Here’s an unusual metric – the Washington Capitals are quite alive in the running for the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference despite their -30 goal differential. Going into their Monday showdown with the Calgary Flames, the Caps only trail the Detroit Red Wings by one point while holding two games in hand and a two-game regulation win advantage. They are tied with the N.Y. Islanders in points, but they also have five more regulation wins than do the Isles, and they have a game in hand. After Monday, they have a four-game home stand that will show us a lot: Toronto, Carolina, Winnipeg, and Detroit. They play 11 of their last 16 against teams who are currently sitting in playoff spots, and two of the other five come against Buffalo, who are right there in the wild-card chase as well. Let’s break down the Caps-Flames game and the Sabres-Kraken showdown as we look at NHL betting picks of the week.
2024 NHL Top Games Odds for the Week 22, Monday, March 18
Washington Capitals at Calgary Flames
NHL Odds: Capitals +110 vs Flames -130 (O/U 6)
Hour/TV: 8:00 pm ET, NHL Network
The Capitals (32-25-9) bring a two-game winning streak to Calgary, matching the one that the Flames (33-29-5) are currently riding. The Flames are in fifth in the Pacific Division, so both of these teams need every win to boost their shot at the postseason. The Capitals are having to win in spite of their offense, which only notches 2.62 goals per game. Dylan Strome and Alexander Ovechkin have combined for 41 goals and 60 assists on the first scoring line, but the rest of the skaters have suffered. Only seven Caps have at least nine goals, which makes it easier for opponents to focus on that top line. The defense has permitted 3.06 goals per game, which should let you know where that -30 goal differential comes from. Charlie Lindgren has a sparkling .914 save percentage and a 2.61 GAA, with 9.9 goals saved above average.
Calgary has been getting a good amount of offense (3.15 goals per game) and has scored nine goals in their last two games combined. Blake Coleman, Yegor Sharangovich and Nazem Kadri have combined for 79 goals and 81 assists on the two scoring lines. Mikael Backlund, Andrew Mangiapane and Jonathan Huberdeau have combined for 37 goals and 81 assists on the checking lines. Defensemen Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar have jumped into the offense, combining to add 22 goals and 49 assists. The problems have come on defense as the Flames also allow 3.15 goals per game despite the solid play of goalie Jacob Markstrom (.910 save percentage, 2.68 GAA, 6.8 goals saved above average. With such a tight game, I see the Caps gritting out a big road win. Capitals to win.
Capitals vs Flames Betting Lines to Win
Buffalo Sabres at Seattle Kraken
NHL Odds: Buffalo Sabres +100 at Seattle Kraken -120
Hour/TV: 10:00 pm ET, ESPN+
The Sabres (32-31-5) have split their last ten games and are now in sixth place in the Atlantic Division. They are out west to face the Seattle Kraken (28-26-12), a team on a four-game skid and in the third-worst slot in the Pacific Division. Both teams need a boost to get back into the playoff chase. The Sabres are only scoring 2.93 goals per game, thanks in part to one of the league’s worst shooting percentages (9.3%). Their top two scorers are Alex Tuch and Jeff Skinner, with 39 goals and 45 assists between them, but the other scorers have not produced. Luckily, the defense has stepped up a bit, permitting 2.96 goals per game (including just four in their last two games combined). Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has a nice .915 save percentage and a 2.40 GAA, but the offense needs to pick things up for the Sabres to get into the postseason.
The Kraken offense has been even more anemic than that of the Sabres, as they are only scoring 2.68 goals per game, including just six tallies over their last four contests. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Jared McCann are the two top scorers with a combined 45 goals and 56 assists, but after them, only three other forwards are in double figures for goals this season. The defense has only permitted 2.82 goals per game, but that still leaves a negative differential. The team is wasting a decent season from Joey Daccord (.919 save percentage, 2.45 GAA). Sabres to win.
