Fansided

Best NHL bets today (Golden Knights will shut down Blackhawks)

By Iain MacMillan

Dec 15, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) celebrates his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) celebrates his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After a red-hot January, February has been ice cold. Gamblor giveth, Gamblor taketh away.

The bright side is that we’re still up over 10 units on the season, so all is not lost yet.

There are nine games to bet on tonight and I have three bets locked in. I’m going to break down the picks below, but if you want to hear me dive into them even more, check out today’s episode of the Bacon Bets Podcast.

NHL best bets record season-to-date

  • 175-151-4 (+11.22 units)

NHL best bets today

  • Red Wings/Capitals UNDER 6 (+100)
  • Maple Leafs -155 vs. Sabres
  • Blackhawks Team Total UNDER 2.5 (-137)

Red Wings/Capitals UNDER 6 (+100)

The Detroit Red Wings have been struggling offensively lately. Over their last 10 games, they’re dead last in the NHL in both expected goals scored per game (2.51) and high-danger scoring chances.

Washington has also struggled offensively over this stretch, ranking 31st in goals per game (1.98) and 30th in shooting percentage (6.64%).

Let’s bank on both of these offenses to continue to struggle tonight and let’s bet the UNDER.

Maple Leafs -155 vs. Sabres

The Maple Leafs are just 6-4 in their last 10 games, but they’ve been statistically one of the best teams in the NHL over that stretch. They lead the NHL in expected goals percentage with an expected goal differential of +1.2 over that stretch.

It’s also important to note that the Sabres are only 11-14-2 at home this season, compared to 17-8-2 on the road. Give me Toronto to win this Atlantic Division showdown.

Blackhawks Team Total UNDER 2.5 (-137)

It’s really quite simple. This is a game between the one of the worst offenses in the NHL and one of the worst defenses. Over their last 10 games, the Golden Knights lead the NHL in expected goals against at 2.5.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are 29th in expected goals for over the same stretch and 30th in high-danger scoring chances per game.

Let’s back the Golden Knights to shut them down and keep them to two goals or fewer.

–

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.