Tag: NHL spread

San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesdays Sharks at Blackhawks NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The San Jose Sharks (29-35-5) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (31-30-8) in a Wednesday-night (8 p.m. ET) contest at the United Center. We analyze the San Jose-Chicago odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Sharks at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Martin Jones vs. Corey Crawford

Jones owns a 3.00 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage through 41 games. The 30-year-old veteran has been solid of late, posting a 2.25 GAA and .918 SV% in nine games since the All-Star break. Jones last appeared in a game on Sunday, allowing the Avalanche four goals on 24 shots in a 4-3 loss in San Jose. He is making his first road start since Feb. 23.

Crawford has recorded a 2.79 GAA and .916 SV% in 39 games this season. Injured the last two seasons, his 40th game tonight will mark his most since 2016-17 (55). Crawford has been sharp since becoming the Blackhawks’ definitive No. 1 netminder after the trade of Robin Lehner to Vegas. He’s carded a .927 SV% over his last 10 games. Crawford has been particularly sharp at home over that stretch (.939 SV% in four games).

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Sharks 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 Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Chicago 3, San Jose 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Blackhawks’ offense disappeared over the team’s last two games (one goal combined) but was solid in a four-game stretch before that (17 goals plus a shootout winner). Some of that drop-off likely comes from fewer power-play opportunities in recent games after getting things going in that department in late February. Enter the Sharks, the fourth-most penalized team in the NHL, and that bodes well for the ‘Hawks leveraging the man advantage.

San Jose has posted better puck-possession and shot-type signals of late, but the Blackhawks are a couple clicks south of their Pythagorean expectation (won-loss record based on goals for and against). Both teams are playing with two days’ rest: Chicago is 9-4 in such situations; the Sharks are 6-11. San Jose is also just 1-5 when opening a road trip after a multiple-game home stand.

Will take CHICAGO -167.

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

San Jose hasn’t lost by multiple goals since Feb. 25. The erratic Chicago defense has yielded just 25 shots per game over its last three contests; the ‘Hawks allowed 38.5 shots per game over the four games prior.

PASS on the puck line (Chicago -1.5, +165 / San Jose +1.5, -200)

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+115) is worth consideration and is a slight lean here. But Jones is more prone to a shaky four-goal game than most, and just a few games back the Chicago offense was clicking. The price here isn’t quite enough to trigger a play, so check the odds to see if they move in a positive direction.

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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Boston Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Bruins at Flyers NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Boston Bruins (43-14-12) visit the Philadelphia Flyers (41-20-7) for a Tuesday-night (7 p.m. ET) tilt as a couple Eastern Conference elites get together at the Wells Fargo Center. We analyze the Boston-Philadelphia odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Bruins at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Carter Hart

Rask has played in 40 games this season and owns a sparkling 2.18 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. His .940 even-strength SV% is best in the league among netminders who’ve logged more than 35 games. Rask backs a Boston defense yielding just 27.2 shots per contest since Feb.5. He’s only faced Philadelphia once over the last two seasons (Jan. 31, 2019), and has carded three shaky starts over his last five this season (combined .882 SV).

Hart has registered a 2.43 GAA and .913 SV% in 42 games. He’s been tremendous at home (1.16 GAA, .944 SV%) and has fared well of late (.947 SV% in three March games). He hasn’t solved the Bruins this season, however. Hart has faced Boston twice: he’s allowed seven goals while notching an .881 SV%.

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

Bruins 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 Tuesday at 1:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Philadelphia 3, Boston 2

Moneyline (ML)

Boston is 9-3 over its last 12; Philadelphia has won nine in a row. The Flyers don’t have great puck-possession numbers during the win streak, but they have been getting to the high-danger areas. Philly is getting mid-to-low-slot shots on offense and preventing them on defense. The Flyers are also the better play when figuring goals and goals against versus won-loss record. There is more upside, more of a chance of the public being a bit low in their assessment of the Flyers. And Philly is a league-best 25-5-4 on home ice.

