Hockey season is in full swing, and things are already exciting at the start of the NHL season. There are a few intriguing matchups early on, so let’s look at the games to target.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Winnipeg Jets (-192) at Chicago Blackhawks (+160) | O/U 6 (+100/-120)
The Jets started as the hottest team in the league, winning 15 of their first 16 games. However, they haven't been playing well since, with a record of 4-7-0 in their last 11.
At one point, they had the best offense in the league, peaking at 4.21 goals per game. However, they have averaged only two goals per game in their last seven, and now their 3.63 goals scored are fifth.
The Blackhawks moved on from coach Luke Richardson as they've dropped four straight. Peter Mirazekx has been a respectable goalie at 2.86 GAA and a .905 save percentage, but this offense has been any help. They are last in expected goals percentage (43.2%), and no one has 20 points; only Ryan Donato has double-digit goals this year.
There is a chance they'll save Connor Hellebuyck for the second leg of the back-to-back against Columbus. Even with Eric Comrie in the net, he should be able to handle an offense that has zero spark.
Pick: Jets 60-Minute Moneyline (-120)
Utah Hockey Club (+105) at Buffalo Sabres (-125) | O/U 6 (+100/-120)
At the beginning of the year, we thought the move to Utah helped the team as they won their first three games, but they are 7-11-4 since
The offense has struggled, with a 48.4% expected goal percentage (23rd).
They have some great forwards, such as Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, Logan Cooley, and Jack McBain, but they don’t consistently perform well.
Connor Ingram made his return from injured reserve (IR). He was awful, allowing four goals in 25 minutes before being benched by Karel Vejmelka, who played well in his absence and could become the starter moving forward.
Buffalo has the talent to be a contender, but they have never been able to put it together. A couple of years ago, they were in contention for most of the season thanks to that offense but struggled with their defense. Last season, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, their primary netminder, was great, but they struggled with injuries to the offense.
Luukkonen hasn’t been consistent this season. He allowed 12 goals in his two previous starts and had a .872 save percentage.
Both teams struggle to generate offense at full strength and special, but Utah has been very defensive, and Buffalo has had trouble holding onto leads throughout the year. Look for Utah to get the road win.
Pick: Hockey Club (+105)
