season.

The Over has cashed in each of the previous 4 meetings in Edmonton, and we’ve had an average of 7.8 combined goals per game in that span, with 6.4 combined goals per game in the previous 9 meetings in this series.

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Minnesota Wild at Winnipeg Jets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Minnesota Wild at Winnipeg Jets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Wild (1-0-1) meet the Winnipeg Jets (2-0-0) at Canada Life Centre Sunday. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Wild vs. Jets odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Jets won 4-0 in 2023-24

The Wild picked up a 3-2 win in the regular-season opener Thursday against the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets, cashing as a heavy favorite (-266), but they did not cash on the puck line as the Under (6.5) cashed.

Minnesota was in action against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, and it suffered a wild 5-4 loss in a shootout at the XCel Energy Center in St. Paul. Last season, when playing on no rest, the Wild was 6-6-3, with a minus-6 goal differential, while the Over cashed at a 9-5-1 clip.

The Jets spanked the Edmonton Oilers 6-0 on the road Wednesday in the opener as a moderate underdog (+161), while pushing against the total (6). Things were a little tighter Friday, winning 2-1 in overtime against the Chicago Blackhawks as a heavy favorite (-258), although they came nowhere near covering the puck line as the Under (6) comfortably cashed.

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Wild at Jets 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 Saturday at 6:34 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wild +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Jets -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-190) | Jets -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Wild at Jets projected goalies

Jesper Wallstedt (2-1-0, 3.01 GAA, .897 SV%, 1 SO in 2023-24) vs. Connor Hellebuyck (2-0-0, 0.50 GAA, .982 SV%, 1 SO)

Wallstedt is expected to make his 4th career NHL start, and 1st of the season. The 21-year-old Swede was a 1st-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the Wild. He won his final 2 starts last season in Chicago and in San Jose, turning aside 51 of the 53 shots he faced.

The 31-year-old Hellebuyck has gotten off to a tremendous start, kicking aside all 30 shots he faced in the opener in Edmonton for his 38th career shutout. He stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced in the OTW against the Blackhawks on Friday.

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Wild at Jets picks and predictions

Prediction

Jets 4, Wild 1

Moneyline

The JETS (-155) are a solid play as moderate favorites, and it’s actually a little surprising that Winnipeg isn’t favored by a little more.

The Jets have won 5 straight meetings in this series, outscoring the Wild (+125) by a 17-9 margin last season, and 20-10 margin in the past 5 meetings.

Puck line/Against the spread

If you’re a little more adventurous, forget about the moneyline and roll with the JETS -1.5 (+155) at plus-money.

We’ll pick on the Wild +1.5 (-190) backup tendy Wallstedt. While, yes, he was impressive down the stretch last season, he had soft landing spots facing the lowly Blackhawks and the toothless Sharks attack. He’ll have his hands full trying to shut down a red-hot Winnipeg team which has fired out of the gate with 2 straight wins.

In Winnipeg’s 5 straight wins in this series, it has won 4 of those meetings by 2 or more goals. So, if you like the Jets to win, you should like them to cover the puck line, too.

Over/Under

UNDER 6 (-120) is worth a look, so consider a half-unit play at the most.

The Wild cashed the Under in the opener against Columbus, while the Over cashed in Saturday’s clash with the Kraken.

For the Jets, the Under is 1-0-1, and that’s because Hellebuyck has been a brick wall so far. And, in the Winnipeg 5-game win streak in this series, the Under has a slight 2-1-2 edge. Hellebuyck is almost solely the reason why to slam the Under here.

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Chicago Blackhawks at Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Edmonton Oilers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Chicago Blackhawks (0-1-1) and Edmonton Oilers (0-1-0) will lock horns in a Saturday night battle in Alberta, Canada. The opening faceoff at Rogers Place will be at 10 p.m. (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Blackhawks vs. Oilers odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Edmonton won the last season’s series 3-0-0

Chicago is a big underdog in what mark’s the club’s 3rd straight road game to start the season and its 2nd game in as many nights. On Friday, the Blackhawks faltered with a late 1-0 lead and eventually dropped a 2-1 overtime contest at the Winnipeg Jets.

