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NHL best bets Nov. 10: Back the Wild to continue rolling, offence in Sharks vs. Devils

I have one pick for each of the three NHL games on Sunday.

The pregame narrative: The New Jersey Devils have been part of a lot of high-scoring games at home and I expect that to continue against the San Jose Sharks. I also like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild to win their respective games.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 10 below.

NHL best bets

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Best Bet: Devils/Sharks over 6.5 goals (-106)

The Devils get a crack at one of the NHL’s worst defensive teams.

San Jose allows the fourth-most goals per game (3.67/game) and the second-most shots (32.9/game).

New Jersey has scored three or more times in 14 of 17 games this season, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if Jack Hughes and the offence covered a majority of this total.

The Sharks aren’t good offensively either but they’ve been consistent. They’ve scored at least two goals in eight straight games.

The Devils have been worse defensively at home, allowing an average of 4.4 goals across the last five games in New Jersey.

However, their offence has been even better, scoring 4.8 goals per game during that span.

Key stat: Five straight Devils home games went over this total.

Quick picks

Blue Jackets moneyline (+100): Anaheim was carried in the early part of the season by good goaltending but the wheels have fallen off.

Lukas Dostal had an incredible start to the year but gave up 14 goals across his last three starts and the Ducks continue to play uninspiring hockey in front of him.

The team has relied heavily on the 24-year-old netminder and fatigue has to be a factor now.

He’s never made more than 38 starts in a season

Dostal has started 11 of Anaheim’s first 13 games

Considering the Ducks also allow the most shots per game (34.9), it’s safe to say most goalies would need some rest.

John Gibson was removed from the injured reserve on Friday so he could start tonight. I can’t see it making much of a difference in front of that defence, though.

The Blue Jackets have lost four in a row but this is a good spot to buy low on them.

Wild -1.5 (+130): The puck line market is something I’ve been testing over recent weeks and it’s been successful.

Minnesota has been firing on all cylinders and gets a nice matchup tonight, so let’s dig in.

Chicago is 3-7 over its last 10 games, and five of those losses came by two-plus goals. Another one was to the Sharks, which is a red flag in its own right.

On the other hand, the Wild are 10-2-2 and eight of their last nine wins have covered this puck line.

They rank seventh in goals for (3.71) while allowing the fifth-fewest (2.57) per game. With numbers like that, it’s no wonder Minnesota keeps winning games.

NHL best bets made at 11:15 a.m. ET 11/10/2024.

NHL best bets Nov. 10: Back the Wild to continue rolling, offence in Sharks vs. Devils

I have one pick for each of the three NHL games on Sunday.

The pregame narrative: The New Jersey Devils have been part of a lot of high-scoring games at home and I expect that to continue against the San Jose Sharks. I also like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild to win their respective games.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 10 below.

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Best Bet: Devils/Sharks over 6 goals (-122)

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The Devils get a crack at one of the NHL’s worst defensive teams.

San Jose allows the fourth-most goals per game (3.67/game) and the second-most shots (32.9/game).

New Jersey has scored three or more times in 14 of 17 games this season, so I wouldn’t be too surprised if Jack Hughes and the offence covered a majority of this total.

The Sharks aren’t good offensively either but they’ve been consistent. They’ve scored at least two goals in eight straight games.

The Devils have been worse defensively at home, allowing an average of 4.4 goals across the last five games in New Jersey.

However, their offence has been even better, scoring 4.8 goals per game during that span.

Key stat: Five straight Devils home games went over this total.

Quick picks

Blue Jackets moneyline (-108): Anaheim was carried in the early part of the season by good goaltending but the wheels have fallen off.

Lukas Dostal had an incredible start to the year but gave up 14 goals across his last three starts and the Ducks continue to play uninspiring hockey in front of him.

The team has relied heavily on the 24-year-old netminder and fatigue has to be a factor now.

He’s never made more than 38 starts in a season

Dostal has started 11 of Anaheim’s first 13 games

Considering the Ducks also allow the most shots per game (34.9), it’s safe to say most goalies would need some rest.

