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NHL best bets today (Flames will upset Rangers)

By Iain MacMillan

Jan 23, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Milan Lucic (17) skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Milan Lucic (17) skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NHL all-star break is over which means we can officially look toward the second half of the NHL season.

There’s a great slate of games tonight and I’m excited to get back to betting.

Let’s not waste any time today and get right to my three best bets for Monday nights slate.

NHL best bets record-to-date

  • 167-132-3 (+22.23 units)

NHL best bets today

  • Lightning -120 vs. Panthers
  • Canucks/Devils OVER 6.5 (-115)
  • Flames +110 vs. Rangers

Lightning -120 vs. Panthers

The Lightning have been an offensive juggernaut lately, averaging 4.2 goals per game over their last 10. Now, they get the face a Panthers team that’s allowing 3.76 goals over the same stretch, which ranks 29th in the NHL.

Sergei Bobrovsky will be in net for the Panthers tonight, and he has struggled this season, sporting an .897 save percentage on the year.

I’ll take Tampa Bay as a small favorite in the battle of Florida.

Canucks/Devils OVER 6.5 (-110)

Both of these two teams have struggled defensively this season, which I think is going to lead to a ton of goals tonight.

The Devils, who were one of the best defensive teams to start the season, have been terrible in their own end as of late, ranking 24th in expected goals against over their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Canucks have been allowing 3.97 goals per game over the same stretch, which ranks 31st in the league.

Bad defense and goaltending leads to goals. It’s really that easy. Give me the OVER tonight.

Flames +110 vs. Rangers

The Rangers will be without their star goaltender, Igor Shesterkin tonight, which means Jaroslav Halak will get the start. The Rangers rank 16th in expected goals against over their last 10 games, and now they don’t have Igor to bail them out.

Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames are getting hot (pun intended). They lead the NHL in CORSI% dating back 10 games, and their defense is starting to look as dominant as they did last season.

I love Calgary on the road tonight.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.