Its a new week on the NHL Best Bets as we round into the holiday season looking for winners! Thanksgiving is significant in the NHL because we will finally know who most of these teams really are outside of small sample sizes. They say that 80% of teams in playoff spots by turkey day make the playoffs later in April so its definitely significant. Today we have a 9 game slate which gives plenty of chances to dig up beneficial angles to exploit and I will tell you this, I love the trio of bets I found. Good luck to everyone out there on the ice tonight, see everyone tomorrow!

  • Friday's Record 1-1
  • Season Record: 23-23-1
  • Bankroll: -1.28 units

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**all bets are one unit unless specifically mentioned.

NHL Best Bets for November 14

Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Louis Blues

It's been a rough start to the season for the Lightning as they've lost 9 games so far compared to their 6 victories. Much of this has to do with their defense and goaltending which probably won't be in improving anytime soon. But when you play a team like the Blues there's an opportunity to go big on offense and the Lightning are a value in my eyes tonight. The Blues are 5-2-0 on home ice this season, credit to them but they rank 2nd to last in Corsi For % and 3rd to last in xGF. This means their winning isn't really sustainable and that the wagon will fall apart soon, enter the Lightning who grade out well in analytics and have been unlucky in losses to the Blackhawks, Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets. Give me the Lightning to get back on the right side of things on the Money Line tonight. 

Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-125 on BetMGM)

 

Anaheim Ducks at Nashville Predators

Don't look now but the young Ducks are on a bit of a roll right now and they are quickly becoming one of the most fun teams to watch! They come into tonight winners of 7 of their last 9 games behind several factors including the consistent play of John Gibson with his 2.21 GAA and .926 SV% and their scoring uptick. They are scoring just a tad over 3 goals per game on the road this season and are 4-2-0 overall away from home as well. On the Nashville side things just seem stale as they've fallen to 5-9-0 and are now last place in the Central Division with a -7 goal differential. They have lost their last 3 games and rank among the bottom of Corsi For metrics this season, in the bottom 10 of teams in the league. Juuse Saros will always keep them in games but the Ducks are trending up and I won't be getting in their way as plus money underdogs. 

Pick: Anaheim Ducks Money Line (+155 on Caesars)

 

Vegas Golden Knights at Washington Capitals

Its a rematch of the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals tonight as the Golden Knights make their annual trip to the nations capital. While Vegas are the favorites and should be the Capitals have been pesky thus far and I am going to fade away from trying to pick a winner. Instead I am watching the game total tonight as each team as played in many low scoring games. The Golden Knights have allowed just 2.13 goals per contest this season and that's the 2nd fewest number in the NHL right now. On the Capitals end its a bit higher but they are allowing just 2.85 goals per game which is 8th fewest average in the league. This has led to the teams going under the total quite often with the Caps being 10-3 to the under and the Golden Knights 9-6 right behind them. Two very good goaltenders helps a bunch too with Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper in net for the under so let's lean that way. 

Pick: Golden Knights & Capitals Under 6 Goals (-110 on PointsBet)