NHL Predictions | Red Wings, Canadiens, Kings Best Bets Today
Sportsgrid Staff
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NHL Best Bets for Thursday Night
Thursday’s NHL slate features several intriguing matchups, and with the right analytical approach, there are strong value bets to be made. From a Kings team poised for a bounce-back to the Canadiens in a favorable home spot and the Red Wings riding a hot streak, we’ve pinpointed the best betting opportunities for tonight’s action.
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Los Angeles Kings vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The Los Angeles Kings will face the Tampa Bay Lightning on the ice tonight, looking to rebound from last night’s 3-0 loss. Despite that setback, the Kings have been trending in the right direction and present excellent value in this matchup.
- Strong Recent Form: Before last night’s loss, LA had outplayed opponents in three straight games with a dominant 66.3% expected goals-for rating.
- Offensive and Defensive Balance: The Kings have created 11+ high-danger chances in four of their last six games while holding opponents to seven or fewer in four of those contests.
- Tampa Bay’s Struggles: The Lightning have been outplayed in five of their last seven games, posting a 3-4-0 record with an uptick in goals against.
With LA’s analytics pointing toward continued strong performances and Tampa trending downward, the Kings at plus money is a great value bet.
Best Bet: Kings Moneyline (+128)
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Minnesota Wild vs Montreal Canadiens
The Minnesota Wild are skating on the second night of a back-to-back, which immediately puts them at a disadvantage against a rested and improving Montreal Canadiens team.
- Minnesota’s Offensive Struggles: The Wild haven’t generated more than seven high-danger chances in their last six games, averaging just 6.5 per game.
- Goaltending Disadvantage: With Filip Gustavsson starting last night, backup Marc-Andre Fleury is in net tonight. The veteran has struggled, stopping just 88.2% of shots in his previous three starts.
- Montreal’s Scoring Surge: The Canadiens have exceeded ten high-danger chances in four of their last six games, leading to an increase in five-on-five scoring (12 goals over their previous five contests, converting on 9.8% of shots).
With Montreal’s improved offense and Minnesota’s struggles on both ends of the ice, the Habs are a strong play at home.
Best Bet: Canadiens Moneyline (-134)
Detroit Red Wings vs Edmonton Oilers
The Detroit Red Wings have been one of the NHL’s hottest teams, going 6-3-1 in their last ten games and winning three straight. They now face a tough road test against the Edmonton Oilers, but at +220 odds, Detroit offers significant value.
- Detroit’s Improved Play Under Todd McLellan: The Red Wings have recorded 10+ high-danger chances in three of their last six games and 23+ scoring opportunities in four of those contests.
- Edmonton’s Recent Struggles: The Oilers have been outplayed in two straight games for the first time since December, allowing a combined 21 high-danger chances in those contests.
- Momentum Shift: The Wings have been clamping down defensively while maintaining offensive pressure, making them a legitimate threat to pull off the upset.
Detroit is playing their best hockey at the right time, while Edmonton is seeing a dip in their metrics. At +220, this is a prime underdog play.
Best Bet: Red Wings Moneyline (+220)
Get inside the crease and access who is starting in tonight’s NHL matchups and save projections with SportsGrid’s Starting Goalies Page.
Tonight’s best bets focus on teams that offer substantial analytical advantages and value in the betting market. The Kings are positioned to rebound, the Canadiens have a favorable home matchup, and the Red Wings are an underdog worth backing.
Expect these teams to capitalize on their recent trends and make Thursday’s NHL action a profitable one.
*All Odds Courtesy FanDuel
