NHL Best Bets

The Carolina Hurricanes made last night very relaxing as they took care of business in Arizona against the Coyotes. But today is going to be a crazy day of hockey. There are 13 games for today’s NHL slate, including the first game of the Stadium Series between the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers, which will also be one of my NHL best bets.

Florida at Tampa Bay (-102, 6.5)

The battle of Florida is back and coming at a perfect time. The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are playing strong hockey. The Panthers are currently on a four-game winning streak. The Lightning are on a three-game winning streak. 

 

The Panthers are arguably the hottest team in the NHL since January 22nd. In that span, they’re 8-1-0, and they have done an excellent job at keeping the puck out of their net. They have only allowed 13 goals against in those nine games combined. The Cats are allowing 1.44 goals against per game in this nine-game window, and their penalty kill has been converting at 90.6%. 

Sergei Bobrovsky has been phenomenal in the blue paint for Florida in his last five starts. In those games, he is 4-0-1 with a 2.32 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. 

In their last three games, the Lightning have done a great job defending. They’re only allowing 2.33 goals against per game.

Andrei Vasilevskiy has found his form once again as he is 6-2-0 in his last eight starts, boasting a 2.40 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. 

The Panthers currently have the best-expected goals against at 5-on-5 in the NHL (2.25). They should be able to neutralize the Lightning. This game should have a playoff feel to it, and I think both goalies will stand on their heads. 

NHL Best Bet: Under 6.5 -122 (play to -135)

Philadelphia at New Jersey (-135, 6)

The Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils will face off tonight outdoors at MetLife Stadium, the home of the New York Jets and New York Giants. Both meetings between the two teams this season have required overtime, so you can expect this game to be tightly played as well. The teams split those games. The Devils took the first one, and the Flyers bested them in the most recent matchup. However, tonight has a whole different feel to it. 

Both teams are coming off of frustrating losses, but for different reasons. The Devils are finally getting the saves they needed from Nico Daws. But they couldn’t find ways to put the puck in the net against the Los Angeles Kings. The Flyers were looking to extend their win streak to five games. They were able to claw their way back from down 3-1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but they fell short in overtime, losing 4-3. 

There’s no denying that the Flyers have been playing much more consistent hockey as of late. Considering that this isn’t technically a home game for New Jersey, it’s a pretty even playing field. 

New Jersey has been struggling offensively. In their last six games, they’re only averaging 2.67 goals per game, while their power play is struggling mightily, only converting at a 9.5% rate. Their man-advantage has only scored on two of their last 21 attempts. 

Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny have been providing a ton of offense for the Flyers, who are averaging 3.40 goals per game in their last five contests. Philadelphia should actually be favored in this game. I feel they’re completely undervalued. 

NHL Best Bet: Philadelphia Flyers ML +114 (play to +100)

February Record: 8-9 (-2.19 units)

2023-24 record: 88–102 (-36.97 units)

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