Tag: NHL Picks

Arizona Coyotes at Winnipeg Jets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Arizona Coyotes at Winnipeg Jets sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Arizona Coyotes (33-28-8) travel to Manitoba to meet the Winnipeg Jets (35-28-6) at Bell MTS Place Monday at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Coyotes-Jets sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Coyotes at Jets: Projected starting goalies

Darcy Kuemper vs. Connor Hellebuyck

The Coyotes have eased Kuemper back after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury, but he’s likely to make his third start within a week. He is 10-3-1 with a 2.03 goals against average and .932 save percentage in 14 starts on the road. He allowed two goals on 40 shots in a 4-2 win in Winnipeg back on Oct. 15, too.

Hellebuyck is on fire, as he posted his league-leading sixth shutout with 29 saves in a 4-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights Friday. He improved to 29-21-5 with a 2.59 GAA and .921 SV% through 54 starts and two relief appearances. He has four of those shutouts at home, and he is 17-11-3 with a 2.44 GAA And .924 SV%. He was on the losing side of the Oct. 15 game against the Coyotes, yielding four goals.

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

Coyotes at Jets: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Jets 4, Coyotes 1

Moneyline (ML)

The JETS (-125) are playing really good hockey lately, and they have wins over the Golden Knights and Washington Capitals to prove they could be quite a danger in the playoffs, as well. They’re a bit expensive on the moneyline, however, thanks mostly due to Hellebuyck’s hot streak. Look to the puck line for a better value.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Jets to grab the road win returns a profit of $8, while a $10 wager on the Coyotes (+105) nets a profit of $10.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The JETS (-1.5, +220) are a much better play on the puck line. In fact, in each of their past five victories, they have also covered the 1.5-goal spread. They’ve gone 10-1 on the puck line in their past 11 victories. The Coyotes (+1.5, -278) were a monster on the road earlier this season, but they’re just 2-11 across their past 13 games away from the desert.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-121) is worth a small-unit play. The Under has connected in four straight for the Jets, as Hellebuyck has been yielding next to nothing. The opposition has totaled just four goals across his past four outings, while the Jets have posted 3.0 goals per game during the span. Winnipeg’s goaltending situation is driving this bet, and the play is ‘Under’.

Want some action in this one? 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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Colorado Avalanche at San Jose Sharks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Avalanche at Sharks NHL betting odds, with NHL matchup, analysis and picks.

The Colorado Avalanche (40-19-8) visit the San Jose Sharks (29-34-5) for some late-night (10 p.m. ET) West Coast NHL action Sunday on NBCSN. We analyze the Colorado-San Jose odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Avalanche at Sharks: Projected starting goalies

Pavel Francouz vs. Martin Jones

Francouz owns a nifty .924 save percentage through 31 games. He’s registered a goals-against average of 2.39 and has been a steadying influence in the absence of No. 1 goaltender Philipp Grubauer, who has been on the shelf with a groin injury since mid-February. But after posting a .957 SV% in his first six games in Grubauer’s absence, Francouz has allowed nine goals over two starts since.

Jones has registered a 2.97 GAA and .898 SV% in 40 games. He’s struggled from a consistency standpoint and has been more prone to clunkers. But Jones has been notably better over his last eight games (2.02 GAA, .927 SV%). A downside here may be the 30-year-old’s rest interval of two days. His 2019-20 save percentage in such situations in .873.

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

Avalanche at Sharks: 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 Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Colorado 4, San Jose 1

Moneyline (ML)

In an admittedly small sample size, the Avalanche have bounced back well after clunkers on the same road trip. The Avs are certainly coming off one of those Sunday having 6-3 Friday at Vancouver. Puck-possession and shot-type analytics run counter to recent missteps, including losses in Colorado’s last two games (the Avs lost 4-3 in overtime at home Wednesday against Anaheim). San Jose is 3-6 over its last nine games at home. The Sharks are playing the back half of a Saturday-Sunday double: the Sharks are 3-6-1 with no rest days in the bank.

COLORADO -167 is a solid play, perhaps one to be coupled with the Avs on the puck line for some insurance.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 bet on the Avs to win outright would return a profit of $5.99.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Only the Detroit Red Wings have lost more games by three or more goals than the Sharks. San Jose has lost 21 such games and another six by two goals. The Avs are 10-2 in their last 12 against losing teams.

