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NHL best bets today (Maple Leafs strong underdog play at home)

By Iain MacMillan

Jan 29, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) follows the play against the Washington Capitals during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) follows the play against the Washington Capitals during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gamblor giveth, Gamblor taketh away.

Eventually, a reverse sweep was going to happen, and last night it did. It turns out betting on the UNDER in all three games was a terrible move. At least they all died painless deaths.

It’s a new month, it’s time to move on. Tonight is the last night we’ll be able to bet on the NHL until next Monday, due to the All-Star break.

So, let’s jump into my best bet for the two games on tonight’s slate.

NHL best bets record-to-date

  • 166-131-3 (+22.54 units)

NHL best bets today

  • Hurricanes -145 vs. Sabres
  • Maple Leafs +105 vs. Bruins

Hurricanes -145 vs. Sabres

I’ve said it time and time again. I truly believe the Carolina Hurricanes are the best team in the NHL and now they get to face a non-playoff team in the Buffalo Sabres.

The Hurricanes have scored an average of 4.02 goals per game over their last 10, while allowing only 2.55 goals per game. They’ve played the best hockey they have all season, and as a result, they’re 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.

I set the Hurricanes as around -160 favorites in this game, so I’ll jump all over them at -145 in this spot.

Maple Leafs +105 vs. Bruins

Just like I’ve been saying the Hurricanes are the best team in the NHL, I’ve also been saying the Bruins aren’t as good as their record indicates, and a three-game losing streak is is starting to show some cracks in their armor.

Over their last 10 games, they’re 22nd in CORSI% and 14th in expected goals percentage.

The big question is whether or not the Leafs will be able to get enough goals past Linus Ullmark without Auston Matthews in the lineup.

With that being said, their advanced analytics are superior to the Bruins, and they’ve been dominant at home this season. They’re 20-4-4 on home ice while sporting an average goal differential of +1.09.

I’ll take me beloved Leafs as home underdogs.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.