NHL Thursday betting preview: Preds to extinguish the Flames

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Last night was good, but it should have been great.

We settled for a 3-2 finish on five plus-money bets for a sizable return, which you certainly don't hate. It'll be even better if we can turn that into more money tonight.

GOATs and scapegoats

Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad led the New York Rangers' offense to a five-goal night, which is exactly what we predicted against Michael Hutchinson and the Toronto Maple Leafs' defense. We nailed the Rangers (+120) and our best bet of the night with their team total over 3.5 (+130).

But here's why last night should have been better than it was. Drake Caggiula ripped home what appeared to be the winning goal for the Chicago Blackhawks before the referees called it off. It was scored with a delayed penalty coming against the Bruins, but the referees inexplicably waved it off and Boston eventually won in overtime. Sickening stuff.

Where's my refund?

Thursday's bets

Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres under 1.5 goals first period (+110)

The Sabres are reeling and, with their playoff hopes dead in the water, it's hard to see them getting up for a meaningless game against the league's worst team. That should make for a dreary first frame, with goals likely at a premium. The first-period under has hit in 11 of the last 12 meetings between the Red Wings and Sabres in Buffalo, and there's no reason why it shouldn't again here.

Florida Panthers (+100)

This will be the eighth road game in a row for the Vegas Golden Knights, who last played at home Jan. 11. It's been a grueling stretch, and you can bet they'll have their bags packed, ready to return to Vegas after this game. Mental fatigue will surely play a part for the Knights, who are 4-8 away to Eastern Conference teams (and 1-5 away to East teams with 60-plus points).

The Panthers are on a 7-1 run on home ice and a 6-2 run at home to Western Conference teams, and they could get Aleksander Barkov back tonight.

Carolina Hurricanes (-120)

I was on the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. I expected a response from them and was rewarded, but this feels like a good spot to fade the Yotes, who are still struggling to find their game despite Tuesday's win. They're 2-6 at home to East teams this season, while the Hurricanes are on a 6-2 run away to West teams, losing only to the Vancouver Canucks (in overtime) and St. Louis Blues (on Tuesday). The Canes are the superior club and we get them at a bargain here thanks to Tuesday's results.

Best bet

Nashville Predators (-105)

This is a case of riding the hot hand. The Predators have won five of six on the road and are playing their best hockey of the season, pulling to within three points of the Calgary Flames for the final wild-card spot with two games in hand. Confidence is flowing through this Nashville team and the timing for this contest in Calgary couldn't be much better as a result.

The Flames have lost eight of their last 11 at home and should be avoided at all costs right now, especially without captain and top defenseman Mark Giordano.

Trend of the night

The Montreal Canadiens are 1-9 in their last 10 home games as favorites of -130 or greater.

The Habs have struggled at home all season, regardless of the line, but are especially poor under these circumstances. They are -170 tonight against the Anaheim Ducks, who offer good value at +150. Remember, the Red Wings have won at the Bell Centre twice this season.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.