NHL Best Bets Today (Flyers Will Come Crashing Down to Earth Against Lightning)
The NHL season is officially in full swing, so if you haven't already, it's time to place some bets.
We have a great slate of games set for Tuesday night, with eight matchups set to take place across the league.
Let's dive into my three best bets for tonight's action.
NHL Best Bets for October 18th
- Lightning -1.5 (-110) vs. Flyers
- Bruins +105 vs. Senators
- Devils -190 vs. Ducks
Lightning -1.5 (-110) vs. Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers have got off to a surprising 2-0 start to the season, but that's going to come crashing down tonight. The only reason for their 2-0 record is their goaltender, Carter Hart, who has been standing on his head this season with a .940 save percentage.
The Flyers underlying statistics don't look promising. They rank 31st in 5-on-5 CORSI% (37.35%), and they've yet to play an elite team. The Lightning will give them all they can handle tonight, and I think Tampa will run away with it.
Bruins +105 vs. Senators
I know the Ottawa Senators are an up and coming team, but making them favorites against the Bruins is insane. Boston is 3-0 to start the season, and their analytics have been fantastic. They're fifth in 5-on-5 CORSI% (55.07%), are averaging the second most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (18.48), and are allowing the fourth fewest high-danger scoring chances (7.48).
The Bruins lack of offense hurt them last season, so it's promising to see their production through their first three games. The Senators are taking a step forward this year, but Boston just might be the cream of the crop in the Atlantic Division.
Devils -190 vs. Ducks
It may seem insane to lay -190 juice on a team like the Devils, who are 0-2 to start the year. But, their analytics are telling a completely different story. They are dominating their opponents in everywhere except for the scoreboard. They rank FIRST in the NHL in 5-on-5 CORSI% at 67.03%, are averaging 18.28 high-danger scoring chances a game, and are allowing the fewest at 6.77.
Now, if they could improve on their shooting percentage and save percentage marks, we'd be cooking with fire. They rank 29th and 32nd in those two areas, respectively. I'll have faith that they can bounce back in those areas tonight, and handle an inadequate Ducks team at home.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.