Ryan Hodges
NHL
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All but 2 NHL teams are suited up on Saturday in what is an absolutely packed 15-game schedule. The first puck drops at 1:00 pm ET and the last game starts at 10:30 pm ET. That is a very long day of hockey in the best way possible. The star power and meaningful games on this slate absolutely spoil us as fans. Find any excuse to get to your favorite viewing spot and take it all in!
If you’re looking to combine a few plays that have value, check out this NHL mega parlay that has +1785 odds with DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of publishing.
Boston Bruins win -1.5 & under 6.5 (+215) vs Detroit Red Wings
Edmonton Oilers vs Toronto Maple Leafs over 7 (+105)
New York Islanders -1.5 (+170) vs Washington Capitals
NHL parlay odds: +1785
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Boston Bruins win & under 6.5 (+215) vs Detroit Red Wings
The Bruins are just an anomaly this year. They looked like they had come back down to earth a little approaching the All-Star break, but since then they are 10-2-0. It has been back to business for the Bruins, maintaining their status as a historically good team. Their domination cannot really be understated, and they have a favorable matchup against most teams in the league. The Red Wings are not an exception. Detroit just snapped a 6-game winless streak by squeaking by with a 1-goal win over Chicago. The Red Wings saw the writing on the wall and sold some key pieces at the trade deadline with an eye on their future. Results have not been great since and this one should be all Bruins.
The Red Wings and Bruins have met once this season in a game which Boston won 5-1. A repeat result would not be the least bit surprising. If that is the case, the under would also hit. As good as Boston is in terms of goal production, the Bruins are even better in goal prevention. They lead the NHL in goals allowed per game and have the league’s best penalty kill. That team strength matched up against the Red Wings’ below-average production bodes well for both the Bruins and the under. Detroit has scored 2 or fewer goals in 5 of the last 7 games. The Red Wings will have an uphill battle getting the puck in the net, which gives the under a great look.
Check out today’s best NHL predictions for Saturday’s slate
Edmonton Oilers vs Toronto Maple Leafs over 7 (+105)
This matchup has a high total written all over it. There is offensive talent on both teams, and one of the teams does not exactly excel in keeping the puck out of the net. The Maple Leafs have historically been average at best in goal prevention, but that has been a strength this season. Toronto ranks 6th in the NHL in goals allowed per game. That strength will be put to the test as Edmonton scores the most goals per game in the league. The Oilers also have the league’s best power play, score the 5th-most goals at 5-on-5, and take the 6th-most shots per game. Any time Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are on the ice, chances are likely to be generated.
Considering the matchup, McDavid and Draisaitl could log even more minutes than their averages in this one. If the Maple Leafs put a few up on the board before the Oilers, Edmonton will be forced to change their style and take even more risks offensively. The Oilers rank 21st in goal prevention and the Leafs should be able to capitalize on their favorable offensive matchup and do their part in contributing to the over. Although Toronto has good goal-prevention numbers, Edmonton has shown it can be a tough matchup as the Oilers beat the Leafs 5-2 last week. There is too much star power and offense on both teams to turn down this bet at +105 odds.
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New York Islanders -1.5 (+170) vs Washington Capitals
The Capitals and Islanders are trending in different directions. They meet at a time when things have been looking good for the Islanders and bad for the Capitals. New York has won 4 of its last 5 games, and is 11-3-3 in the last 17 games. This stretch came at a good time as the Islanders are in a heated battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They cannot afford to have any slip-ups, but they are playing very good hockey at the right time. If they are going to maintain their spot down the stretch, they have to take 2 points against struggling teams such as the Capitals. There is a good feeling in that Islanders locker room right now and they should come out looking to stay hot.
Things have looked a bit different for the Capitals lately. They have 3 wins in their last 12 games. Those wins came against a good, but slumping Rangers team, the Ducks and the Sharks. That bar is not very high in terms of ‘good’ wins. Otherwise, lately the quality of opponent has not mattered. Washington just is not getting the job done. Their outlook in this game looks bleak and it will not be a surprise if the Islanders run up the score.
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