John Gibson was removed from the injured reserve on Friday so he could start tonight. I can’t see it making much of a difference in front of that defence, though.

The Blue Jackets have lost four in a row but this is a good spot to buy low on them.

Wild -1.5 (+135): The puck line market is something I’ve been testing over recent weeks and it’s been successful.

Minnesota has been firing on all cylinders and gets a nice matchup tonight, so let’s dig in.

Chicago is 3-7 over its last 10 games, and five of those losses came by two-plus goals. Another one was to the Sharks, which is a red flag in its own right.

On the other hand, the Wild are 10-2-2 and eight of their last nine wins have covered this puck line.

They rank seventh in goals for (3.71) while allowing the fifth-fewest (2.57) per game. With numbers like that, it’s no wonder Minnesota keeps winning games.

NHL best bets made at 10:19 a.m. ET 11/10/2024.

NHL best bets Nov. 9: Fade the Oilers against the Canucks, bet on offence in Rangers vs. Red Wings

Tonight’s NHL schedule is loaded with 12 games and I’m sharing my best bet plus an additional pick on a game total.

The pregame narrative: The Edmonton Oilers are back at full strength but I still can’t get behind them against the streaking Vancouver Canucks. I also like the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings game to go over 6.5 goals.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 9 below.

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Best Bet: Canucks moneyline (-106)

Connor McDavid has returned for the Oilers but they’ve been bad with and without their captain this season.

Edmonton has the best player in the world but its West Coast rival has put together one of the better rosters in the NHL.

The Canucks have also been blessed with Kevin Lankinen while Thatcher Demko recovers from injury. The Finnish goalie has a .923 SV% and 2.08 GAA to pair with a 7-0-2 record.

Overall, Vancouver is a great defensive team, allowing the fifth-fewest shots (26.9) and eighth-fewest goals (2.92) per game.

On the other side, the Oilers can’t find the offensive chemistry that carried them to the Stanley Cup Final last season. Edmonton scores the third-fewest goals per game (2.36).

Eventually, the offence will get going and improve on its league-worst 7.1 shooting percentage but I can’t see it turning around on the road against the red-hot Canucks.

Key stat: Vancouver is 7-1-1 in its last nine games.

Quick pick

Rangers/Red Wings over 6.5 goals (-134): New York’s offence has slowed down since starting the season on a tear but this is a great matchup to pot some goals.

The Red Wings allow the third most shots against per game (32.6) and turn to Ville Husso in net tonight which hasn’t gone well.

Husso made one start this season and allowed four goals on 14 shots to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a game that ended 6-3. He’s the third-string goalie but an injury to Alex Lyon has forced Detroit’s hand.

The Rangers turn to Jonathan Quick who’s been great in his transition to a backup goalie. But he’s not as impactful as Igor Shesterkin which gives me confidence the Red Wings can have their own success on offence.

NHL best bets made at 11:19 a.m. ET 11/09/2024.

NHL best bets Nov. 9: Fade the Oilers against the Canucks, bet on offence in Rangers vs. Red Wings

Tonight’s NHL schedule is loaded with 12 games and I’m sharing my best bet plus an additional pick on a game total.

The pregame narrative: The Edmonton Oilers are back at full strength but I still can’t get behind them against the streaking Vancouver Canucks. I also like the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings game to go over 6.5 goals.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 9 below.

NHL best bets

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Best Bet: Canucks moneyline (-104)

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Connor McDavid has returned for the Oilers but they’ve been bad with and without their captain this season.

Edmonton has the best player in the world but its West Coast rival has put together one of the better rosters in the NHL.

The Canucks have also been blessed with Kevin Lankinen while Thatcher Demko recovers from injury. The Finnish goalie has a .923 SV% and 2.08 GAA to pair with a 7-0-2 record.

Overall, Vancouver is a great defensive team, allowing the fifth-fewest shots (26.9) and eighth-fewest goals (2.92) per game.

