Ryan Hodges
NHL
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This week has eased back into NHL action after the all-star break. Following a packed slate on Thursday, there are just 4 games on Friday. There is plenty to watch for in those matchups, though. Vladimir Tarasenko will make his debut at Madison Square Garden as a Ranger, the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets are racing for losses for that #1 overall pick, and the Penguins are looking to gain ground in the East. If you’re looking to make a few plays, check out this NHL mega parlay that has +1059 odds with DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of publishing.
New York Rangers win and game total over 6.5 (+210)
Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (+100)
Arizona Coyotes vs Chicago Blackhawks under 6 (-115)
NHL parlay odds: +1059
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New York Rangers ML over Seattle Kraken & game total over 6.5 (+210)
The Rangers are playing great hockey right now and just got better. Vladimir Tarasenko highlighted a trade on Thursday between the Blues and Rangers that sends the sniper to New York. Since December 29, the Rangers are 10-2-3. They are in great form and will have a jolt throughout the lineup for this game as Tarasenko is expected to make his debut. This should be an exciting night for the Rangers. The Kraken have dropped 5 out of their last 9 games. In those 9 games, they beat the Devils in overtime, the Blackhawks, Canucks and Blue Jackets. Otherwise, they have been losing to good teams. The Kraken are a good team, but they are in a slump that the Rangers can take advantage of.
Despite their slump, the Kraken still score the 5th-most goals per game in the NHL and the most goals 5 on 5. They have been middle of the pack this season and goal prevention, and have allowed goals more frequently lately. That mix of a strong offensive ability with average at best goal prevention is a good recipe for bringing high game totals. The over has a very good look right now given Seattle’s current form. The over also has a good chance considering the Rangers’ current scoring touch and shiny new toy. They have scored 21 goals in the last 5 games for an average of 4.2 goals scored per game. If these teams hold to their recent performances, the over looks great to supplement the Rangers outright.
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Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 over Columbus Blue Jackets (+100)
This is a very lopsided matchup no matter how you slice it. Unless the Maple Leafs completely mail it in, they should be able to take care of business just fine against the Blue Jackets. Columbus is a punching bag for most teams this season and is firmly in the cellar of the NHL. They have 1 win in their last 5 games, and 2 wins in their last 9. The Blue Jackets both score the 3rd-fewest and allow the 3rd-most goals in the NHL. They also rank in the bottom half of the NHL in special teams, goal differential, shots taken, shots allowed, goals scored 5 on 5, goals allowed 5 on 5, shot percentage and save percentage. The Blue Jackets have a major uphill battle in this one.
The Blue Jackets are 22-29 against the spread this season, which includes 13-15 at home. The Maple Leafs are 12-11 against the spread on the road. Toronto is classic Toronto this season. Getting it done during the regular season, then we’ll see come playoffs. But they are keeping the status quo as we’ve grown accustomed. They are top 10 in both goals scored and allowed in the NHL, power play, goals scored 5 on 5, shots allowed per game, and goals against 5 on 5. They are obviously the deeper, better team and are 5-2-1 in their last 8 games. The Leafs still need to keep pace in the East while the Blue Jackets wouldn’t mind the #1 overall pick in the draft. Look for Toronto to run up the score.
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Arizona Coyotes vs Chicago Blackhawks under 6 (-115)
The Coyotes and Blackhawks have played each other just once this season in a game that ended 2-0 in favor of Chicago. Regardless of the winner, the pure matchup makes for a lower total and looks good to repeat a similar result as their prior head-to-head meeting. Arizona and Chicago just don’t score enough for the over to be a reliable play with any value. Among NHL ranks, the Coyotes are 28th in goals scored per game and their power play ranks 26th. The Blackhawks score the 2nd-fewest goals per game in the NHL and have the 8th-worst power play. Although both teams also struggle with goal prevention, getting scored on has not carried any overs trends. Lack of goal scoring has outweighed weak goal prevention for these teams, bringing a combined over/under record of 48-50-2.
The total has gone under in 6 of the Coyotes’ last 7 games, as well as in their last 5 games on the road. In their last 10 games, Arizona has scored 21 total goals for an average of 2.1 goals per game. If the Coyotes stick to their recent averages, that leaves a lot of work for their opponents, the 2nd-worst scoring team in the NHL, to carry the weight of the total if the over were to hit. That just is not likely considering the offensive deficiencies of the Blackhawks. They average less than 3 goals scored per game this season as is. This one has the makings of another low total.
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