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NHL Goal in First Ten (GIFT) Odds, Picks & Predictions: Thursday

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This is a fantastic way to start the second half of the season. Three games featuring at least one current playoff team with some favorable matchups. Will these get off to a fast or slow start? Let’s see if these matchups will have a goal in the first ten minutes.

And here are our other top picks for Thursday:

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Today’s Best NHL GIFT Picks

All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Seattle Kraken vs. New Jersey Devils

The Kraken have dipped since their eight-game winning streak going 3-4-1 in their last eight.

In that span, the offense has only scored four or more goals twice and is coming off being shut out by the Islanders. Even worse, their points leader Andre Burakovsky suffered an injury in that game and is likely out for tonight.

The Devils are on another stellar run winning nine of their last 11 as they look like of the best teams in the east.

They’re also dealing with an injury to their top forward. Jack Hughes left the game against Vancouver with an upper-body injury and hasn’t practiced this week.

This will be a battle between two defenses who are top ten in Expected Goals. Look for low-scoring and sporadic scoring.

Pick: UNDER 0.5 Goals (+125)

Calgary Flames vs. Detroit Red Wings

The Flames made moves to change up the offense in the offseason, but the scoring has decreased since last season.

New addition Jonathan Huberdeau has struggled, but Nazem Kadri has been great. The best of the offense comes from their returning players Elias Lindholm and Tyler Toffoli, each with over 40 points.

The Red Wings went into the All-Star break winning two of three but faced the strong offense of Edmonton and took a 5-2 loss.

They have some talent on offense with Dylan Larkin, Dominik Kubalik, Lucas Raymond, and David Perron, all with 14 or more goals.

First-year goalie Vile Husso has been a letdown with -4.8 Goals Saved Above Expected. It’s unfortunate because Red Wings’ blue line only allows the 11th fewest high-danger shots.

The Flames are one of the better GIFT teams in the league, including the second-best percentage on the road. Going against a struggling goalie, we should see a goal early.

Pick: OVER 0.5 Goals (-155)

Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Edmonton is playing well, going 8-0-1 in the last nine games with a +24 scoring differential.

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who are the top two in points, have 16 and 14 during this time. You can’t disregard their supporting cast, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman averaging over a point a game.

The Flyers weren’t expected to go far this season, and that’s been the case.

The offense has not played well and is 25th in Expected Goal Percentage. Travis Konecny and Kevin Hayes could set career highs, but they have no support from the deeper lines.

After a couple of disappointing years, Carter Hart has been great this year, with 15.8 Goals Saved Above Expected and 2.64 Wins Above Replacement.

Edmonton has scored a lot and very fast recently, with seven of their last ten having a goal in under ten minutes. Although, Hart is playing well, he will struggle against this stellar offensive unit.

Pick: OVER 0.5 Goals (-175)

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