We only have two games taking place across the NHL tonight. I’ll break down a few of the matchups and offer my best bets along with a few player props to take a look at.
Game Previews:
Vancouver Canucks @ New York Rangers
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Vancouver Canucks: 20-26-4, 6th Pacific (10-13-3 Away)
- New York Rangers: 28-14-8, 3rd Metropolitan (14-9-4 Home)
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Vancouver Canucks | +200 | +205 | +1.5 (-115) | o6.5 (-110) |
| New York Rangers | -240 | -245 | -1.5 (-105) | u6.5 (-110) |
In their first game following the All-Star break, the Canucks put up a fight but fell to the Devils 5-4 in OT. Vancouver’s been through a ton of changes lately starting with a new head coach and then losing their captain to Long Island. The Canucks have struggled defensively this year ranking 31st in goals against. As of late Vancouver’s had trouble away from home going 1-8 in their last 9 road games.
The Rangers had a hard-fought battle against the Flames in their last matchup where they would prevail winning 5-4 in OT. Igor Shesterkin has started to find his form which has helped New York win six of their last ten.
VAN: S. Martin (11-13-1), 3.94 GAA, .875 SV%
NYR: I. Shesterkin (21-8-7), 2.45 GAA, .918 SV%
Minnesota Wild @ Dallas Stars
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Minnesota Wild: 27-18-4, 3rd Central (12-10-3 Away)
- Dallas Stars: 29-13-10, 1st Central (14-5-6 Home)
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Minnesota Wild | +115 | +135 | +1.5 (-190) | o5.5 (-125) |
| Dallas Stars | -135 | -155 | -1.5 (+160) | u5.5 (+105) |
This will be the third matchup between these teams this season. They’ve split the first two games with the road team coming away victorious each time.
Minnesota’s in a playoff battle with Colorado so every point is critical for them in the second half of the season. They struggled in their first game following the All-Star break losing to the Coyotes 3-2 on the road. The Wild have had issues offensively as of late averaging just 2.60 goals for. Luckily for them, they’ve been solid defensively which has allowed them to win some games. If they’re looking to make a postseason push they’ll need some more offensive production.
Dallas narrowly won their first game after the break defeating the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in a shootout. Before that, they had lost three straight averaging just two goals per game during that span. They’re one of the best defensive teams in the NHL anchored by Jake Oettinger. Through the first half of the season, Oettinger has a +16.2 GSAx which ranks 7th.
MIN: F. Gustavsson (11-7-1), 2.26 GAA, .922 SV% [CONFIRMED]
DAL: J. Oettinger (22-7-7), 2.25 GAA, .924 SV%
Pick(s):
- Dallas Stars 60 Minute Moneyline (No Push) (+112) – FanDuel
- Risk 0.25 to win 0.28 Units
In their last game, the Stars had some issues against an inferior opponent but that happens after a few days off. Overall, the Stars have been very consistent this season under Peter Deboer. At home, they’ve been great with a 14-5-6 record averaging half a goal more than on the road. Minnesota has struggled offensively and given their matchup against Dallas who’s great defensively, they should have issues. On the road, the Wild have been subpar with a 12-10-3 record and have lost their last four games.
Player Props to Target:
- Chris Kreider over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-155) – DraftKings
- Chris Kreider has gone over this number in three of his last five games at home. During that span, he’s averaging 3.0 shots on goal and 4.6 shot attempts per game. At home, he’s recorded over 2.5 SOG in four of his last five. The Canucks rank 20th in shots on goal allowed per game averaging 31.78. On the road, that number increases to 33.54. Vancouver has also given up the 7th most shots on goal per game to Left Wingers in their last five games. He’s on New York’s top Power Play which should see plenty of action tonight. Vancouver has taken three or more penalties in each of their last four games. In their previous matchup against the Islanders this year, Kreider recorded 8 shots on goal on 12 shot attempts.
- Mason Marchment over 1.5 Shots on Goal (-175) – DraftKings
- Mason Marchment has gone over this number in four of his last five games at home. During that span, he’s averaging 2.2 shots on goal and 4.2 shot attempts per game. At home, he’s recorded over 1.5 SOG in four of his last five. The Wild rank 10th in shots on goal allowed per game averaging 30.18. On the road, that number increases to 31.08. He’s on Dallas’ second Power Play which should see some action tonight. Dallas has taken three or more penalties in three of their last four games. Marchment has recorded over 1.5 shots on goal in each of their two previous matchups against the Wild this year.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
