NHL underdogs continue to win at a 34.6 percent clip this season. Bettors continue to be on the lookout for the right underdog at the right time.
There is essentially no difference between road underdogs (34.8 percent) and home underdogs (34.3 percent). There is, however, a difference on the puck line.
The road underdog covers on the puck line over 60 percent of the time. Which underdogs have the best shot at a win tonight? Here are the top NHL underdog picks for Thursday, March 3, 2022.
Minnesota Wild vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Pick: FLYERS +230
Minnesota has been slumping as of late with four straight losses and six in their last seven games. Part of the problem is the Wild has played Calgary twice, Toronto, and Florida. Those are three of the best teams in the NHL.
Still, the Wild gave up a total of 12 goals to the Flames over two games and the Panthers netted six. The Flyers haven’t done much better winning once in their last eight games.
Philadelphia has owned Minnesota historically and they play the Wild tough at home. Over the last ten head-to-head meetings, the Flyers have won seven games. Philadelphia also owns an 8-3 record in the last 11 home games played against Minnesota.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals
Hurricanes vs. Capitals Prediction
Pick: CAPITALS +105
The Capitals need a win after losing three straight. They got an extra day off as Carolina played on Tuesday night losing 4-3 to Detroit.
Washington has struggled at home recently and has some injury issues. The Hurricanes lead the Metropolitan Division with a 37-11-5 record. They may overlook the Capitals who have beaten Carolina in three straight, including the first meeting this season.
Vancouver Canucks vs. NY Islanders
Canucks vs. Islanders Prediction
Pick: CANUCKS +105
The Canucks lost their last game but were playing their backup goalie. Prior to that loss, they had won three in a row.
The Islanders are returning home after a five game West Coast road trip. New York lost three of the five primarily because of an inability to score goals. They score the sixth-fewest goals per game in the league.
Vancouver will face one of the better goaltenders in the NHL in Semyon Varlamov. Don’t forget, the Canucks beat two pretty good ones – Igor Shesterkin (Rangers) and Jacob Marskstrom (Flames) – over the past week.
The Canucks are the better rested team and are finally back at full strength after dealing with numerous injuries. Thatch Demko starts in goal and is 23-16-2 this season. Canucks get the win.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Oilers vs. Blackhawks Prediction
Pick: BLACKHAWKS +125
There is no doubt that Edmonton is the better team here, but the Oilers have lost three of their last five games. They also played on Tuesday night beating Philadelphia 3-0.
Chicago hasn’t played since Sunday, so they are well-rested. The Blackhawks have actually lost four of their last five games, but they tend to play well against Edmonton.
Chicago has won two of the last three and seven of the last ten games against the Oilers. That includes a 4-1 win on Feb. 9 in Edmonton. The Blackhawks are also 5-1 SU against the Oilers in the last six games played in Chicago.
