NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Here are today’s NHL predictions and best bets.
New York Rangers (15-12-4) at Chicago Blackhawks (12-11-6)
Rangers (-145) at Blackhawks (+120) – Total 5.5 (Over, -130)
7:30 p.m. ET
The Blackhawks return home after a four-game western road swing that ended with a pair of losses to the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks by a combined score of 13-1. The Rangers have also dropped two in a row, but to no surprise, both those games were at home, where the Blueshirts have just three wins in 14 games. Now, New York heads out on the road, where they have won 12 of 17 games.
Mika Zibanejad has been on a tear for the Rangers with points in seven consecutive games and has 18 points in 18 career games against the Blackhawks. His linemate, Artemi Panarin, leads the team with 22 assists and has picked up a helper in five of his last seven games and five of his last six against his former Chicago team. The third member of the line, Alexis Lafreniere, has been hitting the target of late, cashing his shots on goal prop (Over 1.5) in five of his last six games as well as in three of his last four games against Chicago.
The Rangers have won eight of the last 10 meetings with the Blackhawks and seven of the last 10 games have had a combined seven goals or more. Hawks’ games have gone Over the total in eight of the last 11 games. Lastly, a great nugget that my good friend Ian Cameron (@bobanobets) pointed out to me earlier today. Tonight’s game is on TNT, and the last nine NHL games that have aired on TNT have gone Over the full game total (13-7 for the season). As always, shop around for the best number. FanDuel is offering a 5.5 (-130), though most places have the total at 6. I am willing to pay the “tax” knowing that all I need is six goals as opposed to seven.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Over 5.5 (-130) – 1.5 units
Alexis Lafreniere Over 1.5 SOG (-130) – .25 units
Mika Zibanejad point/Panarin assist (+210) – .25 units
Igor Shesterkin Over 22.5 saves (-122) – .25 units
Detroit Red Wings (16-11-3) at Calgary Flames (12-5-4)
Red Wings (-110) at Flames (-110) – Total 6 (Over, -120)
8:30 p.m. ET
The Red Wings have owned the Flames over the past three seasons, winning six straight over Calgary, but I am not so confident they make it seven in a row tonight. This is the front end of a back-to-back for Detroit, who have won two in a row and face the Edmonton Oilers tomorrow night in Edmonton.
The Flames have won three straight (all at home) and seven of their last 10 games overall. First periods at home have been one of Calgary’s strengths this season, having trailed just once in 13 home games (7-2-4). Conversely, Detroit has only had a first-period lead on the road in three of 14 games (3-4-7). The Flames have also scored the first goal at home in four consecutive games and seven of their past eight on home ice.
After starting the past three games for the Flames, Dustin Wolf gets the night off. Devin Cooley will be making his second home start for Calgary. He won his only start in front of the home crowd. A 3-2 shootout win over Dallas. Six of his seven starts this season have been on the road.
A couple of player props for now. Detroit’s James Van Riemsdyk has goals in four consecutive games and six of his last seven. Calgary’s Yegor Sharangovich scored goals in back-to-back games, and both have been Calgary’s and the game’s first goal.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Calgary Flames 1stPeriod Money Line (-110) – .50 units
Calgary Flames to score 1stgoal of the game (-115) – .50 units
James Van Riemsdyk anytime goal (+500) – .10 units
Yegor Sharangovich anytime goal (+340) – .10 units
Yegor Sharangovich to score Flames’ first goal (+1100) – .05 units
