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NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (2/8)

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It’s an abbreviated night in the NHL, as just four teams hit the ice. The Canucks gear up to take on the Rangers in the Big Apple, followed by the Wild squaring off against the Stars in a Central Division matchup. Here are my best bets for each game.

Trent’s Betting Record Since 1/21/2023

  • Total: 5-9 (-4.34 Units)
  • NHL: 3-7 (-4.54 Units)

And check out our other best bets for today:

Get ready for the big game with our Super Bowl LVII Betting Guide >>

Wednesday’s Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook

Vancouver Canucks vs. New York Rangers

The Canucks continue to spiral out of control as they’ve now lost nine of their last 12 games. They’ll try to rebound tonight against a Rangers team that’s come out victorious in six of their last nine games, including two straight wins. Puck drop is set for 8:00 ET from Madison Square Garden in New York, NY.

With Vancouver sending Bo Horvat to the Islanders, it’s pretty apparent they’ve chosen to punt on the season. The centerman was their second-leading scorer (54 points), chasing only Elias Pettersson (59). It only makes sense that their offense, which has been their strength, will take a significant step in the wrong direction.

It won’t get any easier tonight as the Canucks are set to take the sixth-ranked defense in the Rangers (2.52 GAA). They’ll be running into reigning Vezina winner Igor Shesterkin as well. The Russian netminder is 21-8-7 this season with a 2.46 GAA and .918 SV%. I expect Shesterkin to shut down Vancouver on his home ice while the offense takes advantage of this lowly Canucks’ defense (31st, 3.78 GAA). I’m locking in the Rangers on the puck line in this spot.

Bet: New York Rangers -1.5 (+105 via Caesars)

Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars

The Wild make the trip to Texas, where they’ll take on the Stars in a divisional showdown. Dallas leads the Central with 68 points, while Minnesota is tied for third (with Colorado) with 58 points. This one gets underway at 8:30 ET from the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The Stars have been strong at home this season, posting a 14-5-6 record over 25 games played. I’ll look for that trend to continue tonight and back them on the moneyline. Statistically, it’s been all about their defense this season, which is allowing just 2.46 goals per game (4th). They’ve been riding with Jake Oettinger in net this season, and the Minnesota native is 13-3-5 on home ice with a 2.46 GAA and .912 SV%. I think he’ll be able to limit this pedestrian Wild offense, which ranks 21st in goals scored (3.0 GPG).

Furthermore, the Stars have a slight edge in both special teams categories. Dallas is seventh on the power play (25.00%) compared to Minnesota’s 11th-ranked unit (23.57%). And on the penalty kill, the Stars are second overall (83.82%) compared to the Wild’s 14th-best mark of 79.76%. Ultimately, the Stars are better in most of the major categories, and they should be able to collect the two points tonight at home. Let’s ride with Dallas.

Bet: Dallas Stars Moneyline (-135 via Caesars)

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