NHL Best Bet Today (Wild Will Dominate Ducks at Anaheim)

On By Littum

The weekend is here and there’s no better way to kick it off than by cashing in on a few NHL winners, so that’s exactly what I’m going to try to do.

We went 3-0 on Wednesday, and although I didn’t write an article on Thursday, some of you will follow along me on Twitter (X) saw my three games where we went 2-1 including cashing in on the Canadiens as underdogs. That brings my NHL season record to 66-52-4 for +7.49 units. Let’s try to keep the good times rolling tonight.

Capitals vs. Maple Leafs Prediction

Despite an 8-2 run, the Maple Leafs have been playing some bad hockey lately and have been bailed out by great shooting and great goaltending. In that stretch, they are dead last in the NHL in CORSI % and 27th in 5-on-5 expected goal percentage during 5-on-5 play. No matter how strong your goaltending becomes, a good stretch can only last so long when you’re playing this poorly.

I’m going to take a shot at the Capitals as underdogs against a Maple Leafs team that is due for some regression.

Select: Uppercase +126

Penguins vs. Rangers Prediction

The Penguins and Rangers are two of the best offensive teams in the NHL. They rank second and fifth in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals per game. 60 minutes as well as second and seventh in high-danger scoring chances.

On top of that, the Penguins have allowed plenty of goals defensively, allowing the second most goals per game. 60 minutes at 3.72. I expect those factors to lead to a high-scoring affair tonight.

Select: OVER 6.5 (-115)

Wild vs Ducks Prediction

I typically stay away from puck line bets, but I think this is a good place to bet it. The Wild and the Ducks are playing in a game between one of the best defensive teams in the league and one of the worst. The Wild have the second-lowest expected goals against per 60 minutes at 2.5, while the Ducks rank dead last at 3.77.

Not only did the Ducks have to overcome a great defense in the wild, but they had to figure out how to stop Minnesota from stuffing the net. This should be a lopsided affair in Anaheim.

Pick: Wild -1.5 (+122)

Odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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You can check it all out Iain’s bet here!