Hurricanes-Sabres odds: Carolina favored in Buffalo

Previewing Thursday’s Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis and picks

The Carolina Hurricanes (10-7-1) and Buffalo Sabres (9-6-2) square off in Western New York on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. Both teams are 4-5-1 across the past 10 outings.

Hurricanes at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Petr Mrazek vs. Carter Hutton

Mrazek enters play with an 8-3-1 record, 2.51 goals-against average and .907 save percentage. He received a ton of support last time out in a victory against the Ottawa Senators, winning 8-2. While he has a strong overall record, keep in mind that he is 7-1-0 with a 2.11 GAA and .918 save percentage at home, but just a 1-2-1 record, 3.44 GAA and .883 save percentage on the road.

Like Mrazek, Hutton owns an impressive overall record and tremendously opposite splits. He is 6-3-1 with a 2.39 GAA and .921 save percentage overall. On the road he is just 2-2-0 with a 3.06 GAA and .914 save percentage, but he is a solid 4-1-1 with a 1.96 GAA and .927 save percentage in his six assignments at home.


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Hurricanes at Sabres: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Sabres 4, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The SABRES (+115) are a sharp play at home catching plus-money. The Hurricanes (-139) have been less than stellar on the road, and Mrazek has had his struggles, as mentioned above. Hutton has been red-hot at home, but the Sabres have struggled overall. They’re 0-4-1 in the past five outings, including a pair of losses in Sweden against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They haven’t played since Nov. 9, so will be well rested after their overseas trip to Stockholm. Look for them to roar back to life at home.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Buffalo returns a profit of $11.50 – every $1 wagered profits $1.15 with a Sabres win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Sabres (+1.5, -239) are underdogs, so the puck line is not worth a look. You don’t need the insurance, as I expect them to win outright. Consider the alternate line (including overtime and shootouts), laying -1.5 to win +300, or three times your bet, with a two-goal win by the home side.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-154) is worth a small-unit play, but beware of the high juice on this wager. Personally, while I feel the game should just inch across the finish line for the over, I wouldn’t risk it at this price.

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

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

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Blackhawks-Golden Knights odds: Vegas biggest favorite on slate

Previewing Wednesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Vegas Golden Knights (9-7-3) entertain the Chicago Blackhawks (6-7-4) at T-Mobile Arena Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blackhawks-Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blackhawks at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Corey Crawford vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Crawford has a 2-4-2 record with a 3.27 goals against average and .905 save percentage.

Fleury starts after Malcolm Subban spelled him over the weekend. He is 9-4-1 with a 2.52 GAA and .920 SV%. Fleury wants to rebound after a dreadful four goals allowed on 33 shots against the Washington Capitals Friday.


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Blackhawks at Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Blackhawks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-228) are the biggest favorites on Wednesday’s five-game slate. Vegas sports just a 4-3-2 home record but Chicago is 1-4-1 away from United Center.

A $10.00 bet with Vegas results in a $4.39 profit with a Golden Knights’ win Wednesday night.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-1.5, +125) are a slightly better pick on the spread but they are just 9-10 ATS on the season and Chicago is 6-11.

Picking Vegas here yields a profit of $12.50 on a $10 bet.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-154) is a modest play Wednesday night given both teams’ penchant to give up goals of late. Chicago wants to play more up-tempo and with that comes more goals allowed.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Capitals-Flyers odds: Philadelphia even money at home

Previewing Wednesday’s Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Washington Capitals (13-2-4) travel to the city of brotherly love to face the Philadelphia Flyers (10-5-2) at Wells Fargo Center Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Capitals-Flyers odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Capitals at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Carter Hart

Holtby is confirmed to start. He has posted an 8-1-3 record with a 3.25 goals against average and .898 save percentage. He has won four straight starts while allowing 10 goals on his last 129 shots faced (.922 save percentage).

Hart is 6-3-1 with a 2.71 GAA and .893 save percentage. He is on a roll with four consecutive wins while allowing just eight goals on his previous 112 shots against.


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Capitals at Flyers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Flyers 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Capitals (-121) are an interesting pick with their line being the way it is. However, PHILADELPHIA (+100) is even money at home. The Flyers have won six straight home games against Washington after coming off an overtime game. Both Philadelphia and Washington blew multiple-goal leads and came back from them in the last week. Take Philadelphia and the dollars.

A $10 bet with Philadelphia results in a $10 profit with an outright victory.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The spread is one to AVOID here as this expects to be a close game throughout. Each of the last four meetings has come down to empty-net goals padding the result. Combine that with the penchant of both teams to play in overtime and this pick just has to be punted away.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+115) is a modest, small play given the uncertainty of how Philadelphia starts this one. The expectation is both teams will score three-plus goals which makes a 4-3 outcome more likely. 

