Here is an early look at Saturday’s NHL card so you can take advantage of some big underdogs before players like Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett are given an expected “maintenance day” having just returned to their NHL teams today and betting lines are adjusted. I will be back on Saturday with additional prop plays for the games listed below. There will not be any additional wagers on the Washington Capitals game as my updated column will be released closer to 1 p.m. ET.
Washington Capitals (-155,5.5) at Pittsburgh Penguins
12 p.m. ET
The Capitals did not have a player participating in the 4 Nations Tournament giving all the players, especially Alexander Ovechkin some much needed rest. I would expect Sidney Crosby to be given a “maintenance day” so if you are like me, jump on the Capitals before the line moves higher. Once lines become available, I will also jump on an Alexander Ovechkin anytime goal as well as Ovechkin to score the last goal of the game.
NHL Predictions: Capitals ML (-155) – 1 unit
Ovechkin anytime goal – ¼ unit
Ovechkin last goal of the game – ¼ unit
Seattle Kraken at Florida Panthers (-265,5.5)
6 p.m. ET
I would proceed with caution in wagering on the Florida Panthers today when they host the Seattle Kraken. It would not surprise me if Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett were all given the day off leaving Florida without three of their top forwards. The Panthers next play on February 25 when they travel to Nashville for a game against the Predators, giving the three players time to adjust from an emotional and exhausting tournament.
NHL Prediction: Seattle Kraken ML +215 – ½ unit
Dallas Stars (-115,5.5) at New Jersey Devils
6 p.m. ET
The Dallas Stars come into New Jersey with four straight road wins against the Devils and have taken six of the last nine overall. Dallas has been one of the league’s best as a road favorite (13-7).
The big question when handicapping the Devils for this game is will Jack Hughes play tonight or will New Jersey give him a “maintenance day” following his return from the 4 Nations with the Devils playing at Nashville on Sunday.
I would expect the Stars Thomas Harley to play tonight. Harley, played in just one game for Canada at the 4 Nations.
NHL Predictions: Dallas Stars ML (-115) – ½ unit
Colorado (-135, 5.5) at Nashville
6 p.m. ET
Another one of those games where I expect key players to be given the game off and those key players both play for Colorado. I would not be surprised if the Avs sit both Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar having had just one day off between the end of the 4 Nations, combined with Colorado playing again on Sunday at St. Louis.
NHL Prediction: Nashville ML (+114) – ½ unit
Anaheim Ducks at Boston Bruins (-225, 5.5)
7 p.m. ET
The Ducks have won two of the last three meetings at TD Garden Arena and with the loss of Charlie McAvoy on the blueline (injured at 4 Nations tournament) and Brad Marchand likely being given a “maintenance day” it’s a good price to jump on the visiting Anaheim Ducks. Four of the last six meetings between the two teams have had a combined seven goals or more.
NHL Predictions: Anaheim Ducks ML (+185) – ½ unit
Winnipeg Jets (-150,5.5) at St. Louis Blues
7 p.m. ET
I expect this game to be a battle of the backups as both Jets goalie, Connor Hellebuyck and Blues goalie have had only one day off since the conclusion of the 4 Nations tournament. As well, for St. Louis, they will be hosting Colorado on Sunday, so I would expect it would be more likely for Binnington to get the start on the second half of the back-to-back. With Eric Comrie being the expected starter in goal for Winnipeg, I will target the Blues team total over 2.5 goals. Comrie has given up three or more goals in six of his seven road starts this season. Comrie has been far better on home ice, giving up two goals or less in each of his last four starts.
NHL Predictions: Blues Team Total Over 2.5 goals (-130) – ½ unit
