Ryan Hodges
NHL
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Sandwiched in between loaded 12 and 11 game slates on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, is this modest 4-game slate. A few weeks ago, there would have been some real juice to these matchups — but the Avalanche visiting the Maple Leafs far and away highlights the slate. Fortunately it is the other 3 games that bring the majority of the betting value. If your team is not suited up tonight, why not give yourself something to responsibly root for by making a few bets?
If you’re looking to combine a few plays that have value, check out this NHL mega parlay that has +1075 odds with DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of publishing.
Buffalo Sabres ML (+100)
Minnesota Wild -1.5 (+150)
New York Islanders -1.5 (+135)
NHL parlay odds: +1075
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Buffalo Sabres ML (+100) over Washington Capitals
Neither team is particularly playing well right now. But the Sabres have won both games against the Capitals this season, and they have the same number of points. A +100 number for the Sabres outright looks appealing considering they have beat the Capitals a combined score of 12-8 this season. Ultimately it comes down to value. The Sabres and Capitals are tied in the standings, but Buffalo has been more than Washington can handle this season when they meet head to head. If the odds were flipped and Buffalo was -120 outright, not sure anyone would look twice. Neither team does a great job keeping the puck out of the net. If that weakness persists for both teams, Buffalo is better positioned to win a high scoring game.
The Sabres have already won a couple of high scoring games against the Capitals this season. A third straight would not be remotely surprising. Buffalo scores the 3rd most goals per game in the NHL, and has the league’s 4th best power play. If this becomes another shootout as the game progresses, the Sabres score at a clip that not many teams can keep up with. The Capitals would be no exception. Washington has 4 wins in their last 13 games. Those wins came against a struggling Rangers team at the time, the Ducks, the Sharks, and finally a good showing against the Islanders. There is not enough to indicate that the Capitals will back up their outright favorite odds.
Check out today’s best NHL predictions for Wednesday’s slate
Minnesota Wild -1.5 (+150) over St. Louis Blues
The Wild and Blues have trended in very different directions. Minnesota is 10-0-3 in their last 13 games and 11-1-4 in their last 16. They are also 5-0-2 in their last 7 road games. The Wild would make for a tough matchup against most teams in the league right now, let alone a weaker team. They are 5-2 against the spread in their last 7 on the road. That contributes to their 18-15 road record against the spread this season. Those numbers are much better than the Blues’ 2-3 record against in their last 5 home games, as well as their 14-19 record against the spread overall at home. Minnesota is on fire right now and has a very favorable matchup to keep it rolling.
The Wild are legitimately in contention for the top spot in the Western Conference. They are all but a formality for the playoffs, but they have no reason to take the foot off the gas. Minnesota still wants to get the best playoff position possible for favorable matchups and home ice. They will still be grinding to collect every point available down the stretch. If the Wild are going to keep pace in the West, they need to beat bad teams like the Blues. St. Louis has 3 wins in their last 12 games and 1 win in their last 6 at home. Those 3 wins came against the Sharks twice and the Blue Jackets. Otherwise, right now the Blues just can’t hang with good teams.
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New York Islanders -1.5 (+135) over Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have actually played decent hockey lately. But the Islanders are playing well also and are overall the better team. With a team as bad as the Ducks, it is difficult to see good form sustaining. If they could sustain good form, that would just make them a good team that isn’t 4th from last in the NHL standings. The Ducks will turn the corner in a season or two. But for now, they are still a rebuilding team that make for a favorable matchup for most teams in the league. Also to mention, during Anaheim’s good recent stretch, despite points in 5 of their last 6 entering Tuesday, only 2 of those games were wins. Getting beyond regulation is fine, but they still are not exactly tearing it up or getting the job done.
The Islanders are also far from a juggernaut, but they are enjoying a good run of hockey at a time they really needed it. The Islanders are right in the thick of a playoff race that does not leave much margin for error. If the Islanders are going to make the playoffs, they absolutely have to beat teams like the Ducks. New York is 6-2-1 in their last 9 games entering Tuesday. In that stretch they beat the Penguins twice, Jets twice, Sabres, and Red Wings. Those are some legitimate opponents to go on a run. The Islanders’ strength of goal prevention against the Ducks’ weak goal scoring should reinforce strong recent play and run the score up on Anaheim.
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