We're coming off of a perfect 3-0 NHL betting night with Tuesday's best bets article, and I'm looking to keep it rolling as we attempt to navigate tonight's three-game slate in The National. Let's dive right into the best bets and analysis. Here are my top NHL plays for Wednesday, April 8th.
Wednesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook)
Buffalo Sabres (-150) vs. New York Rangers (+125) | O/U 6.0 (-125/+105)
The Atlantic Division has three teams tied atop the division with 102 points, which includes the Sabres (47-23-8). They'll try to pick up an easy two points against the lowly Rangers (33-36-9), who are in last place in the Eastern Conference. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York, NY.
I'm jumping on the Over in the Big Apple tonight, and I believe it's playable at a total of either 6.0 or 6.5. The Over has cashed in four of the last six head-to-head meetings between the teams.
New York could actually be the driving force in getting this final score over the number. They've been playing well offensively, ranking fifth in goals per 60 minutes (3.57) and sixth in shooting percentage (13.48%) over the last 10 games. The Rangers are 11th in high-danger shots on goal (39) during the 10-game stretch, and they've posted the third-best power-play rate at 24.88% this season. The Sabres are also averaging north of 3.0 goals per 60 minutes (3.16, 17th) over the last 10 games. Look for both offenses to find success in this one. Give me the Over.
Bet: Over 6.0 Goals (-125)
Washington Capitals (-150) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (+125) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Capitals (39-30-9) haven't been eliminated from the postseason just yet, but they have some work to do. Washington is currently five points out of the playoffs with only four games left. They're -150 moneyline favorites against the Maple Leafs (32-31-14), who are the third-worst team in the Eastern Conference. This conference clash gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
Washington has been an Over machine as of late, cashing the Over in six straight games. The Capitals are also on a 4-1 run to the Over in their last five road contests. I think there's a path to 7+ goals in this Eastern Conference showdown, so I'll be on the Over.
Toronto has been getting bullied. Over the last 10 games, the Maple Leafs rank 32nd in Corsi percentage (39.26%) and 28th in high-danger shots on goal against (43). That likely won't bode well for them against a Caps squad that's averaging 4.67 goals per game across their current 4-2-0 run.
On the other hand, Washington's goaltending has dropped off. The Capitals are 24th in team GAA (3.66) and 16th in save percentage (.881) over the last 10 games. I can see this one landing in the 5-2 range, but I also won't be surprised if we reach the magical 3-3 threshold and hit the auto-over. Either way, neither defense has been reliable, so I'm expecting some goals.
Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-105)
Edmonton Oilers (-125) vs. San Jose Sharks (+105) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)
The Oilers (39-29-10) will be playing on zero days of rest, following a 6-5 barnburning overtime loss to the Mammoth last night. Edmonton sits atop the Pacific Division heading into the night, and they'll take on a San Jose side (37-32-7) that's three points out of the playoffs with a couple of games in hand. The NHL nightcap is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from the SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA.
Edmonton has been playing decent hockey as of late, going 5-1-1 in its last seven games. Considering the Oilers have also gone 8-1 SU in their last nine games against the Sharks, I'm going to lay the juice and back them as short road favorites.
Ultimately, I just don't know that San Jose will have enough firepower to keep pace in this game. The Sharks are just 25th in goals per 60 minutes (2.68) and 26th in xG/60 (2.68) over the last 10 games. They're also 24th in shooting percentage (10.23%) and last in high-danger shots on goal (21) during the 10-game sample size. If the Sharks aren't able to test the Oilers' subpar goaltending with quality shots, then I think it could be a low-scoring night for them. I'll take the Oilers to prevail.
Bet: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline (-125)