On the other side, the Oilers can’t find the offensive chemistry that carried them to the Stanley Cup Final last season. Edmonton scores the third-fewest goals per game (2.36).

Eventually, the offence will get going and improve on its league-worst 7.1 shooting percentage but I can’t see it turning around on the road against the red-hot Canucks.

Key stat: Vancouver is 7-1-1 in its last nine games.

Quick pick

Rangers/Red Wings over 6.5 goals (-104): New York’s offence has slowed down since starting the season on a tear but this is a great matchup to pot some goals.

The Red Wings allow the third most shots against per game (32.6) and turn to Ville Husso in net tonight which hasn’t gone well.

Husso made one start this season and allowed four goals on 14 shots to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a game that ended 6-3. He’s the third-string goalie but an injury to Alex Lyon has forced Detroit’s hand.

The Rangers turn to Jonathan Quick who’s been great in his transition to a backup goalie. But he’s not as impactful as Igor Shesterkin which gives me confidence the Red Wings can have their own success on offence.

NHL best bets made at 11:19 a.m. ET 11/09/2024.

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Maple Leafs picks vs. Canadiens Nov. 9: Bet on Toronto to win behind productive night from Marner

The Toronto Maple Leafs play their second game in as many nights against the Montreal Canadiens.

The pregame narrative: The Canadiens are amongst the NHL’s worst defensive teams and I expect Mitch Marner to be productive in Auston Matthews’ absence. Toronto is on a roll right now, as well, so I’m backing them on the puck line at plus money.

Check out our Maple Leafs picks vs. Canadiens for the game on Nov. 9.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Canadiens

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Best Bet: Marner over 2.5 shots (-112)

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Marner can be very hit-or-miss against this line. He has 18 points in 15 games this season but that only includes three goals on 2.6 shots per game.

However, Montreal provides an intriguing matchup for opposing forwards.

The Canadiens allow the sixth most shots per game (31.8) in the NHL and if we remember, the Leafs peppered the Habs with 48 shots despite being shut out, 1-0, earlier this season.

Toronto’s top winger cleared this line with three shots against the Detroit Red Wings yesterday and I believe there will be an uptick tonight.

Key stat: Marner had six shots on opening night vs. the Canadiens.

Quick picks

Leafs -1.5 (+125): Sam Montembeault and the Habs started the season exceptionally well, but it’s gone south since then.

Since Montembeault’s otherworldly performance on opening night, the goalie has come back down to earth and now owns a .892 SV% and 3.46 GAA for the season.

The Quebec native has allowed four or more goals in four of 10 starts this season. He is not the confirmed starter but this is a team problem and not an individual one.

Backup Cayden Primeau hasn’t been any better (.861 SV%, 4.39 GAA) and the Canadiens allow the most goals against per game (4.07) in the league.

Additionally, the Leafs are rolling right now, winning four of their last six games and covering this puck line in each victory.

NHL picks made at 9:40 a.m. ET on 11/09/24.

NHL best bets Nov. 8: Back Wild to win, take the over in Washington

One moneyline pick and one over/under wager make up today’s NHL best bets.

The pregame narrative: The Minnesota Wild are rolling and should handle an awful Anaheim Ducks team in regulation. Before that, expect plenty of goals in a rivalry game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 8 below.

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Best Bet: Wild to win in regulation (-130)

If Lukas Dostal wasn’t on the Ducks there’s a real chance they would be dead last in the NHL.

The 24-year-old Czech netminder owns a 2.50 GAA (10th in the NHL) to pair with a stellar .930 SV% (third). He ranks first in Money Puck’s goals saved above expected (11.7) with a 4.5-goal buffer ahead of the second-place Igor Shesterkin.

But Dostal has started four straight games for Anaheim — and nine of its last 10 — and is starting to crack.

He’s allowed nine goals in his last two starts with a SV% below .870 in each outing. The Ducks would be wise to give him a rest and backup James Reimer has been awful (4.50 GAA, .864 SV%).