The Oilers are also coming off a loss to Winnipeg. Edmonton was routed 6-0 in a season-opening home loss to the Jets Wednesday. The Oilers lost that game despite outshooting Winnipeg 30-20.

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Blackhawks at Oilers 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 12:25 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Blackhawks +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Oilers -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (+120) | Oilers -1.5 (-145)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Blackhawks at Oilers projected goalies

Petr Mrazek (0-1-0, 4.09 GAA, .846 SV%) vs. Stuart Skinner (0-1-0, 9.64 GAA, .615 SV%)

Mrazek, who last season went 18-31-4 with a 3.05 GAA, started Chicago’s opener Tuesday and allowed 4 goals on 26 shots.

Skinner went 36-16-5 with a 2.62 GAA a year ago. He allowed 5 goals and was pulled 31 minutes into Wednesday’s lid-lifter.

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Blackhawks at Oilers picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 5, Blackhawks 3

Moneyline

Too. Much. Juice. AVOID.

Puck line/Against the spread

Dating back to 2022, Edmonton has defeated Chicago in 5 straight, and 3 of those wins were by margins of 3 goals or more.

Mrazek was solid at home last season but struggled on road ice where he logged an .885 SV%. Skinner made 2 starts against the ‘Hawks last season, and he clocked a sparkling .959 SV% in those efforts.

Last season, Chicago went 3-9-0 across the back halves of its back-to-backs.

FanDuel Sportsbook has a better leverage price for this puck-line play. TAKE EDMONTON -1.5 (-142).

Over/Under

The last 15 Chicago-Edmonton games have produced a 10-5 mark for the Over.

Last season, a high-octane Oilers offense ranked 4th in the NHL in scoring 3.56 goals per game and 4th in power-play success (26.3%).

Skinner has had some slow-start Octobers in his career (.863 SV% in 5 October games last fall). In those 12 games on the 2nd half of a back-to-back referenced above, the Blackhawks allowed 3.75 goals per game.

TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (-105).

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Toronto Maple Leafs odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins (1-1-0) meet the Toronto Maple Leafs (1-1-0) at Scotiabank Arena Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Penguins vs. Maple Leafs odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Maple Leafs won 2-1 in 2023-24

The Penguins were drummed 6-0 at home by the New York Rangers Wednesday, while rebounding for a 6-3 win in Detroit Thursday behind backup netminder Joel Blomqvist. Anthony Beauvillier netted 2 goals, while Erik Karlsson was good for a goal and an assist.

Evgeni Malkin picked up 2 assists in Thursday’s game, giving him 800 for his career. He is 1 of 3 players in the NHL with at least 800 helpers in his career, joining teammate Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane. He is also the 3rd player in franchise history to hit the mark, joining Crosby and Mario Lemieux.

Anthony Stolarz was in net in the opener at Montreal, falling 1-0 despite making 26 saves. He only allowed a single power-play goal in place of the injured Joseph Woll (lower body). Dennis Hildeby started in Thursday’s game at New Jersey, and he made 22 saves in the 4-2 win in his NHL debut.

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Penguins 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 10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Penguins +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Maple Leafs -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Penguins +1.5 (-150) | Maple Leafs -1.5 (+125)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Penguins at Maple Leafs projected goalies

Tristan Jarry (0-1-0, 6.00 GAA, .850 SV%) vs. Anthony Stolarz (0-1-0, 1.05 GAA, .963 SV%)

Jarry allowed 6 goals on 40 shots in Wednesday’s 6-0 setback in the regular-season opener at home against the Rangers. He allowed 5 even-strength goals, and a shorthanded goal, in the loss.

Stolarz was a surprise starter Wednesday in Montreal. He was a backup to Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida last season. He made 26 saves on 27 shots, with just a power-play goal allowed to Cole Caufield, in a 1-0 loss to the Canadiens.

