Expert NHL Picks for Tonight’s Matchups: 3 Top Value Bets
Sportsgrid Staff
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NHL Picks and Predictions for Tonight’s Action
On a busy slate in the NHL, we look at three games where the value is at its highest.
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes
In a highly anticipated Metropolitan Division showdown, the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes clash on Tuesday night. Both teams are known for their defensive strategies, making this game a likely low-scoring affair. New Jersey has already played five games, while this will be just the second game for Carolina. The Hurricanes bring their usual defensive prowess, having allowed the fewest scoring chances last season. Carolina started this season in a similar fashion, limiting the Tampa Bay Lightning to just 15 scoring chances and six high-danger chances.
The Devils, likewise, are showing solid defensive consistency. After a shaky first game, New Jersey tightened up, holding their opponents to an average of 14.8 scoring chances and fewer than seven high-danger chances per game over their last four matchups.
With both teams excelling on the defensive end and neither showing signs of an offensive breakout, the under 6.5 total is a solid choice for this game. Expect a defense-heavy battle with limited scoring opportunities on both sides.
Pick: Under 6.5 Goals (-128)
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Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Vancouver Canucks head to Florida after dropping two games at home, looking to bounce back on their four-game road trip. Their first opponent, the Tampa Bay Lightning, is coming off a win, but don’t let that fool you. The Lightning have struggled to generate offensive chances, posting just 15 scoring chances and six high-danger opportunities in their season opener, leading to an expected goals-for percentage of just 32.2%.
This is a troubling trend for Tampa Bay, which ranked 21st in expected goals-for percentage last season. With key personnel changes and an overreliance on special teams, the Lightning are poised for regression. In contrast, the Canucks are on the rise. Vancouver has dominated scoring chances, out-chancing their opponents 49-29 and maintaining a high-danger opportunities advantage of 20-8.
The analytics suggest a clear edge for the Canucks, making their underdog status an attractive bet for this inter-conference matchup.
Pick: Canucks Moneyline (+114)
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Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues
The Minnesota Wild travel to Missouri to take on the struggling St. Louis Blues in a Central Division face-off. St. Louis has been underwhelming despite adding new talent in the offseason. The Blues rank 20th in expected goals-for and have allowed an average of 14 high-danger chances per game. Their lack of offensive production—just six high-danger chances in two of their three games—only compounds their issues.
On the other hand, Minnesota has been defensively sound, allowing no more than six high-danger chances in any of their games this season. The Wild have also held their opponents to an average of 17 scoring chances per game, showcasing their ability to control play.
With the betting price moving in favor of Minnesota, the Wild is the smarter pick here. Their structured, analytics-driven play gives them the upper hand against a disorganized Blues team.
Pick: Wild Moneyline (-118)
