After Tuesday, there are just 3 double-digit slates remaining in the NHL regular season. This one brings all of the hype and drama. There are some massively important games for teams fighting for a playoff spot. With that, this is going to be appointment television for hockey fans. The first puck is dropped at 7 PM ET and will go all through the night with 10 PM ET starts on the West coast.
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 Sportsbook at the time of publishing. Also, be sure to check out all of our NHL predictions for every game throughout the season, including all 11 matchups today.
NHL best bet: Canadiens 3-way ML (-130) over Panthers
It has not been the Panthers’ year. Given their 3 consecutive Eastern Conference titles and back to back Stanley Cups, they may not be too upset. Nonetheless, Florida is struggling as the season comes to a close. They enter this game with 2 straight losses in which they allowed a total of 14 goals. That is part of a 2-4 record in their last 6 games. The Panthers have also dropped 5 straight on the road as part of a 16-22 road record this season. They will have their hands full against a Canadiens team that has won 8 out of their last 9 and 7 straight against Florida.
The Canadiens are on a tear at a good time of year. During their recent 8-game winning streak that was just snapped on Sunday, Montreal outscored opponents 30-14. That is an average win by 2 goals. Opponents during that stretch included Carolina twice, Columbus, Nashville, and Tampa. The Canadiens are bullying teams of all stature at the moment, and they have a favorable matchup to do so again on Tuesday. The Panthers have been decimated with injuries this year and do not present the matchup to which opponents have grown accustomed. The Canadiens have won both head to head matchups this season by a combined score of 10-4. Recent form of both teams bodes well for trends to continue.
Find out our NHL predictions for all 11 matchups tonight!
NHL best bet: Flyers vs Devils over 5.5 (-115)
Among a few on Tuesday, this game has significant implications on the playoff picture. The Flyers are barely clinging to a playoff spot and desperately need these two points. They have won both matchups against the Devils this year by scores of 6-3 and 5-3. The pure matchup and team trends look good for another game total over. Philadelphia has played great lately, but New Jersey looks to be the team that should drive a higher total in this one. The Devils have been very volatile lately, trading wins and losses in their last 6 games, and having either scored or allowed 4+ goals in 11 out of their last 13 games.
The wide range of outcomes in Devils games has led to 12 overs in their last 17 games. Trends have not deviated at home as the total has gone over in their last 6 home games. In their respective last 10 games, the over is 6-2 combining Flyers road games with Devils home games. The door should be open for the Flyers to generate offense against the Devils, which shouldn’t leave much work for the Devils to contribute to taking the game over the total. New Jersey has scored 13 goals across their last 3 games, so their scoring touch has not been a concern. This one has the makings of a 3rd straight over between these teams.
Read our full Flyers vs Devils prediction
NHL best bet: Golden Knights -1.5 (+100) over Canucks
This game looks to be the most lopsided on the slate. The season cannot end fast enough for the Canucks who have had a tumultuous last couple years. They are by far the worst team in hockey and not much has changed lately. Vancouver enters this game with 2 straight losses in which they allowed 12 total goals. That is part of a 1-8 record in their last 9 which includes a 4-2 loss at the hands of the Golden Knights. That makes for 2 Vegas wins in as many tries over Vancouver this season by a combined score of 9-4. Recent form and urgency only add to Vegas’ advantages.
The Golden Knights enter this game having won 3 straight games, each by multiple goals. They beat the Canucks 4-2, the Flames 6-3, and the Oilers 5-1. This team is playing great right now under new head coach John Tortorella, and is chasing the Pacific crown. The Golden Knights sit just a point back of the top spot in the Pacific, a spot which they would love to occupy by next week’s season-end. The Canucks come at a great time in the schedule for the Golden Knights because these are a critical 2 points for Vegas. Look for the better team to stay in better form and come out with a ton of urgency to win in convincing fashion to take the 2 points. The plus-money here only gives Vegas more appeal.
Read our full Golden Knights vs Canucks prediction
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