COLORADO -1.5 (+165) IS A STRONG PLAY.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total here figures as too close to leverage either way.

PASS on the 5.5 (-121/+100) total.

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

Follow @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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St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Blues at Blackhawks NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Chicago Blackhawks (31-29-8) host the defending champ and rival St. Louis Blues (40-18-10) at United Center at 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday (on NBCSN). We analyze the Blues-Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Blues at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Jake Allen vs. Malcolm Subban

Allen is 10-6-3 with a 2.31 goals-against average and .922 save percentage this season as the backup to Jordan Binnington. Allen posted a 38-save shutout in Chicago on Dec. 2, his only one of the season. Binnington has posted a 30-12-7 record with a 2.57 GAA and .911 SV% in 49 starts. He continues to do a tremendous job, as the defending champs look poised for another lengthy postseason run. While he is 2-0-0 against the Blackhawks this season, he also has a dismal 4.01 GAA and .846 SV% against them, so that’s why he’ll likely get a break.

Subban might get a shot after Corey Crawford was a bit shaky in his most recent outing. While it might be quite the tall order for what would be Subban’s first start with the team following his trade from Vegas, he did beat the Blues 6-5 in overtime Feb. 13. Crawford is 0-3-0 with a 4.77 GAA and .867 SV% in three starts against the Blues this season.

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

Blues at Blackhawks: 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 Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 5, Blackhawks 3

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-139) are a good bet regardless of whether the Blackhawks (+115) give Crawford or Subban the nod. St. Louis has been getting the better goaltending overall this season. The Blues are also 8-1 in their past nine games overall and 7-1 in the past eight as a favorite. The favorite is also 5-1 in the past six meetings in this rivalry, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager for the Blues to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $7.20 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

BLUES (-1.5, +185) is a nice small-unit play, as you can profit almost double your initial investment. While the home team is 6-1 in the past seven in this series and the Blues are 4-8-2 in their past 14 on the road, St. Louis is overall the better team with much more depth on offense and in the crease.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-150) is the best bet in this rivalry game, though the vig jumped from -110 to -150 from Sunday morning to afternoon. The Over is 7-3-1 in the past 11 battles in Chicago, and 15-6-5 in the previous 26 installments in this series. The Over is also 10-4-1 in the past 15 divisional games for St. Louis, while going 7-2 in the past nine for Chicago and 11-4 in the past 15 in which Chicago plays a team with a winning record.

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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Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames sports betting odds, picks and best bets

The Vegas Golden Knights (37-24-8) will tangle with the Calgary Flames (36-26-7) Sunday at the Scotiabank Saddledome at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Golden Knights-Flames sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Golden Knights at Flames: Projected starting goalies

Robin Lehner vs. Cam Talbot

Lehner isn’t confirmed to start, but he’s likely to make the start at Marc-Andre Fleury was punished 4-0 in Friday’s start in Winnipeg. He has picked up wins in each of his two starts with the Knights, both at home, allowing just two goals on 61 shots with one shutout of the New Jersey Devils. He also allowed four goals on 42 shots in an 8-4 win at Calgary on Feb. 15 in his penultimate start as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, and he also beat them Dec. 31 in Calgary. Lehner has an 18-10-2 record with a 4.01 goals against average and .921 save percentage.

Talbot is projected to make the start, as All-Star David Rittich has won just twice in the past six outings dating back to Feb. 12. Talbot, on the other hand, has won each of his past three outings. If Talbot is tabbed for the start, he’ll be looking to avenge a six-goal loss at Vegas on Nov. 17. He has an 12-10 record with a 2.63 GAA and .919 save %.

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

Golden Knights at Flames: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Flames 2

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-121) are mild favorites on the road. They have cashed in six in a row against winning teams, and they’re 9-2 in the past 11 games overall, and 8-2 in the past 10 as a favorite. While the Flames (+100) have won five of the past seven, they’re just 2-5 in the past seven against winning teams and 7-20 in the past 27 as a home dog.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Golden Knights to win returns a profit of $8.30.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-1.5, +220) might be worth a roll of the dice, as this price is awfully tempting. I think they’re going to win by just one goal, but I can see a late empty-net goal helping them to a two-goal win. It’s worth a shot, just don’t get carried away.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+125) is worth a look, as the Under is 4-0-1 in the past five overall for Vegas, while going 5-2 in their past seven inside the conference. The Under is 4-1-1 in their past six on a day of rest, too. For the Flames, the Over has been the trend, going 10-3-1 in the past 14 overall, but their troubles against Lehner make the under intriguing.

