Avalanche vs. Flames: NHL Best Bets, Picks & Predictions (Wednesday)

It’s a thin betting board in the NHL tonight as just 10 teams get prepared to hit the ice. Two matchups stick out in particular, with the Bruins taking on the Islanders and the Flames hosting the Avalanche. Calgary currently holds a four-point edge over Colorado in the Western Conference Wild Card race, while the Islanders are the first team out in the East. It should be a thrilling night of hockey. Here’s how I’m betting on tonight’s slate. And below is a closer look at Avalanche vs. Flames.

And here are our other top picks for Wednesday:

• Top College Basketball Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NHL Same Game Parlay Picks & Predictions
• NBA Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NBA Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NBA First Basket Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions
• NBA Player Prop Bet Rankings, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Today’s Best NHL Bets: Avalanche vs. Flames

The biggest game on tonight’s slate sees the Avalanche take on the Flames at the Saddledome. Calgary is currently the second Wild Card team in the Western Conference, with a four-point lead over Colorado, the first team out. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Avs have three games in hand, which makes this tilt all the more important. This one gets underway at 9:30 p.m. ET in Alberta.

I’m going to ride with the Avalanche as underdogs tonight. Simply put, the Avs are much more talented offensively than the Flames. Head coach Jared Bednar knows that the team is top-heavy, and he’s consistently riding with his top two lines. Mikko Rantanen (29G, 24A) and Nathan MacKinnon (13G, 34A) are each logging north of 22 minutes per game, while reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar (13G, 30A) is averaging 27:09 minutes of ice time on the back end. Bednar’s formula is simple: keep the best players on the ice as much as possible.

With the offensive prowess of Colorado, combined with the goaltending advantage, I like for the Avs to get it done tonight.

Bet: Colorado Avalanche Moneyline (+110 via DraftKings)

Whether you’re new to sports betting or a betting pro, our Sports Betting Strategy and Advice page is for you. You can get started with our 101 section — including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners — or head to more advanced strategies — like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread — to learn more.

Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts