Its a brand new week in the NHL as we head to the end of February and if you haven't noticed the games are starting to get more and more intense! Playoff spots are being won and lost everyday at this point and the players/coaches know that so be prepared for so much tighter games coming down the stretch!

We have 12 games on the NHL docket tonight and that means plenty of ways to attack the board to find an edge. In today's article I have highlighted 3 spots to lock in between a game total, and a pair of Money Line wagers. There are some additional wagers that I am watching as well and of course you can't have an massive NHL slate without a Dog of the Day that continues to provide positive bankroll on the season. 

If you like the rationale below, then tail my NHL best bets today. You could even try BettorEdge, the social betting marketplace. Not only is this sports betting platform safe and secure, but it's even legal in 40+ states! Use promo code ALARM while registering to get $10+ in bonus credits after you verify. No deposit is required.

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

  • Season Record: 104-85-3
  • Bankroll: +12.35 units
  • Dog of the Day Record: 12-13 (+3.15 Units)

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**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 “Bet $5, Get $150" bonus when you click here.

 

NHL Best Bets Today, February 27

Buffalo Sabres at Florida Panthers Prediction

On the surface sometimes a bet seems awkward but when you dive in deeper it just makes too much sense and that's where I am with betting on the game total on this Sabres vs Panthers game tonight. Both teams have great offensive weapons, yet they continue to go under the total but why is that? 

For the Panthers they have gone under in 17 of 28 home games this season due to the fact that they are allowing just 2.8 goals per game at home over the last 45 days. Its also because of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and his stellar play as he is 4th in the NHL in goals saved above expected amongst goaltenders that have made at least 30 starts this season. 

On the Buffalo side they have also locked it down on defense allowing 2.3 goals per game over the last 45 days on the road and their goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is in the midst of his best NHL season with a GAA of 2.45 and 4 shutouts. 

I do expect the Panthers to control play in this one as they normally do but if the Sabres can continue their trends and allow at most 3 goals this game should go under in a total that should not be 6.5 goals tonight on the sportsbooks. 

Pick: Sabres & Panthers Under 6.5 Goals (-130 on FanDuel)

 

Washington Capitals at Detroit Red Wings Prediction

A few weeks ago, this would not have been a game to get excited about, but things are ever changing in the NHL and both of these two teams are coming into tonight playing some good hockey! The Red Wings on the home side are really rounding into form and vintage Patrick Kane is popping out from time to time and it's been fun to see that after a couple of seasons. 

Detroit comes into tonight winners of 5 straight and 7 in the last 10 games while lighting up the lamps with 20 goals during the winning streak. The goaltending has been very good as well from Alex Lyon as his last 3 starts have all been wins and he gave up just 5 goals on 94 shots.

I expect those numbers from Detroit to likely carry the day against a Capitals team that is banged up and playing the 2nd leg of back to back games but I can't go for the Puck Line as Charlie Lindgren is a very good goaltender for Washington and the Caps are close to .500 ATS on the road this season. 

Washington has also struggled to score goals on the road at just 2.6 per game over the past 45 days so give me the Red Wings on the 60-minute line to win in regulation. 

Pick: Detroit Red Wings 60-Min Money Line (-115 on BetMGM)

 

Pittsburgh Penguins at Vancouver Canucks Prediction

As much as this pains me the Penguins are in an awful spot tonight as they begin their 4 game road trip down the West Coast. They will be without 2 of their top 3 goal scorers with Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust both out injured for the foreseeable future, and they will visit a Canucks team that has been one of the very best in the NHL this season. 

Over the past 45 days the Penguins have scored just 2.2 goals per game on the road and the Canucks are allowing 2.5 goals at home during the same time period. Goals are going to be so hard to come by and I just don't see the offense pushing the agenda. 

On the home side Vancouver is an amazing 20-5-2 defending their home barn, the best points per game average in the NHL and I see no reason they slow down tonight. They also boast one of the most impressive goaltenders of this season in Thatcher Demko who is 2nd in goals saved above expected at 21.1 on the season. 

He also adds a 2.47 GAA and 5 shutouts on the season to go along with the deeper statistics. I think Tristan Jarry can keep things close for Pittsburgh which is why I am looking at the Money Line but end of the day this Penguins team isn't deep enough to handle injuries and they're likely going to fall short tonight. 

Pick: Vancouver Canucks Money Line (-150 on Caesars)

Additional Bets to Consider

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Expert NHL Picks: Dog of the Day

 

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