It has been a long 3 days without NHL hockey. Hopefully it was a great, relaxing few days with loved ones! But hockey is back in a big way on Saturday to the tune of a huge 13-game slate beginning at 5 PM ET. Try to get any chores or obligations out of the way early, because this is a slate you won’t want to miss.
If you will be tuning in and want to have some action, here are a few betting markets that may be worth considering — with lines and odds courtesy of BetMGM at the time of writing. Also, be sure to check out all of our NHL predictions for every game throughout the season, including all 13 matchups tonight.
NHL best bet: Minnesota Wild money line (-115) vs Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are hoping that this week’s mini reset will give them new life. But they have their work cut out for them in this one. Winnipeg has lost 7 out of their last 8 games, as well as 5 out of their last 7 played at home. That is part of a tough 3-10-3 stretch that Jets have endured in the last month-plus. Winnipeg was without Connor Hellebuyck for 10 games. But even in the 5 games with him back in net, the Jets are 1-2-2.
It is a bit of a different story for the Wild. They are fresh off of a 7-game winning streak and there is still a great feeling in that locker room since the acquisition of Quinn Hughes. Minnesota did limp into the break a little bit as they got rocked by Colorado, and then lost in overtime to Nashville. There is no cause for concern in Minnesota, but the Wild are not exactly interested in flirting with a 3-game losing streak. They will come out with some added jam to collect 2 points against a struggling Jets team.
Find out our NHL predictions for every matchup on Saturday’s 13-game slate
NHL best bet: Dallas Stars -1.5 (-125) over Chicago Blackhawks
This one is a tale of two different teams. The Stars have been one of the best teams in hockey since the first drop of the puck this season. While the Blackhawks enjoyed a great first month and a half of the season, it has been a rough go since Connor Bedard got hurt. Chicago enters this game winless in their last 6 games. Each loss was in regulation and by an average of 2.17 goals.
The Blackhawks have also dropped their last 5 road games and the numbers are even worse head to head. The Stars have won 13 out of the last 16 played against the Blackhawks. Dallas’ advantages are amplified by solid form as they are 4-0-1 in their last 5 and have won 6 out of their last 7 at home. The Stars are one of the more reliable plays in hockey and Saturday against a spiraling Blackhawks team is no exception.
NHL best bet: Edmonton Oilers vs Calgary Flames over 6.5 (-120)
The over has been trending for both teams recently. High totals reinforce season-long game totals trends as the over is 21-16-1 in Oilers games this year and 21-14-2 in Flames games. In their respective last 10 games, the combined over is 12-8. Combining Oilers road games and Flames home games during that span, the over is 7-4.
Both teams enter this game a bit volatile which has fared well for game total overs. The Oilers have scored 9 goals in their last 2 games which is not surprising for the team that scores the 3rd most goals per game in the NHL. The pure offensive prowess of the Oilers gives the over appeal. But they have either scored or allowed 4+ goals in 10 out of their last 11 games. The Flames have scored or allowed 4+ goals in 8 out of their last 10 games. The upside, pure matchup, and recent trends bode well for another over.
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