NHL Predictions | Penguins, Red Wings, Predators Best Bets Today
Sportsgrid Staff
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NHL Best Bets for Friday Night
The NHL season is heating up, and tonight’s action offers plenty of intriguing betting opportunities. From surging underdogs to high-scoring showdowns, these games are packed with value for bettors. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of three key matchups, highlighting moneyline bets and a compelling over/under play.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets
A high-scoring clash is on the cards as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets meet in a divisional matchup. The Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby, are generating offensive chances at an elite rate, averaging 12.3 high-danger opportunities per game over their last seven contests. Despite their efforts, they’ve scored five fewer goals than expected, indicating a breakout performance is imminent.
The Blue Jackets are no strangers to offensive activity, creating 13+ high-danger chances in four of their last five games. However, their defensive vulnerabilities make them susceptible to high-scoring games, as opponents average the eighth-most high-danger chances against Columbus.
Both teams’ offensive firepower, combined with defensive lapses, makes the Over 6.5 (-118) an attractive play in what should be a goal-filled affair. Whether you are in Ohio, pulling for the Jackets or Pennsylvania backing the Pens, make sure you check the latest sportsbook promos in your state before making a play on this game.
Best Bet: Over 6.5 (-118)
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Nashville Predators vs Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames have defied early expectations with an 8-6-2 start, outperforming their preseason projection as one of the league’s weakest teams. Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators have struggled despite offseason upgrades, opening with a disappointing 5-9-3 record.
Calgary’s success has been anchored by elite goaltending, boasting the league’s top five-on-five save percentage (.939). Over their last 10 games, the Flames have limited opponents to an average of 6.6 high-danger chances per game, a testament to their defensive prowess. In contrast, Nashville’s offense has been woefully inefficient, converting on just 5.2% of their shots, the NHL’s worst shooting percentage.
Playing the second game of a back-to-back, the Predators are at a clear disadvantage against a disciplined Flames team. Back Calgary to capitalize on Nashville’s fatigue and inefficiency at +114 odds.
Best Bet: Flames Moneyline +114
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Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are quietly emerging as a team to watch, with young talent driving a surge in offensive production. Over their past five games, the Ducks have averaged 11 high-danger chances per game, showcasing their potential to control play.
The Detroit Red Wings, on the other hand, have been living on borrowed time. Despite their 7-7-1 record, the Red Wings rank near the bottom of the league in expected goals-for percentage (eGF), sitting at just 49.2% in their last six games. Detroit’s recent road win over Pittsburgh might appear impressive, but it masks underlying issues that Anaheim can exploit.
Playing at home and riding a wave of momentum, the Ducks are an enticing pick at +116 to outpace a Detroit team due for regression.
Best Bet: Ducks Moneyline +116
*All Odds Courtesy FanDuel
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