Top 3 NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (11/15)
We're already a fifth of the way through the NHL regular season, and it's becoming clear who will be contending and who is pretending. There have been a few shockers, including the Devils, who jumped out to a 12-3-0 start. They'll take on the Canadiens tonight as they go for their 10th straight win. Out west, the Golden Knights dominate at 13-3-0, and they'll host the lowly Sharks tonight in Sin City.
Below I've narrowed in on my top three NHL bets for tonight's nine-game slate.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
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Philadelphia Flyers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Flyers have gotten off to a decent start this season and come into tonight's game at 7-6-2 (16 points). They'll take on a Columbus team that's dead last in the Metropolitan Division at 4-9-1 (nine points). Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Nationwide Arena between these two division foes.
The oddsmakers have this game as a coin flip, and I'd say that's fair, considering the Jackets have home ice tonight. However, I'm not sure how much of an edge that will truly give them. This team has been horrendous regardless of playing home, away, or abroad in Finland, where they were just outscored 11-4 in a two-game series against the Avalanche. Until Columbus is able to get their defense and goaltending situation under control, there's no point in backing them from a betting standpoint. I'm taking Philadelphia on the moneyline tonight.
Elvis Merzlikins is expected to get the start between the pipes for the Blue Jackets, and he's just 2-5-0 with a 4.82 GAA and .863 SV%. As a whole, Columbus allows 4.21 goals per game, which ranks 31st in the league (ANA, 4.27). Even though the Flyers haven't had much success offensively this year, this is an opportunity for them to break out against a horrific defensive team. With John Tortorella at the helm for Philly, you know you'll be backing a team who is at least fundamentally sound. Unfortunately for Columbus, you can't even say that about them. Let's ride with the Flyers in this one.
Bet: Philadelphia Flyers Moneyline (-105 via DraftKings)
Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks
The Red Wings and Ducks get set to square off tonight in Anaheim, and neither of these teams found much success last week. They're each riding three-game losing streaks and continue to fall in the standings. This cross-conference clash is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.
I'm going to fade Anaheim for the same reason as Columbus above. They've had an abysmal start to the year in their own zone and are currently ranked as the league's worst defense (4.27 goals against per game). The defensive woes have carried over to special teams, where the Ducks rank 31st on both the penalty kill (64.29%) and power play (9.76%).
To be frank, Anaheim is simply not a good hockey team. On the flip side, I see the Red Wings contending for a playoff position this year. I like for them to snap their three-game skid tonight and collect the two points. Give me Detroit on the moneyline.
Bet: Detroit Red Wings Moneyline (-120 via DraftKings)
San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights had their nine-game win streak snapped on Saturday in a 3-2 loss to the Blues. They'll look to bounce back tonight as they host a Sharks team that's just 5-9-3 (13 points) out of the gate. This Pacific Division showdown is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Arena.
The Golden Knights are playing fantastic hockey to start the year, and I'm going to ride with them while they're hot. Let's lock in Vegas on the puck line at home tonight. Bruce Cassidy has this team firing on all cylinders as the Knights boast the sixth-ranked offense at 3.7 goals per game and come in ranked third defensively, allowing just 2.31 goals per game. This is a very well-rounded team, starting from the backend with goaltender Logan Thompson. He's off to an 8-2-0 start with a 2.32 GAA and .925 SV%. I like his chances to shut down this San Jose side that comes in with the 25th-ranked offense (2.7 gpg).
Ultimately, Vegas is in win-now mode, and they're playing exceptionally right now. They have the second-best goal differential at +22 (BOS, +30), so I like their chances to spread this lead out and cover the puck line at home.
Bet: Vegas Golden Knights -1.5 (-105 via DraftKings)
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