This article focuses on tonight’s ten-game NHL main slate, highlights a few DFS players that stand out, and gives you a few potential wagers against the spread. Feel free to jump in our sports betting Slack channel for additional information and updates when it comes to tonight’s action.
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Please note that the ten-game evening slate starts at 7:00 PM EST for all your sports betting needs and watch for updates on social media.
The biggest game on the slate
Washington @ Tampa Bay, 7 PM EDT – Washington leads the Metropolitan Division with a 46-24-8 record while Tampa Bay is 59-14-4. Tampa Bay is chasing history, just three wins from tying the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings for most in a season (62). Tampa Bay has won eight of ten while Washington has won three in a row. Washington yields 3.34 goals per game on the road while Tampa Bay still is scoring at around four goals per game at home. Tampa Bay’s only significant loss is Anton Stralman while Washington will not have Michal Kempny. T.J. Oshie remains ill and questionable at best for Washington. His condition will be monitored throughout Saturday.
If the moneyline stays around -170 to -180 for Tampa Bay, that would be a good number to bet. Washington can keep this close and is capable of causing some matchup problems for Tampa Bay at even strength. On the other hand, Tampa Bay is a matchup nightmare for anyone. Their power play is converting at nearly 30% with their triumvirate of Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Brayden Point.
The over/under projects to stay at 7 and expects to stay right around there. The currently projected goalie matchup is likely Braden Holtby versus Andrei Vasilevskiy. A key matchup once again will be the Nikita Kucherov line versus the Alex Ovechkin line. Tampa has won that matchup and the games in the previous two meetings.
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Games Against the Spread
Tampa Bay (-180) vs Washington, (Over 7) – Tampa Bay at -180 appears to be too high to bet but the over (+105) at 7 is just as enticing. Both teams can score 3+ goals with ease and Washington is missing Michal Kempny due to a lower-body injury. Also, T.J. Oshie may be out due to illness. That will have to be watched heavily. Andrei Vasilevskiy has won four of his last five starts but has yielded three or more goals in all but one game during that span. Braden Holtby allowed nine goals in the last two meetings. Therefore, the over and Tampa becomes a viable pick. The likelihood of a high-event, high-goal outcome is elevated.
Winnipeg (-145) vs Montreal –  This matchup sets up excellent for Winnipeg. Winnipeg blew a two-goal lead and lost in regulation to the New York Islanders on Thursday night. As for Montreal, they were up 2-1 on Columbus and watched the Blue Jackets score five unanswered goals. This pick presents some risk. However, offensively the Jets scored four goals even without much help from their top line. That may be enough to ensure a win on Saturday night.
An Extra Sports Betting Bonus
Toronto vs Ottawa (Over 7) –Â This is a late entrant and it helps that the over will likely stay at 7. The Toronto Maple Leafs will start Garrett Sparks against Craig Anderson, who expects to start for Ottawa. Ottawa scored six times against Toronto during the last matchup. Toronto allows 3.8 goals per game over the last eight contests. With both teams among the top five in shots allowed per game, a high-event outcome is increasingly likely. It presents as a dangerous bet but this game could finish 5-4 or 6-5. The expected goals for is approaching 7.5 between the two teams so again, make sure the over does stay at 7.
Notable Score And Period Props
So, Tampa Bay winning by two goals is at a solid +550. Among player performance doubles, Patrick Kane getting an assist with a Chicago win is at +140 which is reasonable. Winnipeg scoring three or four goals is at +125. Given how many goals Montreal let in against Columbus, this is a reasonable bet. The temptation to take Ottawa in 60-minutes at +280 is tempting. Finally, Toronto and the 60-minute line is only -140. That is much better than the -220 moneyline currently offered for those wanting to bet on Toronto.
NHL DFS Targets
Victor Olofsson – Buffalo Sabres – $4000 DK – The Islanders have not been as sound lately defensively and gave up four goals on nearly 40 shots to Winnipeg on Thursday night. Buffalo is capable of putting up shots on net in bunches. Olofsson expects to play with Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel — even on the power-play. The winger generated five shots, three scoring chances, and an assist in his debut. If he stays in the top-six, the more value Olfsson possesses.
Roope Hintz – Dallas Stars – $3300 DK – Spotlighting values on this NHL slate is important tonight because there is an elevated amount of them, so we want to find the best ones. Hintz has nine points in his last nine games (four goals, five assists) on 23 shots. Yes, the shots on goal are improving. Vancouver allows around three goals a game at home and Dallas showed resiliency in Calgary. Expect the Dallas forward to use his speed to create opportunities.
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