Top NHL Betting Picks for Wednesday, January 20 (2021)
Wednesday offers only a five-game slate. However, we’re privileged to have two great North Division matchups. Thus far, the all-Canadian team division has lived up to its hype, displaying high intensity and emotion daily. I don’t expect that to change this evening, so let’s analyze our best bets.
And be sure to follow me on Twitter as I post or add plays on days we don’t offer a full writeup.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Edmonton Oilers (+133) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (-155)
These two squads have begun their seasons going in the opposite direction. Edmonton has started slow, going 1-3 and sitting tied for last in the division. While Toronto has started fast, currently sitting 3-1 and first in the North.
Much of this has to do with special teams. Edmonton, who in 2019-20 led the NHL in power-play success with a 29.5% success rate, has started 2-18 on their typically vaunted PP.
Toronto, on the other hand, is executing at a 42.9% clip with the man advantage. While the sample sizes are small, it’s worth noting this year while playing a condensed schedule.
At 5-on-5, these teams are relatively even. Both have explosive offenses and play suspect defense – to go along with poor goaltending. Not a recipe for long term success, but when they play one another, so be it.
The Oilers will be desperate for a win, and I think that will translate to us seeing more of the first and second lines. Connor McDavid’s line has controlled 5-on-5 shots at a 61.1% clip so far this season. At the same time, Leon Draisaitl’s second line has controlled them at 53.42%. Edmonton will have to control this game’s pace to compete, and both of these individuals have the speed and possession skills to do so.
Additionally, I suspect the Oilers’ power play to rebound. And there’s no better time than when playing a soft defensive team.
Montreal Canadiens (-125) vs. Vancouver Canucks (+108)
The preseason darling Canadiens have lived up to their hype. Currently sitting at 2-1 after a convincing sweep of the aforementioned Edmonton Oilers. They’re an exceptionally deep team from top to bottom. To date, they’ve received stellar goaltending from Carey Price and defensive play from the likes of Shea Weber and Jeff Petry.
Their power play has gone 4/10, and they currently have a 2.47 xGF/60 to pair with a 1.74 xGA/60 – a Michelin rated recipe for success.
Vancouver enters this game on a three-game losing streak. In their last games against Calgary, they were absolutely dominated after the first period. Taking an asinine number of penalties and getting outshot twofold.
They have yet to score on the power play and own an xGA/60 of 3.00. Until this youthful team shows signs of growth, I’m not going to overthink this one.
Join the BettingPros Discord Chat for Live Betting Advice >>
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts
Whether you’re new to sports betting or a betting pro, our How To Bet and Sports Betting Strategy and Advice pages are for you. You can get started with our Sports Betting 101 Section — including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners — or head to more advanced sports betting strategy — like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread — to learn more.
Jordan Anderson is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Jordan, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @Jordan_A03.