These two rivals have scored 27 goals combined in their last four tilts. Take the Over.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Maple Leafs-Islanders odds: Isles welcome Leafs, Johnny T

Previewing Wednesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (9-6-4) and New York Islanders (12-3-1) tangle at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET, and the Isles fans will be ready for Toronto captain John Tavares. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Maple Leafs at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Semyon Varlamov

Andersen heads into Wednesday’s battle with a 9-2-2 record, 2.62 goals against average and .916 save percentage. He faced the Islanders just once last season, a 2-1 victory as the ‘Under’ easily connected.

Varlamov enters play with a 5-2-1 record, 2.37 GAA and .924 save percentage. He is coming off a 4-3 overtime loss last time out against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a setback coming off of a five-start winning streak. He has allowed three or fewer goals in five of the past six outings.


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


Maple Leafs at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 5, Maple Leafs 3

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-134) dominated last season’s first meeting against former star Tavares, as the Long Island faithful treated their former star rudely and didn’t let up for the entire game. When the dust settled, the Maple Leafs (+110) were on the short end of a 6-1 score. They lost the second meeting, too, although they salvaged the season series and avoided the broom in the final battle.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, +200) are worth a roll of the dice in this one, as you can double up your money ($20 profit on a $10 bet) if they win by two or more goals. While Andersen is 3-0-0 with a 1.95 GAA and .938 save percentage in three road games, he hasn’t faced a hostile environment and tough offense like he’ll face Wednesday.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-139) is a slam-dunk play, as this game should go well Over. The offenses for both teams have been on point lately, and the Isles have picked up points in 12 straight games. While their No. 1 in goals allowed at just 2.2 per game, they will be tested early and often by the young guns of the Leafs. Toronto is averaging 3.3 goals per game, and it’s allowing 3.2 goals per outing. Expect plenty of offense.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Senators-Devils odds: New Jersey a rare favorite at home vs. Ottawa

Previewing Wednesday’s Ottawa Senators at New Jersey Devils sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Ottawa Senators (6-10-1) and New Jersey Devils (5-7-4) hook up Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET at Prudential Center. The two teams occupy eighth place in the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions, respectively. We analyze the Senators-Devils odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Senators at Devils: Projected starting goalies

Anders Nilsson vs. MacKenzie Blackwood

Nilsson seems to have taken over the starting job from veteran Craig Anderson. The 29-year-old is 4-4-1 through nine starts with a .921 save percentage and a 2.98 goals against average. He won three of his last four starts.

Likewise, Blackwood continues to outperform projected starter Cory Schneider in the Devils’ crease. The 22-year-old is 5-3-3 through 10 starts and one relief appearance with a .896 SV% and 2.93 GAA. He also won three of his last four starts.


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Senators at Devils: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Senators 3, Devils 2

Moneyline (ML)

The -182 odds for a Devils team just 2-2-4 on home ice aren’t worthwhile with a $10 bet returning a profit of $5.50 on a risky venture. The SENATORS can be played at the more appealing +150 odds for a $15 profit.

Ottawa is just 1-6-1 away from home but it is 5-5 over the last 10 games. New Jersey went 5-3-2 over its last 10 games after a horrid start, but the Devils still possess a minus-19 goal differential to the Senators’ minus-12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Stick with the moneyline rather than laying the -182 for the Sens to cover the puck line of +1.5 and either lose by a single goal or win outright. They’re 8-9 against the spread overall and 3-5 on the road, but the incentive is with the outright win.

The Devils are 5-11 on the puck line this season and just 2-6 at home. They’re getting +150 odds for a win of two or more goals. Two of their five wins this season were by at least two-goal margins, but that won’t be the case Wednesday.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams are 6-4 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games, with sloppy defensive play and poor goaltending taking the bulk of the blame. With both Nilsson and Blackwood playing well of late, side with the UNDER 6.5 (-154).

Esten’s NHL betting record: 51-56

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Red Wings-Ducks odds: Anaheim has slight edge over Detroit

Previewing Tuesday’s Detroit Red Wings at Anaheim Ducks sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Anaheim Ducks (9-8-1) entertain the Detroit Red Wings (6-12-1) at Honda Center Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. ET. We analyze the Red Wings-Ducks odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Red Wings at Ducks: Projected starting goalies

Jimmy Howard vs. John Gibson

Howard has posted a 2-8 record so far with a 3.99 goals against average and .887 save percentage. He has won three straight starts while allowing just six goals on his last 84 shots faced.

Gibson expects to get the nod Tuesday despite allowing six goals to the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night. He is 6-8 with a 2.80 GAA and .915 SV%. Gibson gets less than 2.5 goals per game of support which is in the bottom five of the league among starters.


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Red Wings at Ducks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Tuesday at 7:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Ducks 3, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The DUCKS (-154) are a bit more rested here as Detroit is on a West Coast road trip. Detroit has won two straight while Anaheim has dropped consecutive games at home. This has brought down the moneyline a bit and may continue to do so during the day.

A $10.00 bet with Anaheim results in a $6.49 profit with an outright win for the Ducks.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The spread is a bet to AVOID as the Ducks have been spotty at home of late. Also, Anaheim has won three of the last four matchups but needed empty-net goals in two of them to provide the extra cushion. These teams just tend to play lower-scoring contests.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+105) is a modest, small play. Both teams could score three-plus goals or this could be a 2-1 outcome. There is a good amount of variance here. 

