NHL Predictions | Predators, Blues, Canucks Best Bets Today
Sportsgrid Staff
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NHL Best Bets for Friday Night
With several key matchups on the NHL slate, we’re diving into three value-packed underdog plays for Friday night. Whether it’s capitalizing on defensive struggles, surging offensive metrics, or recent lineup changes, these picks present excellent betting opportunities.
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Nashville Predators vs Buffalo Sabres
Two teams that have failed to meet expectations face off in Western New York. The Buffalo Sabres host the Nashville Predators in what should be a telling matchup. The betting line favors Buffalo as a slight home underdog, but the numbers suggest Nashville has a significant edge.
The Predators may be coming off back-to-back losses, but their underlying metrics have been elite. They’ve controlled play in six straight games, surpassing the 60% expected goals-for (xGF) mark in all but one and averaging a dominant 63.1% xGF rating over that span. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s defense continues to be a liability, surrendering at least 10 high-danger scoring chances in three straight games and allowing 25 total goals in their last seven.
On the flip side, Nashville’s offense has been heating up, netting 22 goals over their past five games, which aligns well against Buffalo’s struggling defense. Given their superior analytics and offensive firepower, Nashville is the best bet in this matchup.
Best Bet: Predators Moneyline (-125)
Vancouver Canucks vs Dallas Stars
The Vancouver Canucks head to Texas riding a three-game winning streak, looking to take down a Dallas Stars team that has also won three in a row. Despite playing on the road, Vancouver presents a strong case to pull off the upset.
Goaltending has been the X-factor for Vancouver recently, with Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen combining for an outstanding .956 save percentage (87 saves on 91 shots) over their last three outings. While that level of play isn’t entirely sustainable, their form remains a key advantage heading into Friday.
Additionally, Vancouver has significantly tightened up defensively, limiting opponents to just 12 high-danger chances and 35 total scoring chances in their last two games. Meanwhile, Dallas’ offense has sputtered, producing only 15 quality chances and three five-on-five goals over their past two contests.
While the under could be an intriguing play, the best value lies in Vancouver’s moneyline. With their elite goaltending and improved defensive structure, they have what it takes to edge out Dallas in a low-scoring battle.
Best Bet: Canucks Moneyline (+150)
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St. Louis Blues vs Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche made waves this week by trading away Mikko Rantanen, their leading scorer, raising concerns about their offensive production moving forward. That uncertainty carries into Friday’s divisional clash against the St. Louis Blues, a team known for its defensive discipline.
Colorado returns home after a disappointing 1-2 road trip, but their scoring issues run deeper than just travel fatigue. Over their last five games, the Avs have managed just four five-on-five goals while generating eight or fewer high-danger chances in three of those outings. Losing a top offensive weapon like Rantanen only compounds their struggles.
Meanwhile, St. Louis has remained rock-solid defensively, limiting opponents to nine or fewer high-danger chances in eight consecutive games and allowing a mere 5.9 per game on average. The Blues’ defensive structure has also held opponents to just 19 scoring chances per game, making it difficult for Colorado to find consistent offensive success.
Without their primary offensive catalyst, it’s hard to see how Colorado suddenly breaks through against a disciplined Blues team. This game presents great value on St. Louis’ moneyline as they look to frustrate the Avalanche and steal a road win.
Best Bet: Blues Moneyline (+158)
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This underdog-focused slate offers some of the best value bets for Friday night. The Predators bring elite advanced metrics against Buffalo’s shaky defense, the Canucks’ elite goaltending can hold firm against a struggling Dallas offense, and St. Louis’ defensive structure should make things difficult for a Colorado team adjusting without Rantanen. These picks present solid plus-money opportunities in key matchups.
*All Odds Courtesy FanDuel
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