Want some action in this one? 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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Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings sports betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Tampa Bay Lightning (43-20-5) tangle with the Detroit Red Wings (16-48-5) Sunday at Little Caesars Arena at 5 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lightning-Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Lightning at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Curtis McElhinney vs. Jonathan Bernier

McElhinney is expected to get the starting nod after the Lightning just played in Boston Saturday night with Andrei Vasilevskiy getting the call in that one. The Lightning backup has posted an 8-7-2 record, 2.83 goals against average and .908 save percentage with a shutout, so he is more than capable, especially against the lowly Wings.

Bernier gives the Wings their best chance to win, as he is 14-21-3 with a respectable 2.88 GAA and .909 SV% in his 39 starts and 44 appearances. At home he is a solid 10-10-1 with a 2.75 GAA and .906 SV% in his 21 starts and 24 appearances. It’s unlikely the team turns to Jimmy Howard for this tough matchup. He is a dismal 2-23-2 with a 4.20 GAA and .882 save percentage.

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

Lightning at Red Wings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 12:23 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 4, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Lightning (-278) should be able to dominate this game, but they are playing less than 24 hours after a hard-fought and important game in Boston, and then they had to hop right on a plane for Hockeytown. Still, the Red Wings (+225) have next to no chance. But still, AVOID.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lightning -278 returns a profit of $3.60 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Red Wings +225 results in a profit of $22.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The LIGHTNING (-1.5, even) is the much better play, with or without tired legs. They have so many offensive weapons that it’s hard to envision the cellar-dwelling Red Wings (+1.5, -121) slowing them down. Tampa Bay is 41-11 in the past 52 games against teams with a losing record, too, so they rarely let up or play down to their competition.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-139) is the play here, but because it’s Lightning against Red Wings. If Tampa were playing virtually anyone else, the lean would be Under. The Under is 7-1 in their past eight in the second end of a back-to-back. But the Over is also 7-2 in their past nine as a favorite.

Want some action in this one? 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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Columbus Blue Jackets at Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Edmonton Oilers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (32-21-15) and Edmonton Oilers (36-24-8) battle at Rogers Place at 10 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Oilers sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blue Jackets at Oilers: Projected starting goalies

Joonas Korpisalo vs. Mikko Koskinen

Korpisalo heads to Northern Alberta searching for his 20th win of the season. He carries a 19-11-5 record, 2.58 goals against average and .912 save percentage with two shutouts into play. He is just 6-2-4 in his 11 starts and 12 appearances on the road this season. He was tuned up earlier this season by the Oilers, allowing four goals on just 12 shots before being pulled after 24:56 in a loss Oct. 30 in Columbus.

Koskinen is 17-13-2 on the season with a .914 SV% and 2.80 GAA. He stopped all 10 shots he faced in relief of starter Mike Smith Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

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

Blue Jackets at Oilers: 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 2:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Oilers 5, Blue Jackets 3

Moneyline (ML)

The OILERS (-175) aren’t terribly expensive despite the fact they’re 5-2 in their past seven games against the Eastern Conference, and 14-3 in their past 17 games against Metropolitan Division opponents. On the flip side, the Blue Jackets (+145) are just 2-11 in their past 13 games overall, 1-6 in their past seven against winning teams and 0-6 in their past six on the road.

A $10 bet on the Oilers to win returns a profit of $5.70, while a $10 wager on the Blue Jackets results in a profit of $14.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The OILERS (-1.5, +155) are a tremendous value at home. They won the first meeting 4-1, and 12 of their past 16 victories have resulted in a cover of the puck line. Take advantage.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-125) has cashed in 10 of the past 13 meetings in Edmonton. That’s over the span of 13 years, so not as important as the here and now. The Over is 7-2 in the past nine overall for the Jackets, and 6-1 in their past seven on the road. The Over is 6-2 in Edmonton’s past eight as a home favorite, too, and 5-1-1 in its past seven against losing sides.

