NHL Saturday best bets: Penguins' winning streak to hit 11
We've absolutely crushed best bets this week, posting a 6-0 record with our picks.
Let's look to stay hot as we attack a very busy Saturday card.
Penguins (-130) @ Stars (+110)
The Penguins are firing on all cylinders and enter Saturday's game as the NHL's hottest side, having won their last 10 games.
In that span, they've outscored opponents 31-15 at five-on-five while controlling just under 59% of scoring chances. Complete dominance.
What's scary is that Pittsburgh did a lot of that undermanned - Bryan Rust and Jake Guentzel only recently returned to the lineup. Another impact reinforcement is on the way, as Jeff Carter (17 points in 27 games) is expected back Saturday. Oh, and there's also a chance Evgeni Malkin makes his season debut.
Put simply, there's reason to believe this already elite Penguins team will get even better. That's a scary thought.
While the Stars aren't pushovers, I think they're clearly a tier below Pittsburgh. Dallas' five-on-five chance share is barely above 50% over the last 10 and it's been outscored.
The Penguins' hot streak won't last forever, but I like them to finish in the win column again today.
Bet: Penguins (-130)
Capitals (-110) @ Wild (-110)
The Capitals are in the latter half of a road back-to-back and playing without key players T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom. Still, it's easy to argue Washington enter this contest under much better circumstances than the Wild.
Minnesota's roster is a shell of its usual self. The Wild will be without their two best forwards (Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek), two best defensemen (Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin), and starting goaltender, Cam Talbot. That's not even covering all the bases: Regulars like Jordan Greenway and Nick Bjugstad are also on the shelf.
Injuries have really taken a toll on Minnesota. It controlled just 43.41% of expected goals over the last 10 games, which ranks 29th in the NHL - sandwiched between the Sabres and Canadiens.
Washington enjoyed great success while missing key players - it has points in seven of its last 10 games and ranks in the top 10 in xGF% over that spell.
Fatigued or not, I like the Capitals to pick up a win against this bruised and battered Wild team.
Bet: Capitals (-110)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.