The National Hockey League returns on Wednesday, following an epic Winter Olympics that climaxed with the United States of America taking down Canada (2-1 in overtime) in an instant classic. There are eight games on Wednesday's slate, and I've narrowed in on three of them from a betting angle. Here are my top three NHL picks & predictions for Wednesday, February 25th.
Wednesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Philadelphia Flyers (+130) vs. Washington Capitals (-155) | O/U 6.5 (+105/-125)
The Flyers (25-20-11) and Capitals (29-23-7) are on track to miss the playoffs. The Metropolitan Division foes will square off on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. ET from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Whether you find this total at 6.5 goals or 6.0 goals, I like the under either way. Philadelphia's offense hasn't been sharp recently, averaging only 2.2 goals per game across its current 1-3-2 stretch of play. The Flyers rank 22nd in scoring (2.84 goals per game) and 30th in high-danger shots on goal (163).
A major hindrance for each club has been the inability to score on the power play. Washington comes into tonight's game ranked 26th on the man advantage (16.38%), while Philadelphia is 28th (16.15%).
This should also be a solid goaltending matchup, pitting Logan Thompson against Dan Vladar. The Flyers have been a completely different team with Vladar between the pipes, as he's 17-8-6 with a 2.47 GAA (11th) and a .905 SV% (20th). Goals should be tough to come by in this one, so give me the under.
Bet: Under 6.5 Goals (-125)
Toronto Maple Leafs (+185) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (-225) | O/U 6.5 (+114/-135)
The Lightning (37-14-4) closed out the pre-break schedule on an incredible 19-1-1 stretch, catapulting them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The Bolts welcome a Maple Leafs (27-21-9) squad that has struggled this season, ranking 12th in the Eastern Conference. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, FL.
Tampa Bay had the second-most Olympians (eight) of any NHL team, trailing only Florida's count of 10 players. However, one key player for the Bolts that should be rested and rejuvenated is star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. I'll back the Russian-born netminder to turn in a gem on Wednesday, ultimately wagering on him to keep the visiting Leafs under their team total of 2.5 goals.
Vasilevskiy has been elite this season, ranking first in wins (27-7-3) and GAA (2.11), while coming in at second in SV% (.920). He'll take on a Toronto offense that's 30th in high-danger shots on goal (163) and 22nd on the power play (18.80%). Tampa Bay has held 10 of its last 14 opponents under the 2.5-goal mark. That's a trend I anticipate continuing.
Bet: Maple Leafs Team Total Under 2.5 Goals (-125)
Edmonton Oilers (-115) vs. Anaheim Ducks (-105) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)
Wednesday's NHL action concludes out west with a Pacific Division clash, with the Oilers (28-22-8) and the Ducks (30-23-3) going toe-to-toe. Puck drop is slated for 10:30 p.m. ET from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
These teams met right before the break in Edmonton, and it was the Oilers who delivered a 7-4 barnburning victory. That marked the 15th time in the last 19 meetings where the final score went over the projected total. The over is also 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Anaheim. With two potent offenses, let's not overthink this one and back the over.
The Oilers continue to dazzle on the power play, entering the new week leading the NHL at 31.45%. They're fourth in goals per 60 minutes (3.38) and second in high-danger shots on goal (223). Neither defense has been dependable, with the Oilers ranking 25th in goals allowed per 60 minutes (3.26) and the Ducks sitting at 28th (3.42). The teams are 26th (.878) and 25th (.879) in team SV%, respectively. This feels like a game where we at least reach the 3-3 floor, but I won't be surprised if it ends around 5-4 or higher.
Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-122)