Want some action in this one? 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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New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Devils at Rangers NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, matchup analysis and picks.

The New Jersey Devils (27-28-12) make the short trip east to square off against the New York Rangers (36-27-4) in a Metropolitan Division tussle at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Saturday night. We analyze the Devils-Rangers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Devils at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Alexandar Georgiev

Blackwood sat in Friday’s 4-2 win over St. Louis — a win that upped New Jersey’s record since Feb. 1 to 9-4-4 — and is tabbed for this turn at MSG. The Devils’ youngster allowed five goals on 25 shots Jan. 9 in a 6-3 Devils loss in the same building. Overall, the 6-foot-4, 23-year-old is 21-13-8 with a 2.71 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in 45 games this season. Blackwood has been sharp on the road (.922 SV%) and on a major roll (.961 SV% over eight games since Feb. 6.

Georgiev has scuffled a bit at home, allowing five goals Thursday, his most recent start there. But that game — a 6-5 Rangers win in overtime — was against the Washington Capitals, a much more potent offense than the New Jersey attack he’ll see Saturday. Overall this season, the 24-year-old is 17-14-1 with a 3.05 GAA and .910 SV% in 33 games. Georgiev has registered a fine .943 SV% in two starts against the Devils this season, including a 33-save road shutout on Nov. 30.

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

Devils 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 Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

New York 3, New Jersey 2

Moneyline (ML)

Recent successes for the Devils aren’t supported by peripheral analytics, and a good case can be made that New Jersey is way out over its skis with even 27 wins so far. New Jersey has lost four in a row at Madison Square Garden. The past goalie-vs.-opponent numbers stack up in favor of the Rangers. And New Jersey has been awful in road games after a solo contest at home.

Take NEW YORK (-200).

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Rangers to win straight up would return a profit of $5.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Rangers (-1.5, +125) have just one multi-goal win at home since Feb. 5. Going against Blackwood tamps down that angle even further.

PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is: 8-1 in the Devils’ last nine games … 5-2 in the Rangers’ last seven home games … 7-1 in New York’s last eight games against sub-.500 teams.

Through Dec. 31, the Blueshirts allowed 3.8 goals per game on an average of 35 shots allowed. They’ve buttoned things up since, allowing 2.8 GPG on 33 shots per contest. Play the UNDER 5.5 (+120).

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

Follow @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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Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins matchup, with NHL betting odds, analysis and picks.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (42-20-5) visit the Boston Bruins (43-13-12) in a Saturday-night (7 p.m. ET) battle of beasts in the East at TD Garden. We analyze the Lightning-Bruins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Lightning at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Tuukka Rask

Vasilevskiy carded a 32-save shutout against Montreal Thursday (both Tampa Bay and Boston head into Saturday’s tilt after one off day). The Thursday start and the turn prior (Tuesday vs. Boston) combined to mark a bounce-back for the 25-year-old Russian. Over four games from Feb. 20-29, Vasilevskiy had posted a mere .839 save percentage. In the start against the Bruins Tuesday, he stopped 33-of-35 pucks. For the season, he owns a 2.56 goals-against average and .916 SV. He’s 2-1 with a .931 SV against Boston.

Rask started Tuesday’s game at Tampa Bay (his last start) and earned the win, allowing just one goal on 21 shots. He has started all three games against the Lightning and has registered a .920 SV in the process. On the season, Rask has notched a 2.13 GAA and .928 SV in 39 games. Since the All-Star break, the 13-year NHL veteran has logged an 8-3 record alongside a 1.77 GAA and .937 SV. Over his last five start on three days’ rest, Rask has posted a .966 SV.

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

Lightning 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 Saturday at 11:39 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Tampa Bay 3, Boston 2

Moneyline (ML)

The analysis here shakes out as a Lightning lean on Pythagorean comparisons (comparing won-loss record to what is “should be” using goals for and against) and on recent puck-possession analytics. Going against Rask swings the lean back to almost level.

But the price on the visitors is just good enough to make TAMPA BAY +115 a small-confidence play.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

All three previous meetings between the Lightning and Bruins have been decided by one goal. The projected game flow here calls for a one-goal game and an under, but the puck line price — Tampa Bay +1.5 (-250) — isn’t worth the risk. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is a combined 22-11 for these teams when playing in a game lined with a 5.5 total. The average total for Tampa Bay-as-road-dog games is 5.29.

