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NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (3/7)

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The NHL season rolls on tonight as the league offers up a 10-game slate. There are a few intriguing matchups on the docket, including the Golden Knights taking on the Panthers, the Maple Leafs squaring off against Devils, and the Flames going toe-to-toe with the Wild.

There is no shortage of betting options on tonight’s board, but I’ve narrowed in on these two NHL bets.

Trent’s Betting Record Since 1/21/2023

  • Total: 14-20 (-6.87 Units)
  • NHL: 12-18 (-6.74 Units)

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Tuesday:

Today’s Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins return home to kick off a five-game homestand, where they’ll be tasked with taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight. Pittsburgh enters tonight’s Metropolitan Division clash with 71 points, while Columbus is dead last in the East with 46 points. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from PPG Paints Arena.

With the Penguins returning home, where they’re 16-9-4 on the year, I expect them to roll this Columbus club. The Blue Jackets are one of the worst teams in the league, especially on the defensive end of the ice. I believe that will open up the opportunity for the Penguins to win this game and cover the puck line.

Columbus will likely turn to Elvis Merzlikins in net tonight, and the Latvian-born netminder is just 7-17-2 this season with a 4.15 GAA and .879 SV%. Merzlikins has made two starts against the Pens this year, and they’ve tagged him for 10 goals, which translates to a 5.12 GAA. With Pittsburgh right in the thick of the Wild Card race, look for them to come out firing in a game where they need to secure two points.

Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (-125 via DraftKings)

San Jose Sharks vs. Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche dropped their third straight game on Sunday, but they’ve still won six of their last nine games overall. They’ll host a Sharks team that’s trending downward, losing eight of their last 10 games. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in Denver, CO.

The Avalanche are presented with an excellent opportunity to get back in the win column tonight as they take on a Sharks side that’s 28th in the league defensively (3.41 GAA). Considering San Jose played last night, they’ll likely turn to backup netminder Kaapo Kahkonen, who is just 8-14-5 this season with a 3.68 GAA and .882 SV%.

With a goaltender who owns a sub-.900 SV%, the puck line is always an attractive option. And that’s what I’m locking in for this Western Conference matchup. The Avs offense has been on fire over the last nine games, tallying 3.9 goals per game. I’m expecting this one to be a blowout tonight in Denver.

Bet: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (-140 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.

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