Welcome back to NHL best bets to all my hockey heads out there! It's Tuesday so you know what that means, another huge slate in the hockey world. 

 

 

 

As the season winds into the home stretch with just about a month to go considering this, remember what teams are still playing for something and the teams that are not! Odds are also going to start to become less favorable to don't be afraid to get into DFS or player props as we head to the end of the season.

In today's NHL best bets writeup, you will find 4 types of wagers that include a game total, some Money Lines and a player prop! The Dog of the Day is taking a rest for this slate as nothing jumped out to me but enjoy the selections and let's go make some cash!

Now, let's dive into my expert NHL Best Bets today!

  • Season Record: 124-99-5
  • Bankroll: +15.8 units
  • Dog of the Day Record: 19-15 (+7.55 Units)

Follow me on twitter @jwaggs10

**All bets are one unit unless specifically mentioned.

*Editor’s Note: Bet on any of these NHL best bets today at BetMGM Sportsbook and claim a $1,500 welcome bonus when you click here.

 

 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 3/26

Hurricanes vs. Penguins Prediction

Any way you slice it, the Carolina Hurricanes are on a warpath right now as we head into April and this matchup against the flailing Penguins should be a great spot for them. The Canes have won 11 of their past 14 games heading into tonight in which they scored 56 goals per game which averages out to 4 goals per game which is fantastic. Mix that with their total defense allowing just 2.6 goals per game over the last 45 days you have a complete hockey team.

On the Penguins side they have been scoring more goals lately, but the defense has failed them allowing 4.1 goals per game at home over the past 45 days and that has led to them losing 8 out of their last 10 games. The Penguins aren't making the playoffs and they know it, and the team just looks a bit disinterested right now. 

There is also the return of Jake Guentzel to Pittsburgh for the first time since the trade to add some more spice to the game and I think all of these things together equal a Carolina win in regulation tonight. 

 

 

 

Canadiens vs. Avalanche Prediction

Another big-time mismatch of teams right here as the Canadiens travel out west to take on the Avalanche tonight. Montreal has been one of the worst NHL teams all season long and particularly on defense as they've given up 3.9 goals per game on the road over the past 45 days heading into this matchup. The Habs are good at covering spreads though so the Puck Line is out for me but there are a couple wagers I still love given the matchup. 

The Avalanche are scoring 4.4 goals per game over the past 45 days at home and that's the stat to wager on tonight as their team goal total is 4.5 goals and around the standard betting lines. More recently they've scored 25 goals over their last 5 home games which averages to 5 goals per game. I like that streak to continue so give me the over on the team total. 

Not stopping there though as a player prop as caught my attention as well and its Nathan MacKinnon and his shots on goal prop. He has fared very well in his career against the Habs going over 4.5 shots in 75% of meetings all time and overall, he is over this number in 7 of the past 10 games. Give me the star to shine and his team to get to work tonight. 

 

 

 

Flames vs. Blackhawks Prediction

Fair warning here, this isn't a sexy pick but it's one that makes too much sense given the data. The Flames are a team that sucks the fun out of hockey and the Blackhawks can't score goals in any fashion so yes, I am eyeing up the game total and an under tonight. 

Chicago has scored just 2.6 goals per game over the past 45 days on home ice and it's hard to see that getting much better against the Flames who should get some more consistency in goal tonight and a team that controls play well through analytics. The Flames offense has also bottomed out recently scoring just 5 goals over their last 3 games heading into tonight. 

Overall, both offenses aren't very good right now and it should be a lesson in mediocre hockey, but I will be watching with a rooting interest and that will be the under on the game total that is just too high at 6.5 goals. 

 

 

 

Expert NHL Prediction: Dog of the Day

Want this bet to be a guaranteed winner? Use this link to “Bet $5, Win $150” instantly at DraftKings Sportsbook.