NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Here are today’s NHL predictions and best bets.
NY Rangers (6-6-2) at Detroit Red Wings (9-5-0)
Betting Line: Red Wings (-115,6)
7 p.m. ET
The Detroit Red Wings return home after five on the road and host a Rangers team that owns the league’s best road record (6-1-1). After losing their home opener, Detroit has won five straight at Little Caesars Arena. It looks like oddsmakers are considering that, despite the Red Wings’ strong home record. It is their first home game after an extended road trip, and the Rangers have been dominant on the road this season. The Rangers have won six straight, seven of eight, and eight of 10 against Detroit. New York is outscoring teams 25-16 on the road, led by defenseman Adam Fox, who has three goals and 10 points in games away from MSG. In his 14 career games against Detroit, he has 15 points (one goal, 14 assists). Forward Will Cuylle has picked up a point in four of the past five games overall and has benefited from playing on the Rangers’ second line and top power play unit.
The Red Wings’ offense sputtered in the final three games of their road trip, scoring two goals or fewer in each of the last three games. They should get a boost tonight from the return of Patrick Kane. Kane has been out since last playing on October 17. He had five points in five games to start the season. In 25 career games against the Rangers, he has 7 goals and 20 points, but he has been held off the scoresheet in all four games against the Blueshirts since coming over to Detroit. He did have four shots on goal in each of the last two meetings. Cam Talbot gets the start tonight for Detroit and has five wins in six starts this season. Outside of Artemi Panarin with seven goals against Talbot, the rest of the current roster has combined for 10 goals against the Wings’ netminder.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
New York Rangers ML (-105) – .50 units
Adam Fox assist (+108) – .25 units
Will Cuylle point (+126) – .25 units
Patrick Kane Over 2.5 shots on goal (+162) – .20 units
Chicago Blackhawks (6-5-3) at Calgary Flames (4-9-2)
Betting Line: Flames (-155, 5.5)
9 p.m. ET
This Western Conference matchup pits a rebuilding Blackhawks squad on the upswing against a Flames team desperate to build momentum after a dismal start. Calgary has put together back-to-back wins for the first time this season with victories over the Flyers and Blue Jackets. Will this be a letdown spot for the Flames after an emotional night on Wednesday honoring Nazem Kadri for playing in his 1000th game? Calgary remains dead last in the NHL standings with the league’s worst offense (2.33 goals per game).
Chicago is wrapping up a grueling five-game road trip, fresh off a 5-2 upset win over Vancouver on Wednesday, where Tyler Bertuzzi notched a third-period hat trick. For those of you who are regular readers of the column, I had pointed out Bertuzzi’s prior success against Vancouver goalie Kevin Lankinen, having scored four goals in the previous six games he faced the current Vancouver netminder. My heartfelt condolences to anyone who bet the Under 5.5 or 6, with all seven goals in this game coming in the third period.
The Flames have been a bad matchup for Chicago the past few seasons, winning three straight, four of five, including the last three in Calgary, twice holding Chicago to a goal or less. But like Chicago did on Wednesday, snapping an 11-game losing streak to the Vancouver Canucks, I say they end the recent woes to the Flames tonight, and we are getting Chicago at a good plus price (+134), and as always, shop around. I also like the Hawks team total at both Over 2.5 and 3 goals (available at Bet MGM). Calgary has given up three or more goals in nine of their 11 losses and four or more goals in eight of those defeats. Eleven of the Flames’ 15 games this season have had a combined six goals or more. Check back later today on my Twitter (X) feed for player props.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Chicago Blackhawks/Calgary Flames Over 5.5 (-135) – 1 unit
Chicago Blackhawks Team Total Over 2.5 (-145) – 1 unit
Chicago Blackhawks Team Total Over 3 (+110) – 1 unit
