New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Ottawa Senators (10-11-1) host the New York Rangers (9-8-2) Friday at Canadian Tire Centre, with the puck dropping at 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Rangers-Senators sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Rangers at Senators: Projected starting goalies

Henrik Lundqvist vs. Craig Anderson

Lundqvist is 5-4-1 with a .910 save percentage and a 3.31 goals against average. His last outing was one of his most impressive of the season, as he stopped 30 of 31 shots in a 4-1 home win over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.

Anderson is 4-7-0 through 11 starts and two relief appearances. He sports a .901 SV% and 3.11 GAA. He stopped 35 of 36 shots in a 2-1 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday. This will be his first home start since Oct. 27.


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Rangers at Senators: 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 Friday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Senators 4, Rangers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The SENATORS (-115) are slight favorites on home ice as winners of two straight. They have taken advantage of a favorable schedule of late to go 4-1 over their last five games and 6-2 over their last eight. Despite the 4-1 win over the Capitals on Wednesday, the Rangers are just 2-2 across their last four and lost their last two road games in Florida by a combined 13-6.

Ottawa is 6-4 on home ice while New York is 3-4 on the road. Side with the home team.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Sens to win outright in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $8.70.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

OTTAWA (-1.5, +220) is a more profitable play when laying a goal and needing to win by two or more tallies. New York is dealing with injuries to C Mika Zibanejad (upper body) and D Marc Staal (ankle). Sens LW Vladislav Namestnikov (lower body), C Artem Anisimov (groin) and D Erik Brannstrom (undisclosed) remain sidelined.

The Rangers are 12-7 ATS but a less-impressive 4-3 ATS on the road. The Sens are 12-10 overall and 6-4 at home. This is a rematch of a Nov. 4 game in New York, which the Sens won 6-2.

Over/Under (O/U)

The two games played between the teams this year have fallen to either side of Friday’s projected total of 6.5. Take the UNDER (-134) with injuries negatively affecting both sides.

The Rangers are 4-6 against the O/U across their last 10 games. The Senators are 3-7 over their last 10.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 64-63

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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New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (11-7-4) entertain the division rival New Jersey Devils (7-9-4) at PPG Paints Arena Friday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Devils-Penguins odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Devils at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

MacKenzie Blackwood vs. Tristan Jarry

Blackwood is expected to start again for the Devils. He is 7-5-3 with a 2.95 goals against average and .899 save percentage. Blackwood took the home loss Tuesday against Boston after allowing five goals on just 28 shots.

Jarry is projected to get the start Friday in New Jersey. He has a 2-3 record for Pittsburgh with a 1.98 GAA and .938 SV%. Jarry has looked great in his backup role and came up clutch against Toronto last week while turning away 32 of 33 shots in a win.


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


Devils at Penguins: 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 7:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 3, Devils 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-189) are dealing with far more injuries than the Devils. They are without C Sidney Crosby, D Kris Letang, plus F Nick Bjugstad — just to name a few of the injured. Despite this, they nearly beat the New York Islanders Thursday night. It is anyone’s guess as to how New Jersey comes out after their poor performance at home against the Boston Bruins.

It will be a back and forth contest but Pittsburgh ultimately wins this one late.

A $10 bet with Pittsburgh results in a $5.29 profit with an outright win for the Penguins.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Devils are 7-13 against the spread which is dead last in the entire NHL. Their style of play typically is the culprit. Also, the Penguins are so banged up that expecting them to win by two or more goals is a lot to ask for. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+125) is a bit of a risky play but considering the two teams combined for just three goals last week in their first meeting, it’s the right move. Usually, New Jersey hits the Over in Pittsburgh but with both sides a bit down offensively, it is worth a shot. 

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a decent $12.50 profit with a total of five or fewer goals scored.

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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Sabres-Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Boston Bruins (13-3-5) entertain the slumping Buffalo Sabres (10-8-3) at TD Garden Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Sabres-Bruins odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Sabres at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hutton vs. Tuukka Rask 

Hutton is 6-4-2 with a 2.73 goals against average and .909 save percentage. He will try to rebound from three straight poor performance where he yielded 14 goals on just 96 shots.

Rask is confirmed to get the start. He has a 9-2-2 record for Boston with a 2.06 GAA and .930 SV%. Rask enjoyed an efficient performance against the New Jersey Devils as he stopped 25 of 26 shots.


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


Sabres 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 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 4, Sabres 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-239) are enduring with the Torey Krug injury but the real concern is still Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron has a core issue keeping his playing status uncertain. It did not impact Boston at all against New Jersey Tuesday as it routed the Devils 5-1 in Newark.

The Bruins are our play on the moneyline, as they have the third-best record in the league.

