The Saturday after Thanksgiving is a huge sports day and that includes the NHL schedule which features 18 teams in action. That includes the Florida Panthers, owners of the best record (14-3-3) in hockey. The Panthers battle the NHL’s newest team, Seattle, at home on Saturday. Florida has yet to lose a home game this season. Is backing the Panthers the way to go?
Here are the top five NHL picks for Saturday, November 27, 2021.
Seattle Kraken vs. Florida Panthers
Best Bet: PANTHERS -190
Florida is as good as it gets on offense. They lead the NHL in just about every offensive statistical category.
The Kraken? Not so much. They rank 29th in expected goals per 60 minutes. Florida won four straight before dropping a 4-3 decision to Washington last night.
Fatigue could be an issue, but the Panthers (14-3-3) have the best record in hockey for a reason. Back the Panthers to win.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Oilers vs. Golden Knights Picks
Best Bet: OILERS +101
It’s still early in the season, but when these two played the first time this year Edmonton won 5-3. This is a crucial division game though as it could have implications for playoff seeding.
The bottom line is this. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl rank No. 1 and 2 in scoring in the NHL. Vegas has one of, if not the worst defense in the league. Edmonton will exploit that. Plus, you can take advantage of the Oilers as a plus-money underdog.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Detroit Red Wings
Best Bet: RED WINGS -185
The Sabres are just 3-9-1 over their last 13 games and have struggled in road games. They are 2-5-1 away from home.
The Red Wings, on the other hand, are 6-2-2 on their home ice at Little Caesars Arena. Plus, Detroit hasn’t played since Wednesday night, so they should be well-rested.
Don’t forget, before they beat Montreal last night, the Sabres gave up at least five goals in four straight games. Back the Red Wings -185 at home.
Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche
Best Bet: OVER 6
Both teams enter tonight’s game having played last night. There could be some issues with fatigue, but remember Colorado has been on a recent tear winning eight of their last ten games. The Avalanche average over four goals per game, which is not surprising given the Avs talent.
Nashville is only 19th in scoring, but the Predators have averaged three goals per game over their last eight. With Colorado’s ability to put the puck in the net, a couple of goals by the Preds will push this game Over 6.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Calgary Flames
Best Bet: FLAMES -170
The Flames have won four straight and are the best team in the Western Conference right now. Winnipeg was cruising along pretty well until the Jets lost their last four in a row.
Calgary has outscored its last four opponents 19-4 and they are the best at preventing goals with a 1.90 goals against average. The Flames have great special teams – sixth-best power play, third-best penalty kill. Take them to win at home.