NHL best bets today (Devils strong underdog play vs. Stars)

We got back to our winning ways in the NHL last night, going 2-1 for a +0.76 unit profit. Reminder, if you don’t see an NHL best bets article on FanSided, be sure to check out my or my Betstamp account to get my picks.

Let’s see if we can keep the momentum going tonight, in what’s a loaded NHL slate.

It’s time to break down my three best bets for tonight’s slate.

NHL best bets record-to-date

• 160-125-3 (+22.84 units)

NHL best bets today

• Kings/Panthers OVER 6.5 (-130)
• Red Wings/Islanders UNDER 5.5 (+105)
• Devils +135 vs. Stars

Kings/Panthers OVER 6.5 (-130)

The Florida Panthers have reverted back to the good ol’ classic “all offense no defense” Panthers that we grew to love over the past few seasons. Over their last 10 games, they have averaged 3.86 goals per game while allowing 3.96 goals per game for an averaged combined goals per game of 7.82.

That’s largely due to having a shooting percentage of 11.64%, fifth in the NHL, and a team save percentage of 88.02%, 28th in the NHL, over that stretch.

The Kings have had similar issues with their goaltending. Phoenix Copley is expected to get the start tonight, and he has an .886 save percentage in nine starts in January.

I expect plenty of goals in this interconference showdown.

Red Wings/Islanders UNDER 5.5 (+105)

The New York Islanders have averaged 1.57 goals per game over their last 10. That’s the worst mark in the NHL by over half a goal. Yikes.

Meanwhile, Ilya Sorokin continues to stand on his head, sporting a save percentage of .922 this season. I talked about the Panthers being all offense and no defense in my first pick for tonight. Well, the Islanders are the complete opposite, all defense and no offense.

The Red Wings have also leaned more towards a defensive style of play lately, average 2.71 expected goals per game and 2.68 expected goals against over their last 10 contests.

Betting the UNDER at 5.5 is always a sweat, but I love it at plus-money.

Devils +135 vs. Stars

The New Jersey Devils have been one of the best road teams in the NHL this season. Their average scoring margin away from their home ice is +1.43 with a road record of 18-3-2.

Now, they get to face a Stars team that is in a bit of a slump from a statistical standpoint. They’re 28th in the NHL in CORSI% over their last 10 games, and their expected goals scored per game over that stretch is only 2.86.

Of course, goaltender Jake Oettinger can steal a game for them against anyone, but I still like the Devils at the price point of +135 tonight.

–

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.