Oct 17, 2022; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) and Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) battle for the puck during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 17, 2022; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) and Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) battle for the puck during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

BetSided

NHL best bets today (Avalanche will beat Wild in pivotal Central Division matchup)

by Iain MacMillan

We have just three games across the NHL to watch and bet on today, but luckily for you, I have a bet for each of them.

Last night, we went 1-2 with the Canucks failing to bring it home for us in overtime despite outshooting the Blues. Let’s get back to our winning ways tonight.

It’s time to dive into my top three bets for Wednesday night’s action.

NHL best bets today

  • Panthers +125 vs. Maple Leafs
  • Islanders -110 vs. Capitals
  • Avalanche -155 vs. Wild

Panthers +125 vs. Maple Leafs

While the Panthers record has been concerning lately, it’s the Maple Leafs underlying analytics that should be the real cause for concern. Toronto ranks 19th in CORSI%, which measures all types of shot attempts for and against, over their last 10 games. They also rank 17th in expected goals percentage.

The Panthers rank fifth in that stat over the same stretch.

Florida has a lot more to play for tonight, and I’m not going to get discouraged by the Panthers recent record. As long as they can get solid play in between the pipes, they’re a live underdog in Toronto.

Islanders -110 vs. Capitals

The Washington Capitals may still be technically alive for the NHL Playoffs, but their level of play tells me there is little to no hope. They’re 23rd in expected goals percentage over their last 10 games while getting terrible play from their goaltenders, sporting a save percentage of just 88.55% over their last 10 games.

The Islanders are actually playing strong offensive hockey lately, which is nice to see for a change. Ranking 9th in expected goals for and 14th in actual goals for over their last 10 games.

If the Islanders can keep that up tonight, they’re in a great spot at pick’em odds.

Avalanche -155 vs. Wild

The defending Stanley Cup champions are finally starting to look like the dominant team they were last season. Not only are they 9-1 in their last 10 games, but they’re fourth in CORSI% over that stretch.

When you adjust for score and venue, the Avalanche are actually first in the NHL over that stretch while also ranking sixth in expected goals percentage.

Colorado can claim the top spot in the Central Division with a win tonight, and I think the Avs will do exactly that.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.