A $10 bet with Boston results in a $4.18 profit with a Bruins’ win in regulation, overtime or a shootout.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Boston is only 12-9 against the spread but has won three of its last four meetings with Buffalo. The risk is winning by two or more goals and Boston has failed to accomplish that so tentatively we will AVOID this pick.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-115) is a nice play. Watch for the status of Bergeron again. If pushed, the feeling is the Over hits and Boston even covers the spread. 

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a decent $8.70 profit with a total of six or more goals scored.

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-Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The scorching-hot New York Islanders (15-3-1) host the Metropolitan Division-rival Pittsburgh Penguins (11-7-3) Thursday at Barclays Center. The puck is scheduled to drop shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Islanders odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Thomas Greiss

Murray has dropped each of his last three decisions, though two of those were in overtime. He allowed a total of 10 goals over the stretch while facing more than 27 shots on goal just once. He has a .910 save percentage and a 2.52 goals against average on the season.

Greiss has won seven straight starts dating back to Oct. 11. He is 8-1-0 through nine starts and a relief appearance with a 1.98 GAA and a league-best .938 SV%. He has allowed more than two goals in just two starts.


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


Penguins 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 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Penguins 3

Moneyline (ML)

This rematch comes on the heels of a 5-4 overtime road victory for New York Tuesday which evened the season series between the two. The Islanders, second in the Metro Division, are 9-2-1 at home. They haven’t lost in regulation since falling 5-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes Oct. 11. They’ve lost in overtime just once in their last 15 games. The Penguins sit fourth in the division and come into Thursday with a 4-4-1 road record.

Pittsburgh remains without C Sidney Crosby (groin), C Nick Bjugstad (undisclosed), D Kris Letang (lower body) and now D Justin Schultz (undisclosed). The ISLANDERS (-143) will get this one done in regulation.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Isles to win outright in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $7.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The spread is a much tougher call, as the Islanders are only 6-6 against the spread at home despite the near-perfect moneyline record. Six of New York’s last seven games were decided by single tallies, including Tuesday’s win over the Penguins.

Back PITTSBURGH (+1.5, -239) to keep this one within a goal in a loss, or win outright. The Pens are 5-4 on the puck line as visitors.

Over/Under (O/U)

The juice is on the OVER 5.5 (-121) after Tuesday’s game saw the two teams combine for nine total goals. It’s our play with the Islanders 7-3 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 61-63

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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Flyers-Hurricanes odds: Carolina seeks revenge vs. Philly

Previewing Thursday’s Philadelphia Flyers at Carolina Hurricanes sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

The Carolina Hurricanes (13-7-1) host the Philadelphia Flyers (10-7-4) at PNC Arena in Raleigh at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Hurricanes-Flyers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup

The Hurricanes are looking for some revenge after being topped 4-1 in Philadelphia Nov. 5.

Flyers at Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hart vs. Petr Mrazek

Hart carries a 6-5-0 record with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage into play, and he looks to bounce back after getting pulled midway through his last appearance in Florida on Tuesday night. Veteran Brian Elliott also has a 2.72 GAA with a .913 SV%, so if he gets the start, there isn’t much of a difference.

Mrazek is money at home, posting a sparkling 7-1-0 record, 2.11 GAA and a .918 save percentage in eight starts at PNC Arena while going just 3-2-1 with a 3.26 GAA and a .893 save percentage in six assignments away from the Triangle.


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


Flyers at Hurricanes: 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 6:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Flyers 3

Moneyline (ML)

The HURRICANES (-176) are a tad expensive at this price, but I don’t trust the puck line. This one should be a very physical game with a decent touch of offense, but also plenty of hits and tight checking, too. The Flyers (+145) are a tempting play, but they’re 4-9 in the past 13 trips to Raleigh.

Carolina is also streaking in after sweeping a three-game road trip for the first time in Whalers/Hurricanes franchise history. The ‘Canes will make up for the fact F Erik Haula (knee) being sidelined indefinitely.

On a side note, I’ll be attending this game, and the Hurricanes are 3-1-0 in the four games I’ve been to at PNC Arena this season, so consider yours truly a bit of a good luck charm for the home side.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Carolina returns a profit of $5.70 – every $1 wagered profits $0.57 with a Hurricanes win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Again, I don’t trust the Hurricanes (-1.5, +150) laying more than a goal, and the Flyers (+1.5, -182) are just too expensive the other way if you want insurance.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+125) is worth a small-unit play, cashing in 10 of the past 14 meetings.

A $10 wager profits $12.50 if there are seven goals or more. Every $1 wagered profits $1.25 in this scenario.

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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Capitals-Rangers odds: Washington heavily favored in the Big Apple

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

The Washington Capitals (16-3-4) visit the New York Rangers (8-8-2) Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Capitals-Rangers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Capitals at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Henrik Lundqvist

Holtby leads the league with 11 wins through 16 starts, while being hit with just one regulation loss and three overtime/shootout defeats. He has a .906 save percentage and 2.91 goals against average with both rates improving following a shaky start.

