The start to the NHL season has been interesting for sure with tons of upsets and some pre-season Stanley Cup favorites struggling. The Carolina Hurricanes are still undefeated after 8 games with a +21 goal differential. We have 9 games going tonight, but two games in particular caught my eye.
Dallas Stars @ Winnipeg Jets
| Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total | |
| Dallas Stars | +215 | -115 | -1.5 (+220) | o5.5 (-110) |
| Winnipeg Jets | +155 | -105 | +1.5 (-260) | u5.5 (-110) |
The Winnipeg Jets host the Dallas Stars who have had a lack luster start to the season with a 3-4-1 record. This is mainly due to their offensive struggles up front. They’re currently 31st in the league averaging 1.75 goals per game. Miro Heiskanen, a defenseman, leads the team with 7 points through their first 8 games played.
Despite their offensive woes, they have been solid on the back end. They’re tied for 12th in the league averaging 2.75 goals against per game. Braden Holtby is expected to get the start tonight for Dallas. He has a 2-3 record on the year with a 2.40 GAA, .936 SV%, and a +1.0 GSAx.
Winnipeg seems to have hit their stride after dropping their first two games. They are 4-1 in their last five games, outscoring their opponents 20-11. The Jets now rank 8th in the NHL averaging 3.5 goals per game. Kyle Connor leads the team with 14 points with Pierre-Luc Debois behind him with 10.
Opposite of Dallas, Winnipeg hasn’t been great defensively. They’re allowing an average of 3.25 goals per game and are 31st in the league in Penalty Kill %. Eric Comrie will get his second start of the year tonight. His first start came against the Los Angeles Kings on October 28th where he faced 32 shots, let in 2 goals, and finished the game with a .938 SV%. Comrie currently has a +0.8 GSAx.
PICK: WINNIPEG JETS (-105)
The Jets will be without Marc Scheifele and their starter Connor Hellebuyck tonight. However, I still believe the Jets have a superior lineup. Eric Comrie looked good in this first start, so I’m hoping he’ll continue to play well here. The Stars lack of offensive production worries me against a team that can put up goals. Even though Winnipeg is a slight dog, I like them at home. The Jets are 2-0 at home this year while Dallas is 2-3 on the road.
Nashville Predators @ Calgary Flames
| Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total | |
| Nashville Predators | +115 | +130 | +1.5 (-190) | o5.5 (-105) |
| Calgary Flames | -167 | -150 | -1.5 (+165) | u5.5 (-115) |
The Nashville Predators have started the season 4-4 and will face a red hot Calgary Flames team tonight. This Predators team will have to rely on their defensive ability to keep them in this game as they are not built to withstand a high scoring game.
The Preds currently rank T16th in the NHL averaging 2.75 goals per game. However, they are 31st in creating high danger scoring chances which is a concern. Roman Josi leads the team with 9 points through their first 8 games.
Nashville’s defense as mentioned before will need to step up tonight. They’ve looked pretty good so far this season giving up an average of 2.75 goals against per game. The Predators have yet to confirm a starting goalie for tonight but, Juuse Saros is expected. Despite his 3-4 record, Saros has played moderately well with a .917 SV% and a +0.8 GSAx.
The Calgary Flames are 6-1-1 and 2nd in the Pacific Division behind the Edmonton Oilers. Calgary is currently on a 6 game win streak after dropping their first two games of the season.
All sides of the puck seem to be clicking for them right now. They rank 5th in the league with 3.63 goals per game. On defense, they rank 2nd only allowing an average of 1.88 goals against per game. Jacob Markstrom has been confirmed the starter tonight. He’s off to a great start on the year with a 4-1 record, 1.33 GAA, .957 SV%, and a +8.0 GSAx!
PICK: CALGARY FLAMES (-150)
The Flames don’t look like they can be stopped right now. They seem to have the advantage over Nashville tonight in every aspect. For a Nashville team that is struggling to score, they’ll face a tough challenge against this Calgary defense. Plus with how well Markstom is playing, I think Calgary gets this win at home. If you’re not comfortable laying the juice, I’d look at Flames to win in regulation around +110/+100.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