Sabres vs Kraken Betting Lines to Win
Next Games in the NHL Calendar
2024 NHL Week 23 Schedule
| Visit | Home | Time | TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, March 18, 2024 | ||||
| Washington | @ Calgary | 8:30 PM | NHL NET | |
| Buffalo | @ Seattle | 10:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | ||||
| Ottawa | @ Boston | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Columbus | @ Detroit | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Pittsburgh | @ New Jersey | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Winnipeg | @ New York | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Toronto | @ Philadelphia | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Carolina | @ New York | 7:30 PM | ||
| Colorado | @ St. Louis | 8:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| San Jose | @ Nashville | 8:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Montreal | @ Edmonton | 9:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Buffalo | @ Vancouver | 10:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | Tickets as low as $50 |
| Tampa Bay | @ Vegas | 10:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Minnesota | @ Anaheim | 10:00 PM | ||
| Chicago | @ Los Angeles | 10:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | ||||
| Toronto | @ Washington | 7:30 PM | TNT | |
| Arizona | @ Dallas | 8:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Minnesota | @ Los Angeles | 10:00 PM | TNT | |
| Thursday, March 14, 2024 | ||||
| New York | @ Boston | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| St. Louis | @ Ottawa | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| New York | @ Detroit | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Winnipeg | @ New Jersey | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Philadelphia | @ Carolina | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Nashville | @ Florida | 7:30 PM | ||
| Buffalo | @ Edmonton | 9:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Montreal | @ Vancouver | 10:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Chicago | @ Anaheim | 10:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Seattle | @ Vegas | 10:30 PM | ||
| Tampa Bay | @ San Jose | 10:30 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Friday, March 21, 2024 | ||||
| Carolina | @ Washington | 7:00 PM | NHL NET | |
| Pittsburgh | @ Dallas | 8:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Columbus | @ Colorado | 9:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Seattle | @ Arizona | 10:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Saturday, March 22, 2024 | ||||
| Winnipeg | @ New York | 1:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Boston | @ Philadelphia | 1:00 PM | NHL NET | |
| St. Louis | @ Minnesota | 2:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Detroit | @ Nashville | 5:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Edmonton | @ Toronto | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Ottawa | @ New Jersey | 7:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Florida | @ New York | 8:00 PM | ||
| Calgary | @ Vancouver | 10:00 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Columbus | @ Vegas | 10:30 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Tampa Bay | @ Los Angeles | 10:30 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
| Chicago | @ San Jose | 10:30 PM | NHLPP|ESPN+ | |
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NHL Top Games Odds and Picks for Week 22
2024 NHL Top Games Odds for the Week 22, Wednesday, March 13
Two of the titans in the NHL’s Western Conference square off Wednesday night as the conference-leading Vancouver Canucks host the Colorado Avalanche, who currently have the third seed in the Central Division. The Avalanche have won both meetings with Vancouver this season, 5-2 on November 22 and 3-1 on February 20. Ryan Johansen had the Avs’ two non-empty-net tallies in that second game, but he got shipped to Philadelphia at the trade deadline, so things could be different this time around. Let’s take a look at the NHL Top Games Odds on Wednesday night as you plan your NHL betting.
L.A. Kings at St. Louis Blues
NHL Odds: Kings -155 vs Blues +125
Hour/TV: 7:30 pm ET, TNT
The Kings (33-20-11) have just five wins in their last ten games but are still holding into third place in the Pacific. They head east to take on the St. Louis Blues (33-29-3), another team struggling recently with six losses in their last ten. The Kings’ offense has been terrific this season, scoring 3.05 goals per contest. Anze Kopitar, Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe have combined for 59 goals and 103 assists with the two scoring lines. Among the worker bees, Quinton Byfield, Phillip Danault and Trevor Moores have put together 59 goals and 71 assists combined. Defenseman Drew Doughty is the top scorer from the blue line, with 14 goals and 27 assists. The defense has been solid as well, permitting 2.59 goals per game on the season and just two goals per game in their last two outings. Cam Talbot has a stellar .916 save percentage and a 2.47 GAA. The offense has slipped a bit in the last few weeks, leading to the drop in wins.
The Blues have also seen a power outage on offense, scoring just eight goals in their last four games and seeing their scoring average drop to 2.78 per game. Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich have 65 goals and 102 assists among them, but only six skaters have scored at least 13 goals, making it easier for opposing defenses to target the producers. The defense has been a bit porous, allowing 3.06 goals per game despite the fine play of netminder Jordan Binnington (.911 save percentage, 2.86 GAA). Kings to win.
Colorado Avalanche at Vancouver Canucks
NHL Odds: Avalanche -110 at Canucks -110
Hour/TV: 10:30 pm ET, ESPN+
The Avalanche (40-20-5) head to Vancouver on the second night of a back-to-back, but the 6-2 thumping they gave the Calgary Flames on Tuesday should give them some momentum. The Avalanche lead the NHL in goals per game and are eighth in shots per game, and they have at least three goals in eight of their last 11 contests. Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in points, ranks second in assists and is fourth in goals scored. The defense ranks 15th in goals permitted per game, and Alexandar Georgiev has been good enough in goal (.902 save percentage, 2.85 GAA).