King Henrik is 4-4-1 through 10 starts and a relief appearance. The 37-year-old has a .905 SV% and 3.54 GAA. Both numbers are the worst of his career with his GAA more than a full goal above his career average.


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


Capitals 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 at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 4, Rangers 1

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS (-189) about as safe as a choice as we see in hockey. An outright win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns an adequate profit of $5.30 off of a $10 bet.

Washington leads the Metropolitan Division and is 10-1-1 away from home for the season. The Rangers are 5-4-2 at MSG, but they’re seventh in the division. The Capitals enter having won two straight games, most recently beating the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 Monday. The Rangers have lost back-to-back games, but they’ve been off since losing 4-3 to the Florida Panthers Saturday.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The wiser play is to put the same $10 bet toward the CAPITALS on the spread (-1.5, +135) with the same investment fetching a profit of $13.50. Washington is 15-8 on the puck line and an impressive 10-2 as the visitor. New York is 11-7 overall and 7-4 at home, but Lundqvist is severely outmatched by Holtby at this stage of his career.

The Rangers are tied for last in the NHL while being outshot by 6.8 shots on goal per game. The Capitals are just above neutral at plus-0.4 SOG/game, but they’re plus-0.78 goals per game.

New to sports betting? The Capitals will need to win by two or more goals for this bet to cash.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 6.5 (-120). The Capitals are 7-3 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games while the Rangers are 5-5 over the same stretch. New York shouldn’t be counted on for more than a goal or two against Holtby, while a four-goal output from Washington would leave this one short of the projected total.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 60-61

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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Bruins-Devils odds: Wounded Boston still a road favorite

Previewing Tuesday’s Boston Bruins at New Jersey Devils sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Boston Bruins (12-3-5) travel to Newark to face the New Jersey Devils (7-8-4) at Prudential Center Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Bruins-Devils odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Bruins at Devils: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. MacKenzie Blackwood

Rask is confirmed to get the start Tuesday in New Jersey. He has an 8-2-2 record for Boston with a 2.14 goals against average and .927 save percentage. Rask looked excellent against the Toronto Maple Leafs as he stopped 29 of 31 shots during Boston’s 4-2 victory.

Blackwood is likely to start again for the Devils. He is 7-4-3 with a 2.79 GAA and .904 save percentage. Blackwood has won two straight games and has a save percentage of .922 over his last 10 outings.


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


Bruins 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 4:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 4, Devils 3

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-154) are dealing with far more injuries than the Devils. C Patrice Bergeron is not 100% and D Torey Krug is out among a slew of other injuries, and yet, they are still road favorites Tuesday night. New Jersey gives up 3.50 goals per game at home and is 27th at home on the penalty kill.

It will be a high-event and chaotic game but the Bruins are our play on the moneyline.

A $10 bet with Boston results in a $6.49 profit with a Bruins’ win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Devils are 7-12 against the spread which is still among the worst in the entire NHL. Part of the problem is their style of play which makes it hard to see them win by more than one goal. Boston’s injuries make a win by more than a goal difficult, as well. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-134) is a good play. Watch for the status of Bergeron. This may be a bet to avoid if he does not look 100%. 

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a decent $7.46 profit with a total of six or more goals scored.

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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Lightning-Blues odds: St. Louis a small home dog

Previewing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (9-6-2) visit the St. Louis Blues (12-4-5) Tuesday at Enterprise Center with the puck scheduled to drop shortly after 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Lightning-Blues odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Lightning at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Jordan Binnington

Vasilevskiy is 7-5-0 through 12 starts with a .901 save percentage and a 3.02 goals against average. He dropped his last start while giving up three goals on 26 shots against after picking up consecutive wins.

Binnington is 9-3-4 through 16 starts. He has a .919 SV% and a 2.40 goals against average. He allowed three goals on 24 shots on goal in a loss to the Anaheim Ducks his last time out.


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


Lightning at Blues: 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 1:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Lightning 3, Blues 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Blues (+105) are underdogs at home as they’re still without star RW Vladimir Tarasenko (shoulder). The reigning Stanley Cup champs are in first place in the Central Division and are 5-2-3 on home ice. They’ve dropped three straight games, but only the last (a 4-1 home loss to the Ducks) was in regulation. They had previously won seven straight.

The LIGHTNING (-125) are 5-4-1 on the road. They’re coming off of a three-game homestand and lost 4-3 to the Winnipeg Jets Saturday after winning each of the first three games. Tampa Bay has scored 64 goals and allowed 59 through 17 games, while St. Louis has scored 62 against 61 allowed. Take the visitors.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Lightning to win outright returns a profit of $8.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get better value with the LIGHTNING with +200 odds to cover -1.5 and win by two or more goals. The same $10 bet fetches a profit of $20.

