Top NHL Picks and Predictions Today (Something for Everyone on Wednesday, March 23)

We're back on the NHL beat today. With four games on the slate, I have bets locked in for three of them. I'm going to keep my Maple Leafs bias sidelined tonight, and stay away from their game against the Devils.

But let's take a look at my picks for the other three games.

All odds listed are via WynnBET Sportsbook.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabres Prediction and Pick

As different as these two teams' records are, there's one thing they share in common: They can't shoot. Over their last 25 games, the Sabres rank 24th in the NHL in shooting percentage, scoring on just 8.81 percent of shots, and the Penguins rank right behind them, 25th in the NHL converting just 8.72 percent of shots.

The Penguins have also been one of the better defensive teams in the NHL over this span, ranking fourth in high danger scoring chances against, allowing an average of 9.92.

With the total set at six, and the UNDER being offered at plus-money, that's the way to go tonight.

Pick: Under 6 (+110)

Vancouver Canucks vs. Colorado Avalanche Prediction and Pick

The Canucks have been slumping at the worst possible time, and I don't see that changing tonight against the cream of the crop in the NHL.

Few teams have given up more high danger scoring chances in recent weeks than the Canucks. They rank 28th in that statistic over their last 10 games, which is recipe for disaster against an Avalanche team that boasts one of the best offenses in the NHL.

Add that to the fact that the Avs have been getting stellar play from their goaltenders as of late, and you have the makings of a blowout tonight.

Pick: Avalanche -1.5 (-105)

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Anaheim Ducks Prediction and Pick

If you like to back the trends when placing your bets, the Ducks being 0-7 in their last seven games and 0-6 in their last six games against the Blackhawks is going to entice you to back Chicago.

With that being said, I like the Ducks as slight home favorites tonight. Their record doesn't accurately reflect their play in recent games. They're 16th in the NHL in CORSI% and 11th in expected goals against over their last 10 games.

Meanwhile, no offense has been worst than than Chicago's, ranking dead last in the NHL in expected goals for per 60 minutes over that same span.

I'll back Anaheim to break a couple of losing streaks tonight.

Pick: Ducks -120

Iain is 52-45-2 (+4.74 units) with his NHL picks in 2022. Check out his detailed record here.