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There’s plenty at stake tonight in the NHL as teams look to get a few extra wins under their belt before the All-Star break, which will take place in two weeks’ time.
Three matchups caught our eye for our betting picks. We are looking at an under bet in Philadelphia, the league’s third top scorer to get back on the board on home ice and finally one of the league’s hottest teams to cover the spread.
Picks Summary
- Stars-Flyers Under 6.5 (-130)
- Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goalscorer (+100)
- Oilers -1.5 (+140)
*All odds available at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Dallas Stars vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Thursday, January 18, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at Wells Fargo Center
Betting Trends
- 70% of the previous 10 matchups between these teams went under the total.
- The total has gone under in 4 of Dallas’ last 5 games on the road.
- The total has gone under in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games at home.
Flying Phillies
One of the shocks thus far this season has been the emergence of the Philadelphia Flyers. Not only do they have a winning record, but they find themselves among the elite as they currently sit 4th overall in the Eastern Conference table.
Despite a rocky patch that saw them lose 7 of 9 games, they managed to pick up some points in three of the seven losses as the games went to overtime. Since this cold run, they have won 5 of their previous 6 games.
This game against the Dallas Stars should make for a strong matchup, and we are looking to bet the total under.
The Pick
Although the Dallas Stars have seen the 3rd-most amount of games go over 6.5 goals in the Western Conference, it’s been a different story when playing on the road, as they have the 3rd-lowest over total, having gone 13-6 to the under.
On home ice, Philadelphia has the second-best under record in the Eastern Conference with a 12-8 record to the under. Despite laying -130 juice to bet the total under, we like this current line at 6.5 as these two teams are in strong form and won’t want to lose this game easily.
NHL Pick: Under 6.5 (-130) at Bet365
Minnesota Wild vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Thursday, January 18, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at Amalie Arena
Betting Trends
- Nikita Kucherov is the joint top points scorer in the NHL with 72 total points.
- Kucherov has scored the 3rd most amount of goals thus far this season.
- Minnesota Wild allow 3.3 goals per game so far this season (11th Worst).
Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
We have had much success this season when betting on the Russian player to get on the scoreboard, let’s hope he cashes tonight as he has failed to score a goal in his previous three games despite having had 3/2/0 assists in each game.
The Minnesota Wild have the 11th worst defense this season, having allowed 3.3 goals per game and come into this game having lost their previous two games 5-0 and 6-0 (ouch). They have lost 8 of their previous 10 games and will be feeling the pressure when facing one of the league’s best players.
The Pick
We are more than prepared to get on the plus money at +100 NHL betting odds for Nikita Kucherov to find the back of the net for the first time in three games.
Minnesota might have the 11th-worst defense this season, but their previous three road games have seen them allow five goals per game, and Kucherov is likely hungry to get back on the scoreboard.
NHL Pick: Nikita Kucherov Anytime Goalscorer (+100) at Bet365
Seattle Kraken vs. Edmonton Oilers
Thursday, January 18, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at Rogers Place
Betting Trends
- The Edmonton Oilers have been red hot lately winning 11 games in a row.
- The Oilers are 13-2 in their previous 15 home games.
- Seattle are 9-12 ATS on the road this season.
Edmonton Unbeatable Right Now
With the Edmonton Oilers finally picking up the pace following their slow start to the season, most would expect an easy victory on home ice against the Seattle Kraken. Although Seattle has been in good form themselves recently, they have lost their previous two road games 5-2 and 3-0.
The Oilers have won 11 games in a row and set a new franchise record having not lost in ten games for the first time in their history. Seattle also went 10-0 recently but this could prove a tough test on the road against an Edmonton team firing on all cylinders.
The Pick
The Oilers are on fire right now, despite having just the 21st-best ATS record, we believe there to be value in taking them to cover the spread in this home game. The Oilers are 5-2 ATS on home ice against Seattle all time and are 8-3 ATS in their previous eleven wins on home ice.
If you believe the Oilers can win this game, it’s worth taking their +140 odds on home ice as opposed to their moneylines odds at -160.
NHL Pick: Oilers -1.5 (+140) at Bet365