On a busy day in the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the streaking Minnesota Wild in a heavyweight matchup, while the Calgary Flames host the second-place Los Angeles Kings after a loss. See who’s the better betting option in each game and more.
Minnesota Wild (-115) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (-105)
This is going to be a very tough game for both sides. The Wild and the Penguins have in general been dominating recently, other than the Penguins having trouble with the New York Rangers in two regulation losses within the past three games. The Wild have won seven in a row and Cam Talbot has personally won eight in a row. Their tandem of Talbot and Marc-Andre Fleury gives them a very good chance at winning every night, especially when they are both playing at the top of their games.
The Penguins have an impressive road record of 21-8-5, which is second in the NHL to only the Washington Capitals, but the Wild’s home record is even better, going 24-7-1. The Penguins have actually lost four of their past six games on the road, while all of the Wild’s wins on their win streak have come at home. This is their last game of a nine-game homestand.
Both Talbot, who is expected to start for the Wild, and Tristan Jarry, who has played very well this year, should keep this game low scoring, regardless of the offensive talent on both sides. The over/under is also set higher, so be sure to take the under (U6.5, -115) and the Wild.
Calgary Flames (-275) vs Los Angeles Kings (+225)
The Kings and Flames have just played the Edmonton Oilers, so now it’s time for the final matchup at the top of the division. Like with the other two games, home-ice advantage should be a factor in this one. The Flames are 21-7-6 at home but have also lost three of their last eight there.
The Kings have a much better record on the road than they do at home but are coming off a tough game last night in which they fell victim to the Oilers in the shootout. The Flames have rest and will be looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche two nights ago. Losses don’t sit well with the division leaders as they haven’t lost two games in a row since Jan. 13.
The Kings are still pretty banged up, while the Flames are at full power. Each of these teams has been hitting the over more than not lately, and with it set a bit lower, it’s worth taking (O6, -115) as well as the Flames on the moneyline.
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.