This article is part of our NHL Picks series.
Six games in the NHL tonight, and you know I've got a bet for every single one of them!
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NHL Expert Bets Tonight
Sharks vs Lightning
The Lightning did not get off to a hot start coming off the All-Star break, falling 7-1 on the road to the Panthers last night. The Bolts got absolutely dominated, which is uncharacteristic for a veteran-laden, Cup-winning club. They have a great chance to bounce back at home tonight against the Sharks. A loss on the road isn't entirely out of the blue for the Lightning either, as they are 12-12 away from home this season. But, they're one of the league's best on home ice posting a 20-4-1 record, and have won 12 consecutive games at Amalie Arena. They are riding a hot streak against the Sharks too, winning 6 in a row and 4 straight at home. Give me the Bolts in a big win.
Lightning PL +100
Avalanche vs Penguins
These two clubs have some striking similarities coming into this matchup: confusing inconsistency and fighting for a playoff spot. The Avs' inconsistency isn't entirely confusing given the treachery they've experienced with injuries this season. They started the 2023 side of the calendar slow only winning 1 of their first 5 games, but they've revved it up a notch since that stretch posting a 7-1 record over their previous 8 games. The Pens on the other hand seem to be middling at the wrong time. They're only 4-3-3 in their last 10 games and have lost 3 of 4. The Pens do seem consistent against Central Division opponents so far this season though, winning 7 of 8 games, and are 8-3 overall against teams from the Western Conference. I think those trends are deceiving. Avs on the road.
Avalanche ML -110
Oilers vs Red Wings
The Oilers were one of the hottest teams heading into the All-Star break, going 7-0-1 in their last 7 games. They'll try to keep that heat blazing with their first game back, taking on the Red Wings on the road. Maybe more impressively, the Oilers have only lost 1 game in regulation on the road since December 12. Although the Red Wings won 2 of their final 3 games heading into last week's All-Star break, I think they are completely outmatched tonight, perhaps by Connor McDavid alone.
Oilers ML -175
Kraken vs Islanders
The Islanders were the first to make a big splash in this year's trade festivities by acquiring former Canucks captain Bo Horvat just before the All-Star break. Horvat's tenure on Long Island got off to a good start with the Isles winning his first game last night in Philly over the Flyers. They welcome a different animal to UBS Arena in the Kraken tonight, a team that's only lost 5 games in regulation on the road all season. Even with the Isles winning 3 straight, I like the rested legs, especially considering the Kraken won the January 1 matchup between these clubs 4-1.
Kraken ML -110
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Golden Knights vs Predators
The Golden Knights have only won 2 of their last 10 games. The Predators are riding a 3-game win streak and playing their best hockey in front of their hometown crowd. DJ, play "I Like It, I Love It" by Tim McGraw.
Predators ML -115
Ducks vs Blackhawks
Yuck. Gross. Ew. Ick. That's how I feel looking at this matchup, pitting the league's two worst teams against one another. Both clubs are actively trying to lose hockey games in a fight for the 1st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, with the Ducks being just 4 points ahead of the Blackhawks for last place in the entire league. This one is tough to call with that in mind, but the Ducks played in Dallas last night - losing 3-2 in a shootout - and if I had to give the advantage to either side, I'd give it to the rested legs on home ice.
Blackhawks ML -125