Will back PHILADELPHIA -106.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Flyers to win outright returns a profit of $9.43.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line for this game — Philadelphia +1.5 (-295) / Boston -1.5 (+230) — is loaded with 65 points-worth of juice.

PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

This one (O/U 5.5) has a lot of clashing over and under trends.

PASS.

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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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Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche (41-19-8) visit the Los Angeles Kings (27-35-6) for a Monday night tilt at Staples Center. Puck drop is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Avalanche-Kings odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Avalanche at Kings: Projected starting goalies

Michael Hutchinson vs. Jonathan Quick

Hutchinson has been an AHL-NHL swingman for most of his career. This season the recently-turned 30-year-old has compiled a 3.47 goals against average and an .888 save percentage through 16 games between Toronto and Colorado. Acquired Feb. 24, Hutchinson is making his second start for the Avs.

Quick has been enjoying his best stretch of the season of late. The 13-year NHL veteran owned a .894 SV% through Feb. 6. He’s logged a .950 SV% in six games since and is coming off a 36-save shutout of the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday. For the season, Quick has a 2.83 GAA and .903 SV%. He’s been better at home (2.36, .918) and has stopped 62-of-64 shots (.969 SV%) against these Avs.

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

Avalanche at Kings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Colorado 3, Los Angeles 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Avalanche have been a solid play in most games over the second half of the season, but this goalie matchup tamps down confidence levels. It makes the straight-up price of -143 too difficult to reconcile with a small profit. PASS.

New to sports betting and confused about moneyline odds? In this case, a $14.30 winning bet on Colorado would return a profit of $10.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Kings have allowed just 28.5 shots on goal per contest while going 8-1-1 over their last 10 games. The Avs haven’t finished out a road trip of three or more games with a multi-goal win since Dec. 7. PASS ON THE COLORADO LINE (-1.5, +185).

Over/Under (O/U)

Recent team trends point to an Under in this one. The Under is 10-2 in the Avs’ last dozen games against losing teams. Quick’s roll — and the Kings’ better control of their own zone — makes for a confirmation on the lean. The best bet of the three here is a low-confidence play on the UNDER 5.5 (-106).

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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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

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.

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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Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Capitals (40-20-7) and Pittsburgh Penguins (39-21-6) tangle at PPG Paints Arena in the Steel City at 1 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Capitals-Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Matt Murray

Holtby is 24-14-5 with a 3.16 goals against average and .896 save percentage. He won his previous start against the Penguins Feb. 23, allowing three goals on 35 shots. Backup Ilya Samsonov, who is 16-6-2 with a 2.55 GAA and .913 SV%, lost his only appearance against the Pens, coughing up four goals on 33 shots, so it’s likely Holtby is tabbed.

Murray has started each of the previous two meetings with the Caps with mixed results. He is 1-1-0 with a 3.53 GAA and .870 SV% in his two outings against Washington, both in D.C. Murray has been much more steady at home, going 10-2-3 with a 2.58 GAA and .918 SV%, as opposed to 9-8-2 with a 3.03 GAA and .883 SV% on the road. All-Star Tristan Jarry is starting to slip, and he has dropped three starts in a row. His GAA is at 2.86 since the All-Star Game, much higher than the 2.16 GAA before the break.

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Capitals 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 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-129) are the play, as the Capitals (+105) have really struggled on the road recently. They’re just 1-5 in their past six away from the nation’s capital, while Pittsburgh is a strong 12-5 in its previous 17 against teams with a winning overall record. Yes, the Pens have also struggled recently, winning just two of their past eight overall, but Pittsburgh is also 11-5 in the past 16 battles with the Caps in the Steel City, too.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Penguins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $7.80 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PENGUINS (-1.5, +200) is a tremendous value. While I am picking the home side to win by just one goal, Pittsburgh is worth a small-unit bet with a chance to double your money. Just don’t get carried away.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6.5 (+115) could be a solid play at plus-money, especially if we get some fire wagon hockey. Holtby has given up more than three goals per game, and Murray has also been very generous.

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