Hockey fans are in for a treat on Thursday. The NHL has a huge 13-game slate on tap beginning at 7:00 pm ET and going all through the night across North America. There are intriguing division matchups and inter-conference matchups alike, all of which make for a great night of viewing. 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 DraftKings Sportsbook 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: Bruins ML over Jets (+130)
This game line stands out as much as any on this slate. The Jets have just 2 wins in their last 10 games. Despite that, they are -155 against the Bruins who have won 3 straight entering this game as part of a 14-6-0 run. Boston collected dominant wins over the Blues twice and the Devils to get this attempt at a 4th consecutive win. The Jets, like the Blues and Devils, are struggling in a big way. The Bruins are taking care of teams that are slumping. Tonight, they get a generous +130 to do so again.
It is not very surprising that Connor Hellebuyck was injured 10 games ago when Winnipeg’s woes started. This stretch has reinforced just how important Hellebuyck is to this Jets team. Winnipeg has had some solid individual performances from their players, but it largely has not mattered because they do not have their Vezina and Hart winner in net to shut the door. The Jets are struggling with finding and playing to an identity at the moment, whereas the Bruins are rolling and look to be the better team anyway. This money line is difficult to pass up.
NHL best bet: Red Wings vs Oilers over 6.5 (-105)
Game total overs have been rolling for both Red Wings and Oilers games lately. The over has hit in 8 out of Detroit’s last 10 games, as well as in 4 out of their last 6 played on the road. The total has also gone over in 5 out of Edmonton’s last 7 games and in 6 out of their last 7 games played at home. Their combined over-under record on the season is 34-22-5, and it is 18-9-4 combining Red Wings road games and Oilers home games.
The makeup of each team and its respective strengths and weaknesses bode well for overs trends to continue. The Oilers score the 7th-most goals per game in the NHL and have the 3rd-best power play. However, they rank 28th in goals allowed per game and 20th on the penalty kill. Detroit similarly has strong goal scoring and an effective power play, but weaker goal prevention and penalty kill. The pure matchup of strong producing teams facing a weaker goal prevention opponent gives the over a great look.
Read our full Red Wings vs Oilers prediction
NHL best bet: Avalanche -1.5 over Panthers (+100)
The Avalanche make for a favorable matchup against just about any team in the NHL. The Panthers. playing in the second of a road back-to-back. are no exception. It has not been a great season thus far for Florida. Given the last 3 seasons, there is no reason for panic. They are playing better as they enter this game having won in 3 consecutive outings. However, in the process, they allowed 10 goals to the Blue Jackets, Islanders, and Mammoth. If they cannot tighten up their defense and goaltending tonight, it could be a long game.
In addition to the extra day of rest the Avalanche have over the Panthers, they also have home-ice advantage. The Avalanche have been nearly unbeatable at home for years now. They are 11-0-2 at home this year with a ridiculous 4.69 goals scored per game and +2.61 goal differential per game. Even worse for the Panthers, the Avalanche are coming off of their second loss in 4 games. Look for this Avalanche team to come out with a little extra jam to get back in the win column against a tired Panthers team. The plus money for a 2+ goal win is great value considering Colorado’s home prowess.
Read our full Panthers vs Avalanche prediction
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