PLAY THE UNDER 5.5 (-115) in this intriguing Saturday-night Atlantic Division tilt.

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

Follow @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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Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Buffalo Sabres (29-30-8) try to cool off the red-hot Philadelphia Flyers (40-20-7) at Wells Fargo Center Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Sabres-Flyers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Sabres at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton vs. Carter Hart

Hutton is confirmed to start Saturday’s game. He has posted a 12-13-4 record, 3.18 goals against average and .898 save percentage with two shutouts to date. He was drummed in his only meeting against the Fly Guys, allowing six goals on 29 shots in a 6-1 loss in Philadelphia Dec. 19.

Hart is expected to be tabbed for this start, as he has been red-hot lately. He enters play 23-12-3 with a 2.47 GAA and .911 SV% in his 38 starts and 41 appearances overall this season. He won that Dec. 19 game against the Sabres, turning aside 16 of his 17 shots for the easy win. Since the All-Star break he has managed a solid 8-1-0 record, 2.01 GAA and .928 SV%.

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

Sabres at Flyers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Flyers 5, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Flyers (-250) are absolutely on fire lately, rattling off 17 victories across their past 22 outings, while going 20-7 in the past 27 in Philly. They’re also 7-0 in the past seven following a win, while going 26-9 in the past 35 as a home favorite. While the Sabres (+200) are 3-13 in the past 16 in Philly, and 8-20 in the past 28 meetings overall, you cannot risk two-and-a-half times your potential return. Look to the puck line instead. AVOID.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The FLYERS (-1.5, +110) are a much better bet on the puck line, as no one has been able to cool them off lately. Toss in the fact that Hutton coughed up six times in his one and only matchup with Philly, and the home side looks like a great play.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-139) is a solid play in this one, and the Flyers could potentially take care of it all by themselves. The over is 4-0-1 in Buffalo’s past five inside the Eastern Conference, and 4-1-2 in the past seven against winning teams. The over is 9-1-1 in Philly’s past 11 overall, and 3-1-1 in the past five at home.

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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Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Nashville Predators (33-26-8) take on the Dallas Stars (37-22-8) drop the puck at the American Airlines Center at 2 p.m. ET Saturday in Dallas. We analyze the Predators-Stars sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Predators at Stars: Projected starting goalies

Juuse Saros vs. Ben Bishop

Saros might get the start in the second end of the home-and-home after blanking the Stars 2-0 in Nashville on Thursday night, turning aside all 33 shots he faced. It hasn’t been confirmed he’ll start over Pekka Rinne, but it makes sense. The last time Rinne faced the Stars in Texas, it was outdoors in the Cotton Bowl at the Winter Classic on New Year’s Day, a 4-2 loss for the Predators. He allowed four goals on 35 shots that day. He also allowed four goals on 22 shots in a Dec. 14 loss in the Music City, so the Stars really seem to have his number.

Bishop made the start on New Year’s Day vs. NSH, allowing two goals on 33 shots in a win in his only appearance this season against the Preds. Anton Khudobin started Thursday in Nashville, allowing two goals on 32 shots in a loss. He did beat the Preds Dec. 14 in Smashville, allowing just one goal on 38 shots, but Bishop has been confirmed.

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Predators at Stars: 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 Saturday at 10:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Stars 3, Predators 2

Moneyline (ML)

The STARS (-154) have dropped four in a row, but they’re 5-1 in the past six meetings against the Predators (+125), while winning 30 of the previous 43 battles in Texas, too. The favorite has cashed in 26 of the previous 38 in this series.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Stars (-1.5, +180) are my play to win on the moneyline, but I expect this to be a tight, defensive battle. Plus, three of the past four wins by Dallas have resulted in one-goal victories. Six of the past 10 wins by the Stars have been by the score of 3-2. If anything, the Predators (+1.5, -223) are the play, but that juice is just way too much.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-143) is where it’s at. The under has cashed in five straight division games for the Predators and five of the past seven on the road, while hitting in 12 of the past 17 overall. The under is 38-16-5 in the past 59 at home for Dallas, and 16-7-3 in the past 26 inside the division.

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