Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (12/10)
Following a slim three-game slate on the ice Monday, the NHL returns with a loaded nine-game schedule tonight. I've sifted through the numbers and matchups and narrowed in on three bets that I like for tonight's NHL action.
Tuesday's Best NHL Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Toronto Maple Leafs (+114) vs. New Jersey Devils (-137) | O/U 6.5 (-102/-118)
The slate opens up in beautiful Newark tonight, as the Devils (18-10-2) host the Maple Leafs (16-9-2) in a battle of second-place teams. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
This Craig Berube-led Leafs team has taken on a whole new identity this year. They're playing excellent defense, killing penalties, and playing in low-scoring games. Currently, Toronto is ranked second in GAA (2.33), fourth in SV% (.908), and eighth on the PK (82.29%). They did just get lit up by the Penguins in a 5-2 loss, but aside from that, they've held their opposition to three or fewer goals in four straight games.
As for the Devils, they've found some defensive success as well, largely in part thanks to the addition of Jacob Markstrom. It's confirmed that the 24-year-old Swede will be between the pipes tonight. Markstrom is 13-6-1 with a 2.51 GAA (13th) and .907 SV% (21st). These are no longer run-and-gun style teams. They've anchored down defensively and are starting to figure out how to play a sustainable, winning brand of hockey. I'm taking the Under in Jersey tonight.
Bet: Under 6.5 Goals (-118)
Tampa Bay Lightning (+128) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-154) | O/U 6.5 (-118/-104)
The Lightning (14-9-2) started off their four-game road trip with a win on Sunday, defeating the Canucks in a 4-2 contest. Up next are the Oilers (15-10-2), who have won five of their last six games (5-1-0). This heavyweight battle gets underway at 9:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.
There aren't many teams that can impose their physicality on the high-paced Oilers, but I believe that the Lightning are one of those teams. I think the Bolts are going to light up the scoreboard tonight, helping to guide this game over the total. Tampa Bay enters tonight's game ranked second in scoring (3.9 GPG), eighth in expected goals per 60 minutes (3.17), and seventh on the power play (25.97%). While Edmonton's defense has looked a tad better, it's important to remember that they're still 25th in SV% (.887) and 29th on the PK (72.31%).
On the flip side, Edmonton's offense is clicking right now. They've scored 4+ goals in each of their wins during this 5-1-0 stretch of play. Their power play is slowly starting to find its groove, as they've climbed to 17th overall (20.59%). They should find success against a Tampa PK that's a pedestrian 17th in the league (79.73%). This game has 4-3 written all over it. Give me the Over in this contest that's littered with star talent.
Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-118)
Minnesota Wild (-118) vs. Utah Hockey Club (-102) | O/U 5.5 (-120/-105)
The Utah Hockey Club (12-11-4) returns home after a successful two-game road trip, where they handled the Sabres (5-2) and Flyers (4-2). They'll host a top-tier Minnesota Wild (18-5-4) team tonight, and this Central Division showdown gets underway at 9:30 p.m. ET from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT.
Minnesota is still without RW Mats Zuccarello (lower body), D Jonas Brodin (upper body), and C Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body), which could be why we're seeing this short of a moneyline price with them. However, as long as Filip Gustavsson is still healthy and playing, then the Wild don't need much offense to secure victories. Gustavsson and this Minnesota defense are the best in the league in both GAA (2.15) and SV% (.921).
As for Utah, they're a mediocre 15th in GAA (2.81) and 11th in SV% (.899). They're also just 23rd on the PK at 77.78%. Minnesota beat this team (when they were the Coyotes) in the final three meetings last year, out-scoring them 12-4. The Wild are the class of the Central, and even though they have a few notable injuries, I still think they'll "big brother" the HC and secure the two points. Give me the Wild on the moneyline.
Bet: Wild Moneyline (-118)