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Penguins at Maple Leafs picks and predictions

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Penguins 2

Moneyline

The Maple Leafs (-190) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s just a little too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

While the home team cashed in all 3 meetings last season, 2 of the 3 battles were by a single goal, including a Leafs win in OT on April 8. And, the underdog is 6-3 in the past 9 meetings in this series since Oct. 23, 2021, so be careful.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

Despite the trends, which might point to the underdog, especially on the puck line, the MAPLE LEAFS -1.5 (+125) are a better play at plus-money.

Toronto has the firepower on offense, and that was on display against New Jersey last time out. Max Pacioretty scored the 1st goal of the season for the team, while Bobby McMann, Steven Lorentz and John Tavares also etched their names onto the scoresheet. And, that’s only one of the big dogs. It might be a sign of how deep this Toronto offense can be in 2024-25.

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-110) is the lean, but consider a half-unit play at the most.

The total has gone low in both games for the Leafs so far, while the Over is 1-0-1 in the 2 outings for the Pens so far.

However, the series trends point to an Under play, as the total has gone low at a 6-1-1 clip in the past 8 meetings dating back to Nov. 20, 2021.

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St. Louis Blues at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s St. Louis Blues at Vegas Golden Knights odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The St. Louis Blues (2-0-0) take on the Vegas Golden Knights (1-0-0) Friday. Puck drop from T-Mobile Arena is set for 10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Blues vs. Golden Knights odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; VGK won 2-1 last year.

The Blues secured their 2nd straight comeback victory with a 5-4 OT winner against the San Jose Sharks Thursday night. We cashed all 3 bets in the process. They entered the 3rd period down 4-1 and scored 4 unanswered goals to walk away with 2 points. They opened the game quickly with 22 shots in the 1st, which is more than they had in a 1st period in over a decade. Some bad luck had them down 2-1, though. But they found a way. This is a very different team than the one that had just 4 wins after being down multiple goals last season.

Vegas may not be in Carolina, but it was a natural disaster against the Colorado Avalanche with an 8-4 W Wednesday. C Ivan Barbashev, RW Mark Stone and LW Victor Olofsson each scored 2 goals in the rout. Vegas lost a ton of parts in the offseason, but clearly what remains is clicking on another level.

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Blues 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 2:20 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blues +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Golden Knights -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-145) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+120)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Blues at Golden Knights projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (1-0-0, 2.00 GAA, .938 SV%) vs. Adin Hill (1-0-0, 4.00 GAA, .875 SV%).

Binner stopped 30 of 32 shots in the season opener. He saved 1.7 goals above expected and really kept the team in it long enough for it to find its stride. He was under pressure early and often and stood on his head at points in the game. He was 1-1-1 against VGK last year with a 2.70 GAA and .931 SV%.

Hill stopped 28 of 32 against the Avs in his first start of the year. He wasn’t healthy to face the Blues last season but stopped 25 of 28 in a 3-2 loss against them in the ’22-23 season.

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Blues at Golden Knights picks and predictions

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Blues 2

Moneyline

The Blues pulled a rabbit out of their hat in the first 2 games of their road trip, and they’re really playing with house money here. If they can manage a point on the back end of a back-to-back, that would be big. Binnington keeps them in it, but VGK is too strong. That said, we’re not spending -225 for the Knights.

Instead, I’m taking JACK EICHEL UNDER 4.5 SHOTS (-165). He had 4 assists and 3 SOG in the first game of the season. I really look for C Robert Thomas to play Eichel tightly.

Puck line/Against the spread

These teams have played 1-goal games 4 times in the last 6 meetings. Binnington does not get enough credit for how good of a goaltender he is, and he gets up for these matchups.

Take BLUES +1.5 (-145) at a very reasonable price.

Over/Under

The Under cashed twice in the 3 meetings between these squads last year. The Over is 1-1 for St. Louis thus far and 1-0 for Vegas.

I look for a tight one Friday night, and I’m taking the UNDER 6 (-105).

