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NHL weekly betting preview: Leafs travel to D.C., Bruins host Bolts

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Although this midweek preview consists of only three days as a result of the holiday, there's no shortage of games for us to pad our wallets ahead of the weekend.

Among them, the Toronto Maple Leafs head to the United States capital, two Atlantic Division heavyweights clash at TD Garden, and the New Jersey Devils search for their first win.

Game betting

Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens (Tuesday)

The Canadiens are playing a fast, exciting brand of hockey early in the season, and the Lightning can score goals at will. However, Claude Julien tends to tighten things up against offensive powerhouses, while Tampa will be eager to get things in order on the back end. The total is set at 6.5, but eight of the last 10 meetings between these teams have finished under that number.

Arizona Coyotes at Winnipeg Jets (Tuesday)

Following a disappointing start to the season, the Coyotes appear to be rounding into form, though scoring has proved to be a real issue for them, which should play right into the hands of the defensively shorthanded Jets. Arizona have lost all nine of their visits to Winnipeg since the 2012-13 lockout. At a short price of -130, back the Jets to make it 10 in a row over the Coyotes north of the border.

Dallas Stars at Columbus Blue Jackets (Wednesday)

It's hard to pass up getting the better team (the Stars) at a significant discount due to their poor start to the season. Dallas' losses have come against the Bruins, Blues, Red Wings, Flames, Capitals, and Sabres. It's been a tough schedule, but four of those five losses have been by just a goal. Expect a bounce back from the Stars after being blanked in Buffalo.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins (Thursday)

The Bruins are home on two days rest after hosting the Ducks on Monday. It's a spot they typically excel in under Butch Cassidy, going 7-2 since he took over for Claude Julien. Back the scorching-hot Bruins at a short price on Thursday.

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils (Thursday)

This is a strange spot for the Rangers, who will be playing just their fourth game of the season when they take on the Devils at the Prudential Center. The Rangers are 2-6 in their last eight games in New Jersey, while losing nine of their last 10 on at least four days rest, which is what they have here. Bet the Devils to finally claim their first win of the season in what will be their seventh game.

Game props

Nashville Predators at Vegas Golden Knights (Tuesday)

This will be the seventh all-time meeting between the Predators and Golden Knights. There have been just four goals scored in the first period of their previous six contests, with each of them staying under 1.5 goals in the opening frame. At +135, that's gravy.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals (Wednesday)

The Leafs faced this situation four times last season - traveling for the second game of a back-to-back after playing the first at home. They were 1-3 in those contests, but more importantly, allowed 23 goals over that span. Play the Capitals team total over 3.5 at plus-money, as well as the over 4.5 at close to +300 if you're feeling it on hump day.

Nashville Predators at Arizona Coyotes (Thursday)

Arizona may not be scoring many goals these days, but it isn't conceding many either. The Predators have scored just 11 goals in their last seven visits to the desert. Play their team total under 2.5 at plus-money, while the under 1.5 in the first period is also worth a strong look.

Buffalo Sabres at Los Angeles Kings (Thursday)

In their last four road games in the second of a back-to-back, the Sabres have just four goals. They've also been shut out in four of their last six visits to Los Angeles, with the Kings winning each of those games 2-0. Buffalo's team total under 2.5 should be priced around +140 given the rate they've been scoring, and certainly warrants a play here.

Player props

Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals (Wednesday)

Alex Ovechkin has a higher goals per game rate against Toronto than any other Eastern Conference team with 39 goals in 48 career games. He's also potted six in his last six against the Leafs the past two seasons. Back him to add to his total in this game.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins (Thursday)

Over the past three seasons, David Pastrnak has 15 points in 12 games against the Lightning. He had six in three against them last season, including five assists. Trust him to get another helper on Thursday at the Garden.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

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