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NHL weekend betting preview: McDavid hosts hometown Leafs

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It's been a wild week in the NHL with two more coaches fired, the Washington Capitals beating the Boston Bruins in a meeting between two of the league's best teams, and Carter Hart submitting his entry for save of the season.

Things won't slow down this weekend, either. We've got a meeting between Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, the Montreal Canadiens playing their final home game of 2019, and the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the league-leading Caps.

Here's your guide to betting on this weekend's slate.

Game betting

Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars (Friday)

The Stars might have rallied around their coaching change to beat the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, but the reality of the situation must be hitting them by now. They still don't have a new full-time head coach, which makes it hard to back them as favorites. This is the second game of a back-to-back, with travel, for the Golden Knights, though they've fared well in this spot this season, winning three of four. They're playing good hockey at the moment and offer great value at plus-money.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Edmonton Oilers (Saturday)

Since Connor McDavid entered the league, the Maple Leafs have generally owned the Oilers, though Edmonton is a very different team this year. It's been a bad run at home of late for the Oilers, who've won just once at Rogers Place since Nov. 14. However, a date with one of the NHL's worst penalty kills could be the recipe for a slump-buster, especially with Edmonton possessing the league's best power play. Toronto is aiming to close out this road trip strong, but I like the Oilers to bounce back and send the Leafs back to Ontario on a losing note.

Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens (Saturday)

This marks the final home game of the calendar year for the Canadiens as they get set to embark on a lengthy road trip. Expect them to sign off at the Bell Centre on a high against a Red Wings team that they've completely dominated on home ice to the tune of 10 wins in their last 12 contests. Play the Habs on the puck line.

Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning (Saturday)

The Capitals have put together an impressive season so far. Their 14-2-1 record on the road, however, is almost unbelievable. The unimpressive Lightning still can't find any sort of rhythm, but that's not being reflected in their game lines. Back the Caps to produce another statement win here while Tampa takes another step back.

Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks (Saturday)

When a veteran team like the Sharks sees its coach fired, it tends to really resonate with the players. Peter De Boer's dismissal will certainly have a galvanizing effect that should last more than the typical few games. There's too much talent on this team not to react. Expect the Sharks to take care of business Saturday against the Canucks, who aren't all that impressive away from home.

Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks (Sunday)

Just one of the Wild's last seven road games in the second half of a back-to-back has gone over six goals, while the Blackhawks are on a 5-2 run to the under on home ice. Nine of the last 10 meetings in Chicago between these two teams have produced six goals or fewer, so take the under if it's sitting at six or place a slightly smaller wager if it's at 5.5.

Game props

Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders (Saturday)

Don't expect fireworks when these two hit the ice. The Islanders force teams to conform to their style at home, playing tight, defensive hockey. The first-period under has hit in four straight home matinees (puck drop between noon and 3 p.m.) for the Islanders and nine of their last 11. The last seven visits from the Sabres have seen the under hit as well.

Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens (Saturday)

The Canadiens are second in the NHL in five-on-five goals scored and shots generated. The Red Wings allow the second-most five-on-five goals. They also own the league's worst penalty kill, which is bad news against a Montreal team with an above-average power play. The Habs have scored four or more goals in seven of their last 10 home games against Detroit, so all signs point to their team total over 3.5.

Player props

Toronto Maple Leafs at Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid gets a visit from his hometown team, against which he has four goals and 11 points in seven career games. Earlier in the week, I wrote about how he's shooting the puck a lot more, especially on the power play. The Oilers are the best team in the league this season with the man advantage, while the Leafs' penalty kill ranks 26th. Back McDavid to get on the scoresheet in this one.

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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