Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Tuesday (12/17)
The NHL returns with a 10-game schedule tonight, providing us with plenty of different ways to get some skin in the game. Below, I've narrowed in on three games from a betting perspective, and I'll let you know where I'm laying my money on the ice.
Tuesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook)
Columbus Blue Jackets (+200) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (-250) | 6.5 (+100/-120)
Let's start in Florida, where the Lightning (16-10-2) host the Blue Jackets (12-14-5) in an Eastern Conference tilt. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL.
After a decent start to the season, the Blue Jackets have regressed back to being one of the worst teams in the league. They enter this contest at 12-14-5, losing 12 of their 31 games (38.7%) by 2+ goals. I think that'll be the case here as they take on an upward-trending Lightning team in the Bay.
Mostly, it's the disparity between Tampa's offense and Columbus' bottom-tier defense. The Blue Jackets are 30th in GAA (3.42), 31st in SV% (.874), and 26th in high-danger shots against (115). Meanwhile, the Lightning are 4-1-0 in their last five games, and all four wins have come by multiple goals. They're averaging 5.2 goals per game over the five-game sample, and they currently boast the league's best overall offense this season with 4.0 goals per contest. Give me Tampa to stretch out another multi-goal win tonight at home.
Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+100)
Boston Bruins (-130) vs. Calgary Flames (+110) | 5.5 (-110/-110)
The Bruins (16-13-3) are attempting to climb back into the playoff picture after a sluggish start to the year, and they've won five of their last seven (5-2-0) games. They'll try to stay hot when they square off against the Flames (15-11-5) tonight in Alberta. This cross-conference clash begins at 9:00 p.m. ET from the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB.
I'll play the under in this game featuring two offenses that lack top-tier talent. Overall, the Bruins are just 29th offensively (2.6 GPG) this year, while the Flames are 27th (2.6 GPG). The teams are ranked 31st (13.04%) and 17th (20.93%) on the power play. Finally, Boston is just 29th in shooting percentage (9.2%), while Calgary is right below them at 30th (8.87%).
On the defensive side, these teams have decent underlying metrics. During 5-on-5 play, the Flames are 15th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (2.36) and 10th in high-danger shots against (55). The Bruins are fourth (2.1) and second (41) in those respective categories. Give me the under.
Bet: Under 5.5 (-110)
Ottawa Senators (-130) vs. Seattle Kraken (+110) | 5.5 (-115/-105)
The Senators (15-13-2) open up a nine-game road trip tonight, and they get started in Seattle, where they'll take on the Kraken (15-15-2). Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET from Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA.
Ottawa has been playing quality hockey throughout December, as they're 5-1-0 in their last six games. It's been the defense that's carried the load, conceding only 1.5 goals per game over the six-game stretch. They've seen five or fewer goals in four of those six contests. I think we'll see that trend continue, so I'll play the under.
Meanwhile, Seattle has been sound defensively this year. They're 14th in overall defense (2.78) and 15th in SV% (.896). The Kraken are currently in the midst of a 4-2-1 run, where they're allowing 2.86 goals per game. I'm not sure who wins this game, but it feels like one of those matchups where the first team to score three goals wins. This game has "3-2" written all over it. I'll take the under.
Bet: Under 5.5 (-105)