NHL weekend preview: Getting Wild in Columbus

It wasn't our night on the ice. Igor Shesterkin and Ville Husso both rank inside the top three in Goals Saved Above Expectation per start. Naturally, their meeting Thursday turned into an offensive explosion.

Additionally, the Boston Bruins couldn't win by a pair at home, and the Colorado Avalanche were blanked by Antti Raanta. Despite beating the closing line with all three bets, we were left empty-handed. It happens.

We'll look to bounce back with our best bets for the weekend ahead.

Jets (+105) @ Islanders (-125)
Mar 11, 7:30 p.m. EST

While the New York Islanders are coming off back-to-back high-scoring games, this contest screams under to me.

New York's offense isn't good. I think its recent outburst has more to do with playing the Colorado Avalanche - who are prone to pulling teams into track meets - and Joonas Korpisalo, one of the league's worst netminders this season.

The Islanders' underlying metrics are middling in terms of generating chances and expected goals. Plus, it's not like they're overflowing with high-end talent to consistently capitalize on the chances they do get, especially if Mathew Barzal remains out due to injury.

This team has had defensive hiccups along the way, but New York generally remains stout on home soil. Over the last 10 home games, the Islanders conceded just 53 attempts and fewer than two goals per 60 minutes of five-on-five play. Those are strong numbers.

Now, they draw a Winnipeg Jets team in the second half of a back-to-back with a fresh Connor Hellebuyck. He's struggled as of late, but his long track record of success leaves reason to believe he'll rebound sooner than later.

I think this line should be at 5.5 and juiced a little to the under. I'm happy to take my chances with the safety net 6 provides.

Bet: Under 6 (-120)

Wild (-205) @ Blue Jackets (+170)
Mar 11, 7 p.m. EST

The Minnesota Wild have hit a rough patch, winning just four of their last 10 games. That's hardly what you'd expect from a team with their level of talent.

But their play has been better than it appears. They rank fifth in the league with an expected goal share of nearly 54% over the last 10 contests.

Put simply, goaltending has been their downfall. Cam Talbot, in particular, has struggled to find his game.

It just so happens Friday will be an off night for Talbot, as Kaapo Kahkonen will get the nod in goal. He hasn't played great, either, but he's about eight goals clear of Talbot in Goals Saved Above Expected this season. He gives the Wild a better chance to win right now.

Minnesota is also drawing one of the better matchups it could hope for. The Columbus Blue Jackets have controlled a putrid 38% of the high-danger chances at five-on-five over the last 10 games.

Only the Chicago Blackhawks have generated high-danger looks at a lesser rate, while just three teams have conceded them more frequently.

The Wild should be able to dominate the run of play in this game, putting them in position to win their third in a row.

Bet: Wild in regulation (-130)

Kings (-121) @ Sharks (+100)
Mar 12, 9:30 p.m. EST

The Los Angeles Kings blew a lead to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night. I like them to respond with a bounce-back win Saturday.

San Jose has been getting decimated at five-on-five as of late. Its share of the expected goals at five-on-five is just 39% over the last 10 games, which is mind-numbingly bad. Erik Karlsson's return should help prop that number up a little bit, but there's only so much one player can do.

Even without Viktor Arvidsson, I expect the Kings to dominate territorially at five-on-five. They did so Thursday, controlling 62.5% of the high-danger chances.

That was also without No. 1 defenseman Drew Doughty in the lineup. If he's able to return Saturday, that's an added bonus for the Kings.

This team has proven doubters wrong all season long and found ways to get wins in spots you wouldn't expect. I believe Los Angeles will respond and put this struggling Sharks team back in its place.

Bet: Kings (-121)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.