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NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/15)

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It’s a slim four-game slate on the ice tonight featuring a pair of exciting matchups across the league. The action gets underway at 7:00 p.m. ET with games between the Sabres and Capitals and the Avalanche and Maple Leafs. 

There are plenty of ways to bet tonight’s board, but I’ve narrowed in on these two best bets.

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

Trent’s Betting Record Since 1/21/2023

Total: 19-24 (-6.40 Units)
NHL: 17-22 (-6.27 Units)

Today’s Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Buffalo Sabres vs. Washington Capitals

The Eastern Conference Wild Card race continues to heat up as we near the final 10 games of the season. The Penguins (78 points) and Islanders (76 points) currently hold the Wild Card spots, but the Panthers (73 points), Sabres (71 points), and Capitals (71 points) are still hanging around. Puck drop between Buffalo and Washington is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

It seems like time may be running out for the Capitals. They were a competitive squad for the last two decades, but with injuries to John Carlson and Carl Hagelin combined with an aging roster overall, things appear to be on the decline in the nation’s capital. 

With that being said, I’m rolling with the up-and-coming Sabres to take the two points tonight. Buffalo brings in one of the most electric offenses in the game, scoring 3.7 goals per contest (third) while cashing 24.8% of their man-advantage opportunities (fourth). They’ll be running into an elderly Capitals squad that’s coming off a 5-3 loss to the Rangers last night. Let’s ride with this high-paced, youthful Buffalo team to outlast Washington tonight.

Bet: Buffalo Sabres Moneyline (+100 via DraftKings)

Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues

To avoid a first-round playoff clash with Colorado (80 points), Minnesota (84 points) will need to pass the Dallas Stars (87 points) and win the Central Division outright. They’ll have the chance to close the gap tonight against a downward-trending St. Louis team that has lost nine of its last 12 games. This divisional showdown is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO. 

I’m not going to overthink this one and ride with the red-hot Wild to secure the two points tonight. Minnesota is riding high right now, winning 10 of their last 13 games and securing points in all 13 of the contests. 

It’s been the defense that’s excelled for the Wild this season. This is an organization allowing just 2.5 goals per game (third) while killing off 81.9% of their penalties (10th). It’s confirmed that Minnesota will go with Marc-Andre Fleury in net tonight, and the veteran netminder is 21-13-3 with a 2.77 GAA and .909 SV% on the year.

With the Blues opting for a fire sale at the deadline earlier this month, you have to wonder where the offense will come from tonight. All things considered, I expect this Wild defense to stifle the Blues’ forwards and come away with the win.

Bet: Minnesota Wild Moneyline (-140 via DraftKings)

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