This year’s condensed schedule provides another phenomenal slate on Thursday. All but 2 teams are suited up for 15 games beginning at 7 PM ET and going all through the night coast to coast. There is no shortage of excellent matchups and a ton of intrigue on this slate. With that, there is also a lot of good betting value on the board.
If you will be tuning in and want to have some action, I’ve picked out my NHL best bets for Thursday, with lines and odds courtesy of DraftKings at the time of writing. Also, be sure to check out all of our NHL predictions for every game throughout the season, including all 15 matchups today.
NHL best bet: Lightning 3-way ML (-125) over Jets
What historically would be a competitive, meaningful matchup this time of year actually appears to be one of the more lopsided on tonight’s schedule. The Jets have had a rough go of things this year. They recently won 4-straight after losing 11 in a row. But the strong run hit a screeching halt as they have since dropped 4 out of their last 6. Winnipeg is far from a reliable team and the sample size is large enough this year to feel more comfortable fading their lines than taking them.
It is a much different story for the Lightning. Tampa sits atop the Eastern Conference with games in hand on everyone chasing them. Their .686 point percentage is second only to the Avalanche, as is both their goals scored per game and goals allowed per game rankings which best that of 30 other teams. The Lightning are rolling into this game 15-1-1 in their last 17 games and having won 6 consecutive games at home. The Jets have struggled on the road this year and have their hands full with one of the best teams in hockey.
Read our expert’s full analysis of Thursday’s 15-game slate.
NHL best bet: Flames vs Wild over 5.5 (-130)
The Wild appear the primary driver behind a high total in this one. It has been a rollercoaster of a last month for the Wild as they are 8-5-4 in their last 17 games. The pace of less than a win every other game has been largely due to Minnesota struggling to keep the puck out of the net as opposed to being snakebitten offensively. In their last 9 games, the Wild have allowed 36 total goals for an average of 4.0 goals allowed per game. That does not leave much work remaining for the game total over to hit.
The Flames enter this game having allowed 11 goals in their last 3 games, showing some leakage in their defense and goaltending as well. That matches up well for a volatile Wild team that has still scored at a solid clip. Minnesota has scored an average of 4.16 goals in their last 6. While Calgary has been quieted by opponents offensively lately, the vulnerability Minnesota has shown for an extended period of time now should open the door for some high percentage chances for the Flames. The pure matchup, recent trends, and team strengths and weaknesses bode well for the 10th consecutive game total over in Wild games, and 6th consecutive in Wild home games.
NHL best bet: Oilers -1.5 (+110) over Sharks
There have been a few narratives around the Oilers this season. Despite occupying 2nd place in the Pacific division, the narratives have largely been negative. One such narrative is around the fact that the Oilers are one of just 2 teams in the NHL that have not won 3 consecutive games this year. It is certainly an anomaly for a team of their ilk. But sure enough, Edmonton has had 9 chances to collect their 3rd straight win. Tonight makes it their 10th opportunity.
The noise is loud enough that the Oilers have certainly heard it and will come out with plenty of added urgency to put this one to bed. Edmonton has scored at least 5 goals in 4 out of their last 6 games, contributing to their 3rd most goals scored per game ranking in the NHL and top ranked power play. That matches up well against a Sharks team that ranks 29th in the league in goals allowed per game and ranks 24th in penalty kill percentage. The Oilers have an extra day of rest on the Sharks entering this game, and will be at home. San Jose is one of the more volatile teams in hockey and has an uphill battle on Thursday in Edmonton.
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