The NHL has a busy schedule Thursday, with 11 games on the slate. With ample betting opportunities, here are the betting locks you should consider for Thursday’s games.
Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals Pick
Bruins vs. Capitals Betting Report
Best Bet: Capitals -121
The Boston Bruins (20-10-6) are struggling through injuries and illnesses throughout the roster. Most notably, starting goaltender Tuukka Rask has been out since March 25 after suffering an upper body injury, and backup Jaroslav Halak is in COVID-19 protocol.
Rookie Daniel Vladar has played well in their stead, posting a 2-1-1 record, a 2.25 GAA, and a .922 save percentage. However, he has allowed an increased number of goals in each start.
Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals (25-10-4) are the top team in the East Division. Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to the Islanders was Washington’s first shutout loss of the season, and was their fourth loss in their last 16 games.
The Capitals’ high-octane offense averages 3.33 goals per game, third-best in the league. Led by one of the greatest scorers of all-time in Alex Ovechkin, Washington is also deadly on the power play, which is converting 24% of the time this season.
Washington has won two of the four regular season meetings, and they should add to that win total Thursday night.
Winnipeg Jets at Montreal Canadiens Pick
Jets vs. Canadiens Betting Report
Best Bet: Jets +118
I’m surprised to see Winnipeg as an underdog in this game. The Jets are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, but they’re still a capable team.
Winnipeg has a ton of scoring depth. Eight Jets skaters have hit the 20-point mark this season; only the Colorado Avalanche have more players at 20+ points (the Avalanche have 10).
Beyond that, the Jets should have the edge in net. Connor Hellebuyck (18-10-3, 2.54 GAA, .918 save percentage, one shutout) is the defending Vezina Trophy winner as the league’s top goaltender. Hellebuyck is expected to go against backup Jake Allen (5-3-4, 2.23 GAA, .922 save percentage) Thursday night.
Allen should get the start because Carey Price is out injured. Joining Price on the injury report are Brendan Gallagher, Joel Armia, and Ben Chiarot. The Jets roster is nearly at full strength, missing only Nathan Beaulieu.
I expect Winnipeg to pull the road upset Thursday night in Montreal.
Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes Pick
Panthers vs. Hurricanes Betting Report
Best Bet: Panthers +123
This one is the game I have circled as the game of the night. The Panthers and Hurricanes are two of the league’s best teams this season, both ranking in the Top 5 by points percentage. While Carolina has won four of the five meetings this year, three of those wins have come in overtime or the shootout.
Florida and Carolina are about as evenly matched as it gets. The Panthers score the fifth-most goals per game (3.28), while the Hurricanes score the 11th-most (3.18). Conversely, Carolina allows the fourth-fewest goals per game (2.48), and Florida allows the 10th most (2.65).
Both teams rank in the Top 5 shots per game. Florida does most of their damage at even strength, with 80 5-on-5 goals this season, the seventh-most in the league. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes run the league’s best power play, scoring a remarkable 29.8% of the time.
While the statistics may ever-so-slightly favor Carolina, these teams have been competitive with each other all season, as evidenced by the number of overtime games. However, Carolina is (-150). Getting the Panthers at (+123) is great value on one of the league’s best teams.
It may be another overtime game, or perhaps even a shootout, but I predict an upset win for the Panthers Thursday night in Carolina.