But even if Dostal plays I love Minnesota to win this game handily.

The Ducks can’t score and rank dead last in goals per game (2.08). The Wild, meanwhile, are scoring the eighth-most goals per game (3.63) behind the stellar play of Kirill Kaprizov.

This simply smells like a blowout.

Key stat: Minnesota is 9-2-2 and eight of those wins have come in regulation.

Quick picks

Penguins/Capitals over 6.5 goals (-106): Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have provided fans with one of the most memorable rivalries in NHL history and I expect both to lead their teams offensively tonight.

The Capitals have been the NHL’s biggest surprise this season with a 9-3-0 record through 12 games thanks to an electric offence.

Washington scores the fourth-most goals per game (4.08) and Ovi has contributed eight in his chase to pass Wayne Gretzky for the most all time.

With a back-to-back on the horizon, the Capitals are electing to start Charlie Lindgren in goal. He has an underwhelming .896 SV% and has allowed three goals in three straight starts.

Pittsburgh is nowhere near Washington in terms of offence but it should able light the lamp tonight.

Crosby (15) and Evgeni Malkin (16) pace the team in points and have helped the Pens scored three-plus goals in four of their last six games.

The Capitals also allow the ninth-most 5-on-5 chances per 60, per Natural Stat Trick.

NHL best bets made at 11:39 a.m. ET 11/08/2024.

NHL best bets Nov. 8: Back Wild to win, take the over in Washington

One moneyline pick and one over/under wager make up today’s NHL best bets.

The pregame narrative: The Minnesota Wild are rolling and should handle an awful Anaheim Ducks team in regulation. Before that, expect plenty of goals in a rivalry game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 8 below.

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Best Bet: Wild to win in regulation (-117)

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If Lukas Dostal wasn’t on the Ducks there’s a real chance they would be dead last in the NHL.

The 24-year-old Czech netminder owns a 2.50 GAA (10th in the NHL) to pair with a stellar .930 SV% (third). He ranks first in Money Puck’s goals saved above expected (11.7) with a 4.5-goal buffer ahead of the second-place Igor Shesterkin.

But Dostal has started four straight games for Anaheim — and nine of its last 10 — and is starting to crack.

He’s allowed nine goals in his last two starts with a SV% below .870 in each outing. The Ducks would be wise to give him a rest and backup James Reimer has been awful (4.50 GAA, .864 SV%).

But even if Dostal plays I love Minnesota to win this game handily.

The Ducks can’t score and rank dead last in goals per game (2.08). The Wild, meanwhile, are scoring the eighth-most goals per game (3.63) behind the stellar play of Kirill Kaprizov.

This simply smells like a blowout.

Key stat: Minnesota is 9-2-2 and eight of those wins have come in regulation.

Quick picks

Penguins/Capitals over 6.5 goals (-105): Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have provided fans with one of the most memorable rivalries in NHL history and I expect both to lead their teams offensively tonight.

The Capitals have been the NHL’s biggest surprise this season with a 9-3-0 record through 12 games thanks to an electric offence.

Washington scores the fourth-most goals per game (4.08) and Ovi has contributed eight in his chase to pass Wayne Gretzky for the most all time.

With a back-to-back on the horizon, the Capitals are electing to start Charlie Lindgren in goal. He has an underwhelming .896 SV% and has allowed three goals in three straight starts.

Pittsburgh is nowhere near Washington in terms of offence but it should able light the lamp tonight.

Crosby (15) and Evgeni Malkin (16) pace the team in points and have helped the Pens scored three-plus goals in four of their last six games.

The Capitals also allow the ninth-most 5-on-5 chances per 60, per Natural Stat Trick.

NHL best bets made at 11:39 a.m. ET 11/08/2024.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Red Wings Nov. 8: Bet on Toronto to win, Nylander to shine

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings meet for an Original Six showdown tonight.

The pregame narrative: Auston Matthews’ availability is up in the air for a second straight game but that shouldn’t matter. Bet on Toronto to win in regulation and William Nylander to clear his shot total.

