We have a massive slate tonight with twelve games taking place across the NHL. I didn’t have any plays yesterday so today’s card will be slightly larger than normal. As always, I’m keeping it light for the first few weeks until we can fully analyze these teams.
Pick(s):
- Vegas Golden Knights (-138) – FanDuel
- Risk 0.69 to win 0.50 Units
I jumped on this line as soon as it opened yesterday. This is a spot that favors the Golden Knights heavily. Winnipeg is coming off a hard-fought battle against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. They did win that game in OT, 4-3, and now have to travel to Vegas to face a rested Golden Knights team. Vegas is coming off a two-goal collapse against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. Connor Hellebuyck did play last night so it’s doubtful they’ll have him start back-to-back games this early in the year. If he doesn’t play, David Rittich will get the nod. The last time we saw him was in the playoffs last year for Nashville where he was awful. Regardless of who starts for the Winnipeg Jets, I still like Vegas here.
- Nashville Predators (-120) – DraftKings
- Risk 0.30 to win 0.25 Units
The Predator’s gave up a two-goal lead heading into the third against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday. They would go on to lose that game in a Shootout. Columbus is coming off a come-from-behind win against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday as well. When looking at this game, I believe Nashville rallies and wins this contest. They’re a better team in every area but specifically in goaltending. Juuse Saros hasn’t had an ideal start after being a Vezina finalist but he still looks strong. Elvis Merzlikins is expected to get the start for the Blue Jackets tonight. In the two starts he’s made this year, he has nearly a 4.00 GAA. At the given odds, this matchup favors the Predators to come out strong and take advantage of a weaker team.
- Montreal Canadiens to win in Regulation (-108) – Caesars
- Risk 0.27 to win 0.25 Units
The Coyotes are coming off a massive win upsetting the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2. Montreal is also coming off an upset win defeating the Penguins 3-2 in OT. Both of these teams’ last games took place on Monday, so rest will not be a factor. Home and Away splits are also rendered slightly useless here as Arizona has 13 games on the road to start the year. However, Montreal has looked much better in their two home games when compared to the road. In net, it looks as though it’ll be Vejmelka against Allen in which the advantage is in Montreal’s favor there. Overall, the Canadiens have the advantage in nearly every category and should be able to use their speed to generate plenty of scoring chances tonight.
- Edmonton Oilers (-111) – FanDuel
- Risk 0.28 to win 0.25 Units
The Oilers should have defeated the Sabres on Tuesday night if it wasn’t for Eric Comrie. He stood on his head, especially in the 3rd period, and finished the game with a +3.15 GSAx. Carolina has started the season strong winning their first three games. Even more impressive, is that all three of those games were on the road. During that span, they’ve outscored their opponents 11-3. If you’re looking at this game from an odds perspective, Vegas is begging you to take Carolina at plus money. However, I think Edmonton can right the ship and get a big win at home.
Leans:
- Calgary Flames -1.5 (-104) – Barstool
Player Props to Target:
- Jake DeBrusk over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-110) – DraftKings
- DeBrusk has recorded over 2.5 Shots on Goal in each of the first three games of the year. He also went over this number in both matchups against the Anaheim Ducks last year. The Anaheim Ducks also allow the most shots on goal against in the NHL (42.5).
- Elias Pettersson over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-120) – DraftKings
- Pettersson has recorded over 2.5 Shots on Goal in each of the first four games of the year. Last year, he only went over this number once in their three matchups against the Minnesota Wild. However, this Minnesota team has allowed an average of over 35 SOG Against this year.
- William Nylander over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-155) – DraftKings
- Nylander has recorded over 2.5 Shots on Goal in each of the first three games of the year. He also went over this number in both matchups against the Dallas Stars last year.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