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Philadelphia Flyers at Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Philadelphia Flyers at Vancouver Canucks odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Philadelphia Flyers (0-0-0) take on the Vancouver Canucks (0-0-1) Friday. Puck drop from Rogers Arena is set for 10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Flyers vs. Canucks odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

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

The Flyers open their season Friday night after they barely missed the playoffs in a surprising surge last season. That is not expected this year, as they’re going with a bit of a youth movement centered around LW Matvei Michkov, last year’s first-round pick.

The Canucks lost a wild one, 6-5, in overtime against the Calgary Flames Wednesday. The Canucks were up 4-1 after 1 period and gave up 4 consecutive goals before tying it with 1:37 to go. G Arturs Silovs saved just 20 of 26 shots in the defeat. RW Brock Boeser, who had a career-high 40 goals last year, lit the lamp twice.

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Flyers at Canucks 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 1:39 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Flyers +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Canucks -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Flyers +1.5 (-165) | Canucks -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Flyers at Canucks projected goalies

Samuel Ersson (23-19-7, 2.82 GAA, .890 SV%, 4 SO in 23-24) vs. Kevin Lankinen (11-6-0, 2.82 GAA, .908 SV%, 1 SO in ’23-24).

The 24-year-old Ersson enters the season as the unquestioned starter after the team let Carter Hart walk. Over 63 games in his 2-year career, Ersson is 29-22-7 with a 2.87 GAA and .892 SV%. Ersson stopped 18 of 19 in a 4-1 win over Vancouver in December.

Lankinen had a solid year backing up Juuse Saros in Nashville last year. He hasn’t faced the Flyers since April 2022, when he stopped 33 of 34 shots in a 3-1 victory while with the Chicago Blackhawks.

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Flyers at Canucks picks and predictions

Prediction

Canucks 4, Flyers 3

Moneyline

The Flyers have won 4 of the last 5 meetings, but this Canucks team is emerging. Their season-opening loss surely left a poor taste in coach Rick Tocchet’s mouth, and he’ll have the boys fired up for this one. That said, -185 is a too expensive.

Instead, take a look at QUINN HUGHES OVER 0.5 ASSISTS (-135). He had 2 helpers in the first game and 75 in 82 games last season.

Puck line/Against the spread

I don’t like the puck line, either. I don’t trust Vancouver to win by multiple goals, and I’m not paying -165 for the Flyers to not give up an empty-netter.

Instead, give me BROCK BOESER OVER 2.5 SHOTS (+115). He had 3 SOG in Game 1 and 2 goals. He’ll be eager to fire.

Over/Under

The Over is just 2-8 in the last 10 meetings, but the presence of Vancouver’s backup tendy should help this one cash. The Canucks were buzzing early in their first game with 4 goals in the first period. At even money, I’ll take a shot on them getting the necessary 4 or 5 goals to cash the OVER 6.5 (+100).

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

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Chicago Blackhawks at Winnipeg Jets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Winnipeg Jets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Chicago Blackhawks (0-1-0) and Winnipeg Jets (1-0-0) hit the ice in a Central Division tussle Friday. The contest at the Canada Life Centre will start at 8 p.m. (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Blackhawks vs. Jets odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: 1st meeting; Winnipeg went 3-0-1 in last season’s 4-game series

Chicago lost 5-2 in its season opener at the Utah Hockey Club Tuesday. Defensive-zone turnovers loomed large in the Blackhawks loss. MoneyPuck.com pegged the ‘Hawks with 11 such turnovers.

The Jets had 6 players find the net in a 6-0 rout at the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday. Winnipeg registered the big haul despite being held to 20 shots on goal.

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Blackhawks at Jets 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 8:39 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Blackhawks +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Jets -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blackhawks +1.5 (-130) | Jets -1.5 (+110)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Blackhawks at Jets projected goalies

Arvid Soderblom vs. Connor Hellebuyck (1-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 SV%)

Soderblom would be making his 1st appearance of the season. In 2023-24, he went 5-22-2 with 3.92 GAA and .879 SV%.

Hellebuyck stopped 30-of-30 shots in the Jets’ Wednesday lid-lifter against the Oilers. Last season, the now-31-year-old logged his 2nd straight .920 SV% season (.921) en route to earning the Vezina Trophy.

