Tonight’s NHL slate might be smaller, with only five games on the schedule, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of value on the board. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to NHL wagering, there are plenty of ways to find an edge across moneylines, puck lines, and player props. With teams continuing to establish their early-season identity, let’s break down the top matchups and highlight some of the best bets for Wednesday night’s action.
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Calgary Flames
Nazem Kadri over 3.5 Shots on Goal (+115) – DraftKings
Nazem Kadri will skate in his 1,000th career NHL game tonight, a milestone he’s looking forward to celebrating with family and friends in attendance. “It’s exciting, for sure,” Kadri said earlier this week. “I’ve got lots of friends and family coming into town, so being able to share it with them means a lot.”
Kadri has picked up steam after a slow start to the season. He has recorded over 3.5 shots on goal in four of his last five games while averaging 3.6 shots on goal and 7.6 shot attempts during that span.
This is a great matchup for Kadri to keep firing. The Blue Jackets rank 32nd in the NHL in shots against per game at 34.0 and have allowed the most shots on goal to forwards this season, giving up an average of 24.0 per game.
Chicago Blackhawks @ Vancouver Canucks
Quinn Hughes over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-115) – FanDuel
After missing four games with a lower-body injury, Quinn Hughes made his return Monday and didn’t miss a beat. He logged more than 28 minutes of ice time and tallied six shots on goal on nine attempts. With Vancouver still dealing with injuries up front, Hughes continues to take on a major offensive role.
The matchup is favorable, as the Blackhawks have allowed the most shots on goal to defensemen this season. Hughes’ shooting volume and ice time make him a strong play to go over his 2.5 shots on goal line once again.
Andre Burakovsky 1st Period Player 1+ Shots on Goal (+134) – DraftKings
Andre Burakovsky over 1.5 Shots on Goal (-106) – FanDuel
Chicago has stumbled on its six-game road trip, going 0-2-1 so far, but Andre Burakovsky has been one of the few bright spots. He’s on a three-game goal streak with six points over his last four games and has shown a noticeable uptick in shot volume, recording 3, 6, and 10 shot attempts in his last three games.
Burakovsky has also been more productive on the road, covering his 1.5 SOG line in four of six games away from home. After saying, “We need to take command and set the tone ourselves. We can’t come out and have slow starts,” expect him to come out firing early. Vancouver ranks 24th in shots against per game (30.1) and 9th in shots allowed to forwards, both favorable for this look.
San Jose Sharks @ Seattle Kraken
Seattle Kraken Moneyline (3 Way) (Excl OT) (-115) – DraftKings
Brandon Montour over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-142) – DraftKings
Brandon Montour has been a steady producer in the shots department this season. He’s gone over 2.5 shots on goal in six of eight games while averaging 3.1 shots on goal and 6.1 shot attempts per game. Montour’s home splits are particularly strong, as he’s hit this number in five of six games at Climate Pledge Arena.
The Sharks continue to rank among the league’s worst defensive teams, sitting 30th in shots against per game at 31.6 and allowing the fifth-most shots on goal to defensemen.
Backing Montour to stay active offensively and the Kraken to secure a win in regulation makes sense given the matchup and both teams’ early-season form.
Sources:
Linemate – Player/ Team Props
I’ve been using Linemate since the start, and it has proven to be an invaluable resource for NHL betting. One of its standout features is the comprehensive data and analytics that help bettors make informed decisions when placing prop bets. The platform also boasts a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both experienced bettors and newcomers alike, allowing them to easily navigate and find the best prop bets. By utilizing Linemate’s robust tools and resources, NHL prop betters can significantly enhance their chances of making profitable wagers throughout the season. Beyond NHL betting, Linemate also provides in-depth data on various other sports, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAAF, EPL, and many more leagues and sports.
Best of luck, and as always, you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback, whether positive or negative, is always encouraged.