The Canucks (42-17-7) also come in with momentum from a big win as they thrashed the Winnipeg Jets, 5-0, in their last game. Thatcher Demko started in net but had to leave due to injury. Casey DeSmith finished the shutout, but Demko’s injury makes goaltending depth a concern for the Canucks. Their offense had been on the fritz recently, as they had scored no more than three goals in seven of their last eight games going into the Winnipeg contest, but they may have worked their way out of that slump. J.T. Miller is the team’s scoring leader with 85 points, and Brock Boeser leads the Canucks with 35 goals. The defense ranks fifth in goals allowed per game, and DeSmith, the likely starter in net, has an 8-4-5 record with a .900 save percentage and a 2.85 GAA. The Canucks should be able to take advantage of their day of rest and slow the Avs down a bit. Canucks win, take the under.
NHL Top Games Odds and Picks for Week 1
Week 1 NHL Top Games Odds: Looking to the first week of the regular season, let’s talk about some NHL betting picks.
Summer temperatures still blanket much of the United States, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start the 2023-24 NHL regular season. The Winnipeg Jets made a huge statement on the eve of the season, announcing that the two cornerstone stars of the franchise, Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck, signed seven-year deals with identical values, averaging $8.5 million annually. The two would have become unrestricted free agents next July, but this gives the players and the team security – and both will be 38 when these deals end. Keep following reading to discover more of the NHL Top Games Odds to win during this week.
Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights
When: Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 10:30 pm ET
Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
TV: ESPN
NHL Odds: Seattle +141 vs Vegas -173
The Kraken put up a surprising 46-28-8 record, posting 100 points on the season, and advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before losing to Dallas. They upset the defending champion Avalanche in the opening round, though, behind amazing goalie play from Philipp Grubauer. In the playoffs, he posted a 2.99 GAA and a .903 save percentage – but his intangibles in the win over the Avs made that six-year deal he signed before the season worth it.
The Golden Knights went 51-22-9 (111 points) and hoisted the Stanley Cup, thanks in large part to their deal for Ivan Barbashev at the trade deadline. He put up six goals and 10 helpers in 23 regular-season games and seven goals and 13 assists in the postseason. He came as a rental, so to ink him to a deal, the team had to say goodbye to Reilly Smith, a franchise original. Barbashev needs to continue his play as a solid two-way forward for this deal to make sense. Golden Knights to win.
Winnipeg Jets at Calgary Flames
When: Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 10:00 pm ET
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
TV: ESPN+
NHL Odds: Calgary -136 vs Winnipeg +112
Winnipeg bowed in the first round of the playoffs last year after posting a 46-33-3 record (95 points). The problem was not Hellebuyck’s play in net; he is a perennial candidate to win the Vezina Trophy and, barring injury, can play at least 60 games in the long regular season. In the off-season, the team added Laurent Brossoit to back up Hellebuyck and forwards Alex Iafallo, Gabriel Vilardi, and Rasmus Kupari to spice up the offense.
The Flames (38-27-17, 93 points) ended up missing out on the postseason last year. Elias Lindholm enters the last year of his contract after coming in second on the team in points and contributing on the penalty kill and the power play last year. They added Yegor Sharangovich to their forward group, but this team needs consistent play and a playoff run to cement a culture that has, to this point, proven elusive. Jets to win.
Colorado Avalanche at L.A. Kings
When: Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 10:00 pm ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV: TNT
NHL Odds: L.A. -110 vs Colorado -110
The Avalanche (51-24-7, 109 points) ended their season way too early, with that first-round thud against the Kraken. Cale Makar ended up leading the NHL in ice time (26:22 per contest) due to a number of injuries, keeping him from being able to score as often as he might have without all that fatigue. Adding the likes of Miles Wood, Ross Colton, Ryan Johansen, and Jonathan Drouin to the forward group should give the Avs more scoring options and more depth. The team still has Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen to score in bunches.
The Kings (47-25-10, 104 points) bounced out in the first round of the playoffs, and the team went and got forward Pierre-Luc Dubois in the off-season, showing that they are trying to win now. That trade cost a lot of assets – and then the team inked him to an eight-year deal worth $8.5 million per season. Along with Anze Kopitar and Phillip Danault, the Kings have one of the best center trios in the league, and the length of his deal should extend the Kings’ championship window. Avs to win.