Tampa Bay is 6-11 overall against the spread and 3-7 on the road, but the Blues are just 2-8 ATS at home despite being 8-13 overall. Two of the Lightning’s last three wins were each by margins of at least two goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 6.5 (-139) in a battle of two top goaltenders. Vasilevskiy hasn’t rounded into proper form of yet and is well off of last year’s Vezina Trophy-winning pace, but a test against Binnington and the champs will be further motivation.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 56-56

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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Flyers-Panthers odds: Philly getting plus money in Florida

Previewing Tuesday’s Philadelphia Flyers at Florida Panthers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Philadelphia Flyers (10-6-4) visit the Florida Panthers (10-5-5) Tuesday at BB&T Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Flyers-Panthers odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Flyers at Panthers: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hart vs. Sergei Bobrovsky

Hart dropped each of his last two outings, but he stopped 52 of the 55 total shots he faced. He owns a .903 save percentage and a 2.50 goals against average for a 6-4-2 record through 12 starts and a relief appearance.

Bobrovsky leads the league with 17 games played, including 16 starts. He’s 7-4-4 with a .882 SV% and 3.53 GAA amid a poor start to his long tenure in Florida.


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


Flyers at Panthers: 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 1:25 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Flyers 4, Panthers 3

Moneyline (ML)

The FLYERS (+120) roll into Sunrise, Fla., as losers of three straight overall and with a 4-5-1 road record. The Panthers are 4-2-2 at home and are coming off of a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers Saturday. Two of Philadelphia’s three losses were via shootout and two were by 2-1 final scores.

The Panthers have a neutral goal differential (74-74) while the Flyers are plus-one (61-60). Florida ranks third in the NHL with 34.6 shots on goal per game with 30.7 against. Philly ranks seventh with 33.8 SOG/G while allowing just 29.0 per contest. Take the visitors with plus money as the better defensive team.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Flyers to win outright in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Philly is 12-8 against the spread overall and 5-5 as the road team. Florida is 11-9 overall, but just 3-5 as the hosts. The Panthers’ last victory by two or more goals came Nov. 2, a stretch spanning six games. The FLYERS (+1.5, -223) haven’t lost by two or more since Oct. 29.

The moneyline is the more profitable betting play but the spread offers quality insurance with the Flyers having stayed close in losses.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 6.5 (+110). The Panthers are 8-2 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games with Bobrovsky’s struggles in net contributing to those high scores. The Flyers are 4-6 against the O/U over their last 10 games, but they hit seven combined goals with the New York Islanders their last time out.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 56-56

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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Islanders-Penguin odds: Crosby-less Pittsburgh favored at home

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

The injury-ravaged Pittsburgh Penguins (11-7-2) host the New York Islanders (14-3-1) Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena. The puck is scheduled to drop shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Penguins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Matt Murray

Varlamov allowed four goals in each of his last two outings but still went 1-0-1 to pick up three points. He is 6-2-1 through nine starts while splitting time with Thomas Greiss. He has a .917 save percentage and a 2.56 goals against average.

Murray is 9-4-2 through 16 games played (all starts) with a .913 SV% and a 2.37 GAA. He stopped 19 of 21 shots in a loss against the New Jersey Devils his last time out.


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


Islanders at Penguins: 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 1:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Penguins 2

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+110) are winners of three straight and 13 of their last 14. They’re 5-1-0 on the road and are plus-16 (58-42) overall in goal differential. The Penguins have lost two of their last three and four of their last seven, but they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 at home Saturday. They have a goal differential of plus-17 (67-50).

Pittsburgh won the first meeting of the year between the two Metropolitan Division rivals, but it was with a healthier roster. C Sidney Crosby (groin) and D Kris Letang (lower body) are out of the lineup Tuesday. Take the visitors and turn a profit of $11 on a $10 bet.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Four of the Penguins’ last five games were each decided by single goals with three of them going to extra time (overtime or a shootout). Seven of the ISLANDERS’ (+1.5, -250) last 13 victories and their one loss in that time were each by single goals. These two teams play tight games and will square up again Thursday in a quick rematch.

New York is 10-8 against the spread overall and 4-2 as the road team. Pittsburgh is 9-11 overall and 4-7 at home. The moneyline is far more profitable for the Isles, but the puck line is a safer play.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win outright or lose by no more than a goal will return a profit of $4.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER (5.5, -106). The Islanders are 7-3 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games with the Penguins 4-6 in the same span. Murray should be able to slow the New York offense with the Islanders well-equipped to limit the offensive output of the Pens without Crosby.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 56-56

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

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