The last four meetings have seen the Under connect thrice.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Penguins-Rangers odds: NY Rangers slight dogs at MSG

Previewing Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (10-6-1) travel to Manhattan to face the New York Rangers (7-6-2) at Madison Square Garden Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Rangers odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Penguins at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Alexandar Georgiev

Murray has a 9-3-1 record so far with a 2.35 goals against average and .916 save percentage. He has won consecutive starts beyond regulation while stopping 49 of his last 54 shots faced.

Georgiev is confirmed to be in net after Henrik Lundqvist played Sunday. Georgiev is 3-3-1 with a 2.87 GAA and .913 save percentage. He seeks to bounce back tonight after getting shelled for six goals on 40 shots at home against the Ottawa Senators last Monday.


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Penguins at Rangers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rangers 4, Penguins 3

Moneyline (ML)

The RANGERS (-106) are without C Mika Zibanejad (head) but Pittsburgh will be without C Sidney Crosby (lower body) for the next few games. That certainly levels the ice some. Also, New York not starting Lundqvist may be a benefit as Georgiev wants to show his last start was a fluke.

A $10 bet on New York results in a $9.43 profit with an outright win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Typically, when there is a very close moneyline, the spread is very divergent. If Pittsburgh was not the slightly favored team, there would be more enticement. However, that is not the case. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+120) is worth a tiny bet Tuesday night as both teams will yield some goals. Pittsburgh allows 3.14 goals per game on the road while New York allows 3.6 per contest at home. The Rangers could lure the Penguins into a more high-event game than they bargained for.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Panthers-Bruins odds: Boston favored on home ice

Previewing Tuesday’s Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Florida Panthers (8-4-5) meet up with the slumping Boston Bruins (11-3-3) Tuesday at TD Garden for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Panthers-Bruins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Panthers at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Tuukka Rask

Bobrovsky is 6-3-4 through 13 starts and 14 games played to start what’s expected to be a long tenure with the Panthers after signing a monster free-agent deal in the offseason. He has a .884 save percentage and 3.39 goals against average.

Rask is 7-2-1 through 10 starts with a .933 SV% and 1.99 GAA. The 32-year-old gave up a total of eight goals over his last two starts while facing 62 shots on goal.


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Panthers at Bruins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 3, Panthers 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Bruins come into Tuesday with a 0-2-1 record over their last three games, but still possess a 7-0-2 home record after Sunday’s shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Their plus-17 goal differential is tops in the Atlantic Division and second in the NHL. The Panthers beat the New York Rangers 6-5 in a shootout Sunday to snap a two-game skid. They’re 5-3-3 straight up on the road with a minus-1 goal differential.

Back the BRUINS (-176) to buck the rare losing streak. They didn’t lose four straight games at any point last season.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bruins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $5.69.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get better value on the home side by backing the BRUINS to cover the puck line of -1.5 at +150 odds and win by two or more goals. Nine of their 11 wins on the season were by at least a two-goal margin.

Both teams have been very successful against the spread, with Boston going 7-2 on home ice and 10-7 overall. The Panthers are 10-7 overall and 7-4 on the road. Still, take the value with the same $10 wager returning a profit of $15 with a multi-goal Bruins win.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 6.5 (-154). These are two of the better goaltenders in the league stuck in minor slumps. The smart play is expecting them to both get back on track, resulting in fewer than seven total goals Tuesday.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 51-53

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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Coyotes-Capitals odds: Washington big favorites again

Previewing Monday’s Arizona Coyotes at Washington Capitals odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis and picks.

The Washington Capitals (13-2-3) entertain the Arizona Coyotes (9-6-2) at Capital One Arena Monday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Coyotes-Capitals odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Coyotes at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Antti Raanta vs. Ilya Samsonov

Raanta is projected to start on the front end of a back-to-back. He has posted a 2-1-2 record so far with a 3.12 goals against average and .912 save percentage. He has allowed four goals in consecutive starts but faced 79 shots as well.

Samsonov is 5-1 in six decisions with the Capitals this year. He has a 2.38 goals against average and .915 save percentage. He stopped 25 of 27 shots in his last start on November 3 versus Calgary.

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


Coyotes at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 4, Coyotes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Capitals (-182) are not as heavily favored as one may expect on a Monday night at home against a team traveling almost cross-country. Arizona is also struggling of late. This number is still too low for comfort so AVOID.

A $10.00 bet with Washington results in a $5.49 profit with a Capitals’ win Monday night.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CAPITALS (-1.5, +150) carries much better value and this team covers well against the spread. Washington has done so in 13 of its 18 contests this season which leads the entire NHL. Take the risk with a $10 bet returning a profit of $15.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-143) causes some risk but is worth a small bet. Washington is also a league-best 13-4-1 when it comes to the Over. 

With this number at 5.5, the Over is the play and Washington has connected on the Over in 11 of its previous 12 games.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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

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