Check out our Maple Leafs picks vs. Red Wings for the game on Nov. 8.

Maple Leafs picks vs. Red Wings

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Best Bet: Nylander over 3.5 shots (-120)

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Nylander is on fire right now and I want in.

The Swede’s 10 goals rank third in the NHL and five of them have come in his last five games. He’s only gone over this mark twice in that span but had exactly three shots in a pair of games as well.

All that is to say Nylander is putting pucks on net and has established himself as the team’s top dog with Matthews sidelined.

Speaking of Toronto’s captain, it’s unclear if he’ll play tonight after missing Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins. He was a non-participant in practice on Thursday, which is probably not a good sign.

Nylander will still skate on the second line alongside John Tavares and Max Pacioretty but is back on the first power play unit with Matthews out.

The Red Wings also profile as a great matchup for Nylander to pile up shots.

Detroit is allowing the third-most shots (32.34) and fifth-most chances (65.51) at even strength per 60 minutes, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Key stat: Nylander cleared this total in all three games versus Detroit last year.

Quick picks

Maple Leafs to win in regulation (-110): Detroit’s defence has been a problem but strong goaltending has kept it afloat.

Alex Lyon is confirmed in the pipes tonight and he owns a 2.78 GAA and .916 SV% through six starts. But things haven’t been going so well for the American lately, as he’s allowed 10 goals in his last two outings against the Buffalo Sabres (four) and Winnipeg Jets (six).

The Leafs rank fifth in 5-on-5 chances per 60, and I expect them to relentlessly test Lyon tonight.

It’s unclear who will start in goal for Toronto as of 10:00 a.m. ET, but I’m confident in either option. Anthony Stolarz has been sensational so far and Joseph Woll is finally getting his legs under him.

Every Leafs win this season has come in regulation and I expect that trend to continue.

NHL picks made at 9:40 a.m. ET on 11/08/24.

NHL best bets Nov. 7: Fade offence in Canucks vs. Kings, expect Panthers to steamroll Predators

Today’s NHL schedule is loaded with 12 games and I got three picks for you.

The pregame narrative: The Florida Panthers host the Nashville Predators on a back-to-back and I like the home team to win comfortably. Elsewhere, I’m fading offence in the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings game while backing Nino Niederreiter to score a point.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 7 below.

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Best Bet: Canucks/Kings under 5.5 goals (-106)

These teams are two of the more defensively sound teams in the NHL.

The Canucks allow the fifth-fewest shots (26.8) per game while the Kings allow the third-fewest (25.5). A low amount of shots tonight would limit the scoring chances for both sides.

Additionally, Vancouver’s Kevin Lankinen has been a plus in goal for his team in the absence of Thatcher Demko.

The Finnish goalie ranks 22nd among 71 eligible goalies with 1.5 goals saved above expected, per Money Puck.

Both the Canucks (16.7%) and the Kings (17.0%) have a bottom-12 powerplay which makes it easy to fade offence here.

Key stat: Eight of the last 10 games played between the Canucks and Kings have finished with five or fewer total goals.

Quick picks

Panthers -1.5 (+120): The Predators are on a road back-to-back and things don’t get any easier against Florida.

The Panthers have won five straight games, covering this puck line in each win. They have a victory over the New York Rangers and two against the Dallas Stars in the span.

Florida hasn’t played since Saturday which may be a concern to some but I’d rather back the well-rested Panthers over the struggling Predators on the second half of a road back-to-back.

Nashville had high aspirations coming into this season after having a productive summer but things have yet to click and I can’t picture a turnaround against the reigning Cup champs.

The Preds score the fourth-fewest goals per game (2.38) and allow the seventh-most (3.38). They’ve struggled in the early part of the season with a 4-8-1 record.

Juuse Saros will get the night off after playing in last night’s loss to the Washington Capitals. That leaves Scott Wedgewood and he’s struggled in his two starts, allowing seven goals on 48 shots (.854 SV%).