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Blackhawks at Jets picks and predictions

Prediction

Jets 3, Blackhawks 2

Moneyline

Lots of juice here: PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

Winnipeg should be a Central Division contender while Chicago perhaps ascends to the type of club that at times looks worthy of the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. But the ‘Hawks have played the Jets into overtime in 2 of the last 3 series meetings. All 3 of those last 3 meetings, including 1 Chicago win, were 1-goal games.

A couple of expected-goals measures had the Blackhawks having a pulse in 5-on-5 play Tuesday. That’s something to grab onto for a club that has struggled mightily in even-strength play in recent years.

FanDuel Sportsbook offers the best leverage here: BACK THE BLACKHAWKS +1.5 (-125).

Over/Under

The Under has cashed in 5 straight series games in Winnipeg. And the Under is 6-0 across the last 6 overall meetings.

Look for some gravity in Chicago’s defensive and Winnipeg’s offensive output displayed in the openers. The UNDER 6 (-120) has value.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning meet the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Friday to open their 2024-25 seasons. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+/hulu). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Lightning vs. Hurricanes odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Lightning won 2-1 in 2023-24

The Lighting flew out on Monday from Tampa to leave ahead of Hurricane Milton. The storm struck the Central Florida area, and Saturday’s home opener against the Hurricanes has been postponed to a later date.

The only meeting in Raleigh last season resulted in an 8-2 victory by the Lightning on Nov. 24, 2023. Tampa Bay has won the past 2 trips to Raleigh by a combined 12-2 score, and the underdog has won 4 of the past 6 in the series.

The Lightning lost captain Steven Stamkos to the Nashville Predators, who also saw D Mikhail Sergachev moved to the Utah Hockey Club. The team was able to add F Jake Guentzel in a sign-and-trade with the Hurricanes, and he is likely to get a chilly reception in Raleigh as a result. D Ryan McDonagh will try to fill Sergachev’s shoes.

The Canes lost a lot of talent, with F Teuvo Teravainen departing for Chicago, while Ds Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei also left in free agency. The team added gritty F Jack Roslovic, as well as Ds Shayne Gostisbehere and Sean Walker to fill some voids on the blueline.

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Lightning 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 6:31 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Lightning +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Hurricanes -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Lightning +1.5 (-225) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Lightning at Hurricanes projected goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (30-20-2, 2.90 GAA, .900 SV%, 2 SO in 2023-24) vs. Fredrik Andersen (13-2-0, 1.84 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO in 2023-24) vs.

Vasilevskiy made his season debut in Raleigh last season on Nov. 24 after missing time due to a microdiscectomy because of a lumbar disc herniation in his back. He kicked aside 22 of the 24 shots he faced in his only appearance against Carolina, while the offense provided him with 8 goals of support in an easy win.

Andersen missed 4 months last season due to a blood clotting issue. When he was in the lineup, he was one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, posting a 1.84 GAA. He allowed 3 or fewer goals in 15 of his 16 starts, and 2 or fewer goals in 13 of those outings. Andersen didn’t face Tampa Bay in 2023-24.

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Lightning at Hurricanes picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Lightning 2

Moneyline

The HURRICANES (-135) are a safe play in this clash against the rival Lightning (+115) in the home opener.

Carolina usually performs well in these regular-season openers, enjoying a little home cooking before hitting the road for an extended road trip during the North Carolina State Fair, which takes up the parking lot at the newly renamed Lenovo Center.

You can’t blame the Lightning for a little bit of a lack of focus following the storm, as their minds could be elsewhere.

Puck line/Against the spread

If you’re a little more adventurous, HURRICANES -1.5 (+180) is worth a play for the chance to nearly double up.

The road team has been much better in this series lately, but Carolina is a strong play at home behind Andersen, as it should be much more focused than the Lightning +1.5 (-225).

Over/Under

UNDER 6.5 (-120) is the lean in this opener for both sides.

While the Over cashed in the only meeting last season in Raleigh, the Under is 3-1-1 in the previous 5 meetings, and 3-1-1 in the past 5 skates in North Carolina, too.

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

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