NHL Tuesday best bets: Preds to prey on Golden Knights
We have a busy eight-game slate ahead of us Tuesday. Let's dive right into a couple of my favorite plays.
Lightning (-225) @ Blue Jackets (+180)
The Blue Jackets are playing their worst hockey of the season. They've won only three of their last 10 games and, at five-on-five, have controlled just 41.91% of the expected goals over that span, which ranks them 31st.
They'll get a key player back in Oliver Bjorkstrand but will lose a pair of important pieces in Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins. Columbus was already thin on defense so not having Werenski, who averages well over 26 minutes per game, is crushing.
Merzlikins is clearly the best goaltender on the roster. The Jackets can ill afford to lose him, especially against such a strong opponent.
The Lightning have amassed 110 high-danger chances over the last 10 games. Only three teams have generated more. Suffice to say, Tampa Bay should be able to expose Columbus' shaky defense and questionable goaltending.
I think the Lightning, who have lost three straight, will be out for blood in this one. Expect them to capitalize on an advantageous matchup and win inside regulation.
Bet: Lightning in regulation (-145)
Predators (-105) @ Golden Knights (-115)
The Predators are the hottest team in the NHL. They enter play with an 8-1-1 record over their last 10 games, which is equaled by two sides but bested by zero.
They are full value for their recent string of success. Nashville has owned teams at five-on-five, controlling 58.38% of the expected goals.
A lot of that stems from their ability to dominate the high-danger chances. The Predators rank 12th in Grade A looks in this span, while no team has given up fewer. Essentially, they've been above average at creating dangerous opportunities and better than anybody at preventing them.
The Golden Knights are no pushovers - even when undermanned - but I think the wrong side is favored here. Vegas doesn't have Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, or Robin Lehner, and Jack Eichel is not yet ready to return. Those are key players to be missing when going up against a complete, red-hot team like Nashville.
I don't expect a cakewalk but do back the Preds to win for the ninth time in 11 games.
Bet: Predators (-105)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.