NHL Picks: Montreal and Winnipeg Could Be High-Scoring Affair
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The NHL week continues with 13 games on Thursday night.
Ontario sports bettors should be encouraged that Edmonton and Calgary are at home tonight against teams capable of bringing a fun matchup.
Let’s get on with some of what went wrong and a little right last night.
What Went Wrong
The night started about as bad as possible. Philadelphia scored first, and then Pittsburgh opened with three straight goals against Buffalo. That is never good for a moneyline pick. Ever!
Then, the goals came for Toronto and Buffalo. What started bad turned out well in the end. Those nights only happen sometimes. Always treasure them.
Let’s get moving!
Montreal Canadiens at Winnipeg Jets
The Canadiens and Jets battle in a game that could feature some offence. Montreal will want to try and push the pace after a lackluster effort earlier in the week against Minnesota.
Montreal’s defence and special teams were not as off on Tuesday against Minnesota. Winnipeg’s defence is not exactly where it needs to be, either. This is also a matchup where 65-70+ shots combined may be expected.
That means low-key wagers can be placed with Montreal. Those will feature less risk. Looking toward players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield (shot props) can increase a bettor’s bottom line.
Bettors in Canada should look at the Under (6.5 goals for now) on a night like this. Do watch as BetMGM may swing from 6.0 to 6.5 goals. Also, the Montreal first-period three-way is one to lay off. Winnipeg takes a lead early or a draw in most of their games.
These two teams both have subpar special teams - especially when it comes to their power plays. With goaltending performing above average, this could be a night to hope the line stays right where it is.
Vegas Golden Knights at Ottawa Senators
With six Canadian teams in action tonight, we can't be picky. Do not fret. We saved a gem for the readers. That is the Senators entertaining the Golden Knights. Ottawa has a lot going on both on and off the ice. The Senators also have lost three straight games.
Ottawa has cooled off scoring lately. The Senators have only eight goals over the last three contests. Vegas has been a little more stout defensively than expected.
The Golden Knights have been white hot winning nine of their first 11 games. Without Robin Lehner, few could have seen this kind of start occurring. Bruce Cassidy has seen his Vegas squad give up just 19 goals (the lowest in the NHL).
Ottawa has been much better at home, winning four of their five games. Vegas has not only won five straight but is also 4-1 away from T-Mobile Arena.
Ottawa, in regulation, is up to 2.67. The Under at 1.91 is a little dangerous. With 6.5 goals, that needs to be a hair higher. The Senators’ Moneyline is something to watch.
New Jersey Devils at Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton and New Jersey could be the craziest game of the night. New Jersey has won four straight games, and Edmonton is rolling with five consecutive wins. Jack Campbell figures to start this game versus Vitek Vanecek (projected). The Oilers are favoured in the 1.60 to 1.65 range.
No one is surprised by the 7.0 goals for the Over. Some bettors and pundits joked that this might be the first game to hit 7.5 on the young season. Looking at that early number around 2.10 indicates this scenario is not likely. If anything, watch for a possible slide back to 6.5. Edmonton, in regulation, could be a good pick as neither team has played an overtime game in 2022-23.
Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks
As much as we wanted to touch on all the games, we had to pick and choose somewhere. By no means are we skipping over this Anaheim and Vancouver contest. This game features the potential to go one of two ways. There could be a lot of offence, or this could become a goalie duel. There is little in-between.
Both teams allow four goals a game on the season. That is rare this far into the season, but here we are. Defensively, this may be like what was seen between Anaheim and San Jose on Tuesday night. Those teams combined for nine goals, by the way.
Both teams give up their goals in bunches. See their Tuesday games as a viable example. They yield many high-danger chances (both bottom five in the league). If this truly stays at 6.0, see what one can do to buy up to 6.5 goals. At that point, taking the Over there would be more cost-effective.
Nashville Predators at Calgary Flames
Two teams sputtering a bit face each other tonight as Calgary entertains the Predators. Calgary started 5-1 but has dropped two tough one-goal losses to Edmonton and Seattle. Then, there is Nashville. After sweeping San Jose overseas, the Predators have won just once in eight tries.
Juuse Saros has not been the glue everyone expected for Nashville, and even Roman Josi has yet to produce quite as expected. The defenceman has just one goal on 46 shots! He is not the only one struggling on Nashville to find the back of the net. Nashville is shooting at just 8.6%, which is 1.5% below the league average. That is a considerable number.
Calgary is struggling a bit as well. It unexpectedly allowed five goals at home to Seattle, which has created a little doubt in their part of Alberta. Struggles are going to happen throughout a long season.
Expect Calgary to rebound tonight in regulation over Nashville, as John Hynes is still on the coaching hot seat.
Some Random Wagers For Canadian Sports Bettors Tonight
Here are some early ideas:
- Watch for New Jersey and Edmonton if the Over drops to 6.5
- Winnipeg by 1 - 7.50
- J.T. Miller Over 0.5 PowerPlay points - Check for number later
- Senators in regulation - 2.67
- Anaheim and Vancouver Over 6.0 goals - 1.87
- Calgary Nazem Kadri anytime goal - 2.50
Good luck. There may be a few more plays via social media later on today. Look out for John Ryan’s hockey pick of the day, also. Thanks for reading!
Numbers are via Sports Interaction and BetMGM.
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