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NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/1)

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While there are just six games on tonight’s NHL slate, there’s a trio of heavy hitters that headline the schedule. A few of the intriguing matchups include the Maple Leafs taking on the Oilers, the Devils squaring off with the Avalanche, and the Hurricanes going head-to-head with the Golden Knights. 

Let’s break down each of these tilts and get the best bets locked in. 

Trent’s Betting Record Since 1/21/2023

  • Total: 13-18 (-5.97 Units)
  • NHL: 11-16 (-5.84 Units)

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

View 5-star bets and historical prop performance by players with our Prop Bet Analyzer >>

Today’s Best NHL Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Edmonton Oilers

The marquee matchup of the night pits two of the league’s best offenses against each other as the Maple Leafs square off against the Oilers. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. 

Edmonton comes into tonight’s game ranked number one in the league in scoring, averaging 3.8 goals per game. Toronto isn’t too far off the pace, collecting 3.5 tallies per contest (5th). So what gives in this one? Well, I’m going to ride with the Leafs on the moneyline as they have more depth and they’re exponentially more competent defensively.

This isn’t one of your Toronto teams from the past, who would trade chances all night and try to win 6-5. They’re much more structured defensively and look like they have enough on the defensive end to actually get out of the first round of the playoffs this year. The Leafs are the seventh-best team defensively, allowing just 2.5 goals per game. They’re also 11th on the penalty kill, killing off 81.5% of opposing man-advantage opportunities. Let’s take the more well-rounded team in Toronto tonight.

Bet: Toronto Maple Leafs Moneyline (-130)

New Jersey Devils vs. Colorado Avalanche

The Devils start up a three-game road trip tonight, featuring stops in Colorado, Vegas, and Arizona. They’ve won four out of their last five games and will take on an Avalanche team that’s won six straight games. This one gets underway at 9:00 p.m. ET from Ball Arena in Denver, CO. 

The defending champion Avalanche seem to be hitting their stride as they’ve won six straight games, outscoring opponents 25-10 over the span. However, I say the streak ends tonight and I’ll be rolling with the Devils as slight underdogs. 

While everyone wants to talk about the explosive offense of New Jersey (4th, 3.5 GPG), they’ve been surprisingly consistent on the back end as well. They bring in the fifth-best defense, a unit that’s allowing just 2.5 goals per game. On the PK, they’re 10th with an impressive 81.5% penalty-killing rate. 

The Devils will likely turn to Vitek Vanecek tonight, and he’s been great, posting a 25-6-3 record to go along with a 2.37 GAA and .913 SV%. If he’s able to make a few key saves tonight against an upward-trending Avs team, the Devils should find themselves in this game down the stretch. Let’s roll with New Jersey. 

Bet: New Jersey Devils Moneyline (+110)

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vegas Golden Knights 

The Western Conference-leading Golden Knights (76 points) gear up to host the Eastern Conference’s second-ranked Hurricanes (86 points) tonight in Sin City. This should be a great matchup between two physical, veteran teams. Puck drop is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Arena. 

I’ll keep with the theme and say that Carolina’s defense will be the difference-maker in tonight’s cross-conference clash with Vegas. The Canes are currently second in the league defensively (2.4 GAA) and own the fifth-best penalty kill (82.7%) as well. While they have very capable defensemen, it’s their aggressive nature on the forecheck and quality neutral zone play that’s helped keep the puck out of their zone. Due to this, the Hurricanes have faced the least amount of shots this season (2,094) and it’s not even close. The next closest team is the Flames with 2,341. 

Essentially, that translates to not putting their goaltenders in compromising positions. Although, Carolina does boast a stable of excellent netminders, featuring three goalies who have played at least 19 games, each with GAA’s lower than 2.5 and SV% north of .905. So if there is a defensive breakdown, they have effective guys in the crease that can eliminate high-danger chances. 

I expect Vegas to have a tough time scoring tonight against this fortified defense of Carolina. Let’s ride with the Canes to earn the two points tonight. 

Bet: Carolina Hurricanes Moneyline (-135)

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