Florida comes in the better-rested and more talented team which has my giddy to back them on the puck line.

Niederreiter to record a point (+120): I’m going to keep this one short and simple.

The Jets are 12-1-0 and their offence leads the NHL in goals scored per game (4.77).

Niederreiter has contributed 12 points in 13 games and plays on the second power play. That includes scoring at least a point in seven of the last nine games and the Colorado Avalanche provides a juicy matchup.

The Avs concede the most goals per game (4.15) and starting goalie Alexander Georgiev has been awful. He’s allowed a whopping 10.2 goals above expected which unsurprisingly is the worst in the league.

For context, the next closest is Connor Ingram who’s allowed 6.7 goals above expected. Yeah, Georgiev has been that bad.

And considering the other top-six forwards on Colorado all carry -129 odds or wider, I like the value on Niederreiter as plus money.

NHL best bets made at 1:03 p.m. ET 11/07/2024.

NHL best bets Nov. 7: Fade offence in Canucks vs. Kings, expect Panthers to steamroll Predators

Today’s NHL schedule is loaded with 12 games and I got three picks for you.

The pregame narrative: The Florida Panthers host the Nashville Predators on a back-to-back and I like the home team to win comfortably. Elsewhere, I’m fading offence in the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings game while backing Nino Niederreiter to score a point.

Find my NHL best bets for Nov. 7 below.

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Best Bet: Canucks/Kings under 6 goals (-121)

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These teams are two of the more defensively sound teams in the NHL.

The Canucks allow the fifth-fewest shots (26.8) per game while the Kings allow the third-fewest (25.5). A low amount of shots tonight would limit the scoring chances for both sides.

Additionally, Vancouver’s Kevin Lankinen has been a plus in goal for his team in the absence of Thatcher Demko.

The Finnish goalie ranks 22nd among 71 eligible goalies with 1.5 goals saved above expected, per Money Puck.

Both the Canucks (16.7%) and the Kings (17.0%) have a bottom-12 powerplay which makes it easy to fade offence here.

Key stat: Nine of the last 10 games played between the Canucks and Kings have finished with six or fewer total goals.

Quick picks

Panthers -1.5 (+132): The Predators are on a road back-to-back and things don’t get any easier against Florida.

The Panthers have won five straight games, covering this puck line in each win. They have a victory over the New York Rangers and two against the Dallas Stars in the span.

Florida hasn’t played since Saturday which may be a concern to some but I’d rather back the well-rested Panthers over the struggling Predators on the second half of a road back-to-back.

Nashville had high aspirations coming into this season after having a productive summer but things have yet to click and I can’t picture a turnaround against the reigning Cup champs.

The Preds score the fourth-fewest goals per game (2.38) and allow the seventh-most (3.38). They’ve struggled in the early part of the season with a 4-8-1 record.

Juuse Saros will get the night off after playing in last night’s loss to the Washington Capitals. That leaves Scott Wedgewood and he’s struggled in his two starts, allowing seven goals on 48 shots (.854 SV%).

Florida comes in the better-rested and more talented team which has my giddy to back them on the puck line.

Niederreiter to record a point (+128): I’m going to keep this one short and simple.

The Jets are 12-1-0 and their offence leads the NHL in goals scored per game (4.77).

Niederreiter has contributed 12 points in 13 games and plays on the second power play. That includes scoring at least a point in seven of the last nine games and the Colorado Avalanche provides a juicy matchup.

The Avs concede the most goals per game (4.15) and starting goalie Alexander Georgiev has been awful. He’s allowed a whopping 10.2 goals above expected which unsurprisingly is the worst in the league.

For context, the next closest is Connor Ingram who’s allowed 6.7 goals above expected. Yeah, Georgiev has been that bad.

And considering the other top-six forwards on Colorado all carry -129 odds or wider, I like the value on Niederreiter as plus money.

NHL best bets made at 11:39 a.m. ET 11/07/2024.