Top 3 NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (11/23)
We have a stacked slate tonight as 30 out of the league’s 32 teams hit the ice before the NHL takes a day off for Thanksgiving. There are a few intriguing matchups, with the Bruins taking on the Panthers, the Penguins hosting the Flames, and the Maple Leafs heading to New Jersey to try and snap the Devils’ 13-game win streak.
Let’s dive into my top three bets in the NHL tonight and try to cushion our bankroll ahead of a Thanksgiving filled with football and soccer.
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook
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Calgary Flames vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Flames are in the middle of a six-game road trip, and they’ve started out 2-1-0 with remaining stops in Pittsburgh, Washington, and Carolina. The Penguins have rattled off three straight wins and are rising in the Metropolitan Division standings again. Pittsburgh’s now 9-7-3 (21 points), which is good enough for fifth in the Metro. This one gets underway at 7:00 p.m. ET from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins offense has been clicking over their three-game win streak, averaging 4.67 goals per game during the span. It’s none other than Sidney Crosby carrying the offensive load. The veteran forward has scored three times over the win streak and added seven helpers. Crosby’s now seventh in the league in points with 27 (10G, 17A). When Sid is playing well, the Penguins are going to find themselves in a lot of games.
Pittsburgh comes into tonight’s game ranked fifth in the league in scoring, averaging 3.7 goals per game. They’ll take on a Calgary side that’s 21st defensively, allowing 3.11 goals per contest. The Penguins are trending in the right direction, and I think they have a great shot to collect two points tonight. Let’s ride with Pittsburgh on the moneyline.
Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline (-120 via Caesars)
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars
We’re starting to see things fall apart in Chicago, as the Hawks have lost 10 out of their last 12 games. This is about what most people expected out of the Blackhawks this year, as they had an overhaul in management and look to be entering a full rebuild. As for the Stars, they still fancy themselves as contenders after making a run at the Stanley Cup back in 2020. Their 11-5-3 (25 points) start is the best in the Central, and they currently hold a two-point edge over Colorado. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET tonight for this divisional showdown.
One of the major issues for Chicago this season has been their lack of offensive production. The Blackhawks are dead last in scoring with just 2.4 goals per game, and their power play has dropped off to 14th in the league at 21.43%. They’ll have a tall task tonight as they’re running into one of the best goaltenders in the game in Jake Oettinger. The American-born netminder is 7-2-2 this season with a 2.18 GAA and a .929 SV%.
Traditionally, the Stars have been a team that wants to fortify their back end and try to win 2-1 every night. However, that’s not really the case so far this season. Dallas is still very strong defensively, but they’ve been on a scoring rampage to start the new year. They boast the third-best offense with 3.8 goals per game and are fourth on the man advantage at 29.63%. This is a very well-rounded Stars team, and I expect them to win tonight and stretch out the lead to at least two goals. Let’s lock in Dallas on the puck line at home.
Bet: Dallas Stars -1.5 (-110 via Caesars)
Ottawa Senators vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas has been one of the hottest teams out of the gate to start the new year. They’re 15-4-1 (31 points), which is best in the west, and they hold a seven-point lead over the Kings in the Pacific Division. The Golden Knights gear up to host a Senators team that comes in at last in the Atlantic with a 6-11-1 (13 points) record. This cross-conference showdown is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from Sin City.
Like the Blackhawks above, the Sens have lost 10 out of their last 12 games. Goaltending and defense have been a massive issue, as they’re allowing 3.83 goals per game over the stretch. Anton Forsberg will likely get the start in net tonight, and he’s having a tough start to the year. He’s just 4-7-1 with a 3.43 GAA and a .904 SV%.
Seeing that Vegas is at home and one of the top offenses in hockey, I expect them to do some damage tonight. They’re the fifth-best offense in the league, with an average of 3.7 tallies per game. They should have no issue winning this game by at least two goals. Let’s back the Golden Knights on the puck line here.
Bet: Vegas Golden Knights -1.5 (+110 via Caesars)
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