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Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (1/24)

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There are just seven games in the NHL tonight, but we have several intriguing matchups on the docket. Some of the big tilts include the Jets squaring off against the Maple Leafs in a Canadian clash, the Coyotes taking on the Panthers, and the night concludes with a battle between the Sabres and the Kings out west. Below I've narrowed in on my three favorite bets, and we're looking to stay hot after last night's 3-0 performance! Here's where I'm laying my money on the ice tonight. 

Wednesday's NHL Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Winnipeg Jets (+110) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (-130) | O/U 6.0 (-112/-108) 

The Jets are looking like a serious contender this season, as they currently lead the Central Division with 64 points (30-11-4). They'll take on a Maple Leafs side that's just 2-4-1 in their past seven games. Toronto's now 23-14-8 (54 points), which is fourth in the Atlantic Division. This is the front end of a home-and-home between the two sides, and it's scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. 

Don't freak out at this under bet, but it's confirmed that goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck will not start in this game. Instead, it'll be Laurent Brossoit, who actually comes in with eerily similar numbers. The 30-year-old is currently 7-3-1 with a 2.18 GAA and .923 SV%. Brossoit has allowed two or fewer goals in each of his past six starts while posting an insane .952 SV% over the span. This should be a solid matchup for him against a Toronto squad that's averaging 3.0 goals per game in their past seven games.

On the flip side, Winnipeg is still a team that very much wants to win every game 2-1. As a matter of fact, 13 of their past 14 games have seen 6.0 or fewer goals. Ilya Samsonov is confirmed for this game, and he's coming off of a .941 SV% (16/17) performance last time out against Seattle. Ultimately, I think we're in for a defensive, playoff-style type of game where goals are tough to come by. I'm playing the under in Ontario tonight. 

Bet: Under 6.0 (-108)

Carolina Hurricanes (+114) vs. Boston Bruins (-135) | O/U 6.0 (+102/-122) 

The night continues as the Hurricanes (55 points) square off against the Bruins (67 points). Carolina's currently third in the Metropolitan Division, while Boston leads the entire Eastern Conference in points. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 

As much as I respect Boston's defense, I think this game is going to get a little loose, so I'll be on the over. For starters, both of these organizations have been "over teams" all year, where Carolina comes in at 24-21 to the over, while Boston is 24-22 to the over. 

Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that Carolina has turned into a run-and-gun style team. They're allowing 2.87 goals per game this season, which is 14th in the league. Also, Carolina has seen 11 of its last 16 games produce at least 6.0 goals. Considering we have a pair of top-four power play teams, I think we make it to at least 6.0 goals - give me the plus-money payout on the over in Boston tonight. 

Bet: Over 6.0 (+102)

Buffalo Sabres (+160) vs. Los Angeles Kings (-192) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115) 

Tonight's NHL nightcap features a cross-conference showdown between the Sabres and the Kings. Buffalo lost 4-2 to Anaheim last night, pushing them to seventh in the Atlantic Division (44 points). Los Angeles enters this game at 22-13-9 (53 points), which is good enough for fourth in the Pacific Division. This contest is set for 10:30 p.m. ET from crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. 

Let me first say that the Kings have failed to cover -1.5 goals in 12 of their past 13 games. However, I think this is a great breakout spot for Los Angeles, as they take on a floundering Buffalo side. They'll have a favorable matchup against a Sabres squad that's 19th defensively, allowing 3.04 goals per game. They're also just a pedestrian 17th on the penalty kill, killing off only 80.14% of opposing man-advantage opportunities. 

With the Sabres being on a back-to-back, I think this is a great opportunity for the well-rested Kings to dominate. Los Angeles still ranks third in the NHL in 5-on-5 xGoals% (55.65%) and fifth in high-danger shots for (107), so I think they'll come out firing offensively. I'm going to take a shot on the plus-money payout with Los Angeles -1.5 in this spot. 

Bet: Los Angeles Kings -1.5 (+130)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday:

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