5 picks from data driven predictive model for tonight's NHL slate. Odds according to BetSaracen from Saracen Casino & Resort.
MIN Wild -1.5 (+150) & MIN Wild/VAN Canucks o6 (-115)
Sports betting can be a tricky game, but the Minnesota Wild have the perfect combination of tools and talent to make them the favorites in this matchup against the underperforming Vancouver Canucks. Minnesota has been on fire lately, going 7-1-2 in their last 10 games. The Wild have a strong Pythagorean expectation of .641, the third-highest in the league, and have allowed only 2.15 goals per game throughout February, making them one of the best defensive teams in the NHL.
Kirill Kaprizov and Kevin Fiala lead the charge for the Wild on offense, combining for over 1.8 points per game this season. The Wild have outscored the Canucks 7-3 in their two meetings this season, and they look to make it six straight wins against Vancouver since 2021. On the Canucks' side of the ice, they've had a tough time this season, averaging 3.97 goals against per game, the 11th highest mark in the NHL. Vancouver's offensive performance has been lacking, averaging just 3.35 goals per game, the third-lowest mark in the NHL.
The Canucks have not been able to keep up with the Wild this season, allowing 4.18 goals per game over the month of February, the 2nd-most in the league. Vancouver's road record is also far less impressive, with a .593 win percentage. And to make matters worse, the Canucks will be playing with a backup goaltender in this matchup.
Given the Wild’s Pythagorean advantage, their strong defensive record, and their talented roster, it is clear that they should be the favorites in this matchup and should be able to cover the spread of -1.5. Minnesota has outscored the Canucks 7-3 in their two meetings this season and has won five straight against Vancouver dating back to 2021. So, sharpen your pencils and get ready to make a safe bet – the Minnesota Wild are a smart choice for covering the spread against the Vancouver Canucks. Take the over 6 goals as well.
MON Canadiens +1.5 (-115)
The Montreal Canadiens have been tearing up the ice all season long, boasting an impressive even-strength goal differential of +17 – the highest in the league. With their recent 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks, the Canadiens are playing with a high level of confidence that the Kings may struggle to match.
Los Angeles, on the other hand, have been dealing with the fallout from the trade of veteran goalie Jonathan Quick to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Even with a 6-5 shootout win against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, the mood was somber after the news of the trade.
Anze Kopitar, one of the Kings' remaining players from their Stanley Cup teams, put on quite a show with his four-goal game against the Jets on Tuesday. But, the Canadiens have been outperforming their opponents consistently all season, and they have the momentum and the stats to back them up. With the Canadiens playing with a strong, confident energy, and the Kings weighed down with emotion after their recent trade, it looks like Montreal is a sure bet to cover the 1.5 spread against Los Angeles. Put your money on the Canadiens and get ready to cash in.
NSH Predators/FLA Panthers o6.5 (-135)
The Nashville Predators (29-23-6) have the opportunity to finish off the season sweep against the Florida Panthers (30-26-6) on Thursday night. The Predators have a 19-19-(3)-2 all-time record against the Panthers, including a 9-10-(1)-1 record on the road. This is the second and final meeting between the two teams this season, with Nashville already taking the first game 7-3 at Bridgestone Arena. So, the Predators have an excellent chance of building on this success and adding another win to their record.
The Predators have been firing on all cylinders as of late, with Juuse Saros leading the charge in net. Saros has 20 wins in his last 35 games, along with a 2.61 GAA and .922 save percentage. Roman Josi is having a career-year, pacing the team with 54 points (17g-37a). Matt Duchene has also been impressive, tallying 28 points (12g-16a) in his last 30 games, while Tommy Novak has contributed 22 points in 27 games since being recalled from Milwaukee (AHL) on Dec. 19. This impressive offensive firepower gives Nashville a great chance to make some money against the Panthers.
The Panthers are currently sitting in fifth place in the Atlantic Division, but they have won three of their last five games, including a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. Matthew Tkachuk leads the Panthers with 79 points (28g-51a) and Carter Verhaeghe has scored a team-high 31 goals. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has a 10-4-1 record in his last 16 appearances. While the Panthers are a formidable opponent, the Predators have a strong chance to capitalize on their impressive record against them and turn a profit.
This matchup provides a great opportunity to make some money off their matchup history of high scoring games. With the Predators current form and the offensive firepower on their roster, Nashville has a legitimate chance to come away with another win. I expect there to be a lot of goals in this game. So, if you're looking for a smart bet, look no further than the OVER in tonight's game between the Predators and the Panthers for a chance to make some money.
PIT Penguins/TB Lightning o6.5 (-120)
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning are set for a pivotal showdown with huge playoff implications. Both teams boast impressive offenses, and it promises to be an exciting, high-scoring affair. The Penguins have won four of their last five games against the Lightning, and have earned points in five of their last six (4-1-1). They also have won their last two games at Amalie Arena, and a win tonight would give them their first three-game road winning streak versus Tampa Bay since Jan. 15, 2012-Nov. 29, 2013. The Penguins' penalty killing unit also went a perfect 5-for-5 in their last game against the Nashville Predators.
Kris Letang has been leading the charge for the Penguins, with 39 points (5G-34A) in 43 career games against the Lightning. His points against the Lightning are more than any other non-Metropolitan Division team, and he enters tonight's game riding a six-game point streak (8A) against them. Jason Zucker has also been a key contributor, with 10 goals (10G-3A) in 18 career games against the Lightning and a 24.4% shooting percentage (10 goals on 41 shots). Jeff Carter has 18 goals and 30 points (18G-12A) in 40 career games versus the Lightning, with five active players having more goals against them.
The Penguins have been further strengthened by moves yesterday, including the signing of defenseman Isaac Belliveau to a three-year, entry-level contract; acquiring defenseman Peter DiLiberatore and a 2024 third-round draft pick from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Teddy Blueger; re-assigning Brock McGinn and Mark Friedman to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League; and acquiring forward Mikael Granlund from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2023 second-round draft pick. Granlund is expected to join the team in Tampa for this game.
It's time to get your bets ready for the high-stakes showdown between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning. With both teams having plenty to play for, this game could have a huge impact on the playoff race and could be a great opportunity for bettors to cash in. Both teams have put together formidable offenses and are ready to light up the scoreboard. It promises to be an intense and thrilling contest, so buckle up and get ready to win big!
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