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NHL best bets today (Kings strong underdog play vs. Golden Knights)

By Iain MacMillan

Jan 7, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) holds the stick of Vegas Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson (20) during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) holds the stick of Vegas Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson (20) during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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We grabbed some momentum betting the NHL last night, hitting both of my bets including the Flames as a +110 underdog.

Let’s see if we can keep it going tonight in what’s a massive slate of games.

There are 14 games in total across the NHL, but I’m keying in on three spots that I absolutely love.

Let’s dive into them.

Best NHL bets today

  • Penguins -125 vs. Wild
  • Sabres -105 vs. Red Wings
  • Kings +106 vs. Golden Knights

Penguins -125 vs. Wild

The Minnesota Wild have uncharacteristically struggled defensively lately and that’s going to cost them against the Penguins tonight. They rank 18th in expected goals against per 60 minutes over their last 10 games.

Now, they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins who lead the NHL in expected goals for per 60 minutes over the same time frame. The Penguins shooting has been cold, but I expected to see positive regression in that area.

I’ll back the Pens as home favorites.

Sabres -105 vs. Red Wings

Devon Levi is expected to get the start for the Buffalo Sabres tonight and my strategy for the foreseeable future is simple; When the Sabres start Levi, bet on them.

The highly touted prospect has an eye-popping .941 save percentage through his first two NHL starts at just 21 years old. This guy is going to be a star and I don’t think sportsbooks have adjusted their odds for how good this kid is.

Give me the Sabres to take down the Red Wings.

Kings +106 vs. Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights have been clinging on to the top spot in the Pacific Division, but their analytics have been concerning as of late. For example, they’re 21st in CORSI% over their last 10 games, which measures all types of shot attempts for and against.

Over the same stretch of games, the Kings outrank them in almost every major statistic. At plus-money, I think they’re a strong play tonight.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.