Top 3 NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/28)
The bad news is that there are only three NHL games on Wednesday. The good news is that I have hockey bets on every contest tonight. Let's dive into all three games and get you primed to win some money on the ice with our top NHL picks & predictions for Wednesday, January 28th.
Wednesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Rangers (+120) vs. New York Islanders (-142) | O/U 6.5 (+105/-125)
Let's pick it up in the Big Apple, where the Rangers (22-25-6) and Islanders (28-19-5) will go toe-to-toe tonight. This Metropolitan Division showdown gets underway at 7:00 p.m. ET from UBS Arena in Elmont, NY.
The Islanders are coming off a 4-0 shutout victory over the Flyers, and they've now seen four of their last six games finish under the total. Additionally, 15 of their last 19 contests against Eastern Conference opponents have stayed under the number. The big edge for the Isles tonight comes in net, where they'll likely turn to Ilya Sorokin. The Russian-born goaltender has easily been a top-10 backstop this season, posting a 2.43 GAA (eighth) and a .916 SV% (fifth), while logging a league-leading six shutouts.
Over the last 10 games, the Islanders are eighth in goals allowed per 60 minutes (GA/60 minutes) with a mark of 2.47. On the opposite end, they are just 18th in goals per 60 minutes (G/60 minutes) with a mark of 2.97 over the last 10 games, while the Rangers are below them in 21st (2.88). Factor in that both power-play units are 12th or worse, and this over-under line of 6.5 goals starts to feel a bit lofty. Let's play the under.
Bet: Under 6.5 Goals (-125)
Colorado Avalanche (-162) vs. Ottawa Senators (+136) | O/U 6.5 (-125/+105)
The Avalanche (35-6-9) snapped a two-game slide (0-1-1) last time out, taking down the Maple Leafs in a 4-1 affair. They'll continue their East Coast road trip this evening when they square off against the Senators (24-21-7). Puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET from Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON.
I'm taking the over in this game. Colorado continues to be the best offense in the league, coming into tonight's game ranked first in G/60 minutes (3.89) and third in high-danger shots on goal (201). Even though the Avalanche are just 2-2-2 in their last six games, they've scored three or more goals in five of those games.
Colorado's offense should thrive on Wednesday, as they take on an Ottawa club that's 26th in GA/60 minutes (3.31) and dead last in team SV% (.866) this season. They're also 30th on the penalty kill at just 72.15%. The Senators have gone over the total in five of their last seven games, while the over is on an 8-1 run in their last nine head-to-head meetings with the Avalanche. Both offenses should pull their weight in getting this final score over the total.
Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-125)
Philadelphia Flyers (+114) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (-135) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
The Blue Jackets (24-20-7) should be well rested following the cancellation of Monday's game with the Kings, which was postponed due to weather. They'll welcome in the Flyers (24-18-9) tonight, and puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m ET from Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH.
Even though the Flyers are ahead of the Blue Jackets in the standings, this feels like we're getting an absolute bargain of a price on Columbus. The Blue Jackets' front office recently brought in Rick Bowness to take the reins of the team. He has posted a 5-1-0 record since being on the bench, and Columbus is averaging 3.8 goals per game.
Meanwhile, the Flyers are slumping, going just 2-6-2 in their last 10 games. This team has been unable to find any netminding this season, ranking 19th in GA/60 minutes (3.05) and 27th in SV% (.878). On the other end, Philadelphia's offense is just 22nd in G/60 minutes (2.86) and 30th on the power play (15.65%). Ultimately, it's the disparity in offensive firepower that has me liking the Blue Jackets tonight. If Columbus scores three or more goals, which I think is likely, it almost feels like an insurmountable number for Philadelphia to compete with. Give me the Jackets at home.
Bet: Blue Jackets Moneyline (-135)