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NHL All-Star Game Odds, Picks & Predictions: Central vs. Pacific (2/4)

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To kick off the All-Star Tournament, there is a Western Conference tilt between the Central Division and Pacific Division. Below, I give out my best bet for the opening game.

And check out our other top picks for all of Saturday’s betting action:

Today’s Best NHL Bet

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Central Division (-125) vs. Pacific Division (+105) | O/U 13.5 (-115/-105)

The wrong team is favored in this 3-on-3 contest. First of all, the Pacific boasts the best 3-on-3 tandem in the world between Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.

They boast a 3-on-3 game score of 1.32 and 1.51, respectively, which are two of the highest four 3-on-3 game scores in the tournament. In a game where almost no defense is going to be played, the Pacific has the benefit of not bringing a single defenseman to the tournament outside of Erik Karlsson.

With that said, the closest thing to a defense that Karlsson possesses is the name of his position. On the flip side, the Central brought defenseman Seth Jones, who will be a big liability in this game.

The one advantage the Central has is in net, with goaltenders Juuse Saros and Connor Hellebuyck. However, Stuart Skinner, who will be in net for the Pacific, ranks higher than both of them in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at even-strength.

At 3-on-3, the Pacific possesses the advantage offensively and has a goaltender who should be able to keep up with his opposition across the ice. The Central is likely only favored because the Pacific will have no defense in this contest, but in a game featuring a bunch of hungover stars that are there for a good time, the defense was not going to play anyways.

Give me McDavid and Draisaitl at plus-money. Remember, this game is fun, and we do not know how hard these guys are going to be trying, so I am only putting 0.5 units, or 0.5% of my betting bankroll, on this game.

Best Bet: Pacific ML (+105 via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Best of luck!

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Tony Sartori is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Tony, check out his archive and follow him @tony_sartori.