NHL Wednesday best bets: Getting Wild in New Jersey
We have an insanely large 14-game slate on the docket Wednesday as we head into the NHL's short break for American Thanksgiving.
Let's get into our best bets.
Wild (-120) @ Devils (+100)
While the Wild will be without captain Jared Spurgeon, I still see value in them in New Jersey.
Minnesota's been the much better five-on-five team this season, whether you look at the overall numbers or recent trends. The Wild have controlled better than 55% of the expected goals at full strength. Only the Maple Leafs have fared better.
Conversely, the Devils have controlled less than 50% of the expected goals and sit 19th in the NHL.
Even without Spurgeon's play-driving ability, the Wild should have a pretty clear edge at even strength. I don't like New Jersey's chances of making up ground with special teams.
The Devils sit 27th in power-play goals per 60 and 30th in expected goals per 60 this season. Somehow, they decided removing Pavel Zacha - the team's leader in PP points and scoring chances - off the power play entirely is the solution to their problems. I'm skeptical.
I like the Wild to get it done and head into the short break on a high note.
Bet: Wild (-120)
Golden Knights (+100) @ Predators (-120)
The Predators are on a nice 6-3-1 run but they haven't played as well as their record suggests.
They've controlled just 46.71% of shot attempts (27th) and 47.63% of expected goals (23rd) over their last 10. Even adjusting the numbers for score and venue, they still grade out poorly.
While the Golden Knights aren't exactly firing on all cylinders, they've fared better than the Predators in each category, and are trending upwards.
Captain Mark Stone recently returned to the lineup. Star defenseman Shea Theodore rejoined the mix last time out, and the likes of Max Pacioretty and Nolan Patrick could potentially play as soon as Wednesday.
I'm comfortable getting involved with Vegas priced at a coin flip, and that edge will grow larger if they get reinforcements. If you'd like to wait for news on those injury situations, feel free to do so.
Bet: Golden Knights (+100)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.