In today’s betting guide, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Colorado Avalanche in a big-time matchup, while both the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers look to bounce back.
Pittsburgh Penguins (-125) vs Colorado Avalanche (+105)
Like any close game that could go either way, especially with two good teams, the best bet is to always take the underdog. In this case, it’s the best team in the league in the Avalanche. The Penguins have just a solid record at home (19-10-5) as they’re better on the road. Yes, the Avalanche are better at home, but it’s tough to bet against this team, which was the first to reach 100 points on the season when the payout is better.
This is the second game of a home-and-home, with the Avalanche taking the previous matchup 3-2. They have also won three games in a row, while the Penguins have lost two of three since slamming the Detroit Red Wings 11-2. Despite a couple of anomalies recently by each of these teams, they have generally kept games close and low scoring. Take the Avalanche and the under (U6, +100) in this one.
New Jersey Devils (+125) vs New York Rangers (-155)
The smart bet in this matchup is to bet on the Rangers bouncing back for pretty good value. They have lost two games in a row and goaltender Igor Shesterkin was not happy. He has been the best netminder this year and can steal games for his team. Ryan Strome may also make his return to the lineup today to add that little bump.
The Rangers hold second in their division and had won four in a row prior to their two consecutive losses. The Devils on the other hand can’t seem to stop a puck or help out defensively. They allowed a four-goal third-period comeback from the Florida Panthers the game after the Boston Bruins netted eight against them. The Devils have lost three in a row and eight of 10 going back. I can see Shesterkin bouncing back with a vengeance but the over (O6, -120) still hitting due to the Devils.
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.
