NHL Wednesday best bets: Release the Kraken
We have a somewhat quiet five-game slate Wednesday night, with most contests holding very little meaning. That creates some value on underdogs, which we'll look to attack with our best bets.
Kings (-175) @ Kraken (+145)
The Seattle Kraken aren't a good team, and they're playing in the latter half of a back-to-back. Even so, I like them in this game.
The Los Angeles Kings are locked into their playoff spot after the Edmonton Oilers clinched second place in the Pacific Division on Tuesday. Put simply, the Kings' last couple of regular-season games are meaningless for them.
Considering the laundry list of injuries L.A. has dealt with this season, it's very possible - if not likely - that the team sits its regulars. Keeping players healthy is much more important than beating the Kraken.
Seattle has also improved a little bit of late. The club has controlled better than 50% of the chances at five-on-five over the last 10 games. Matty Beniers has injected some much-needed life into the Kraken's offense, and their goaltending, while not great, has finally become serviceable.
I think Seattle will be motivated to finish this season strong and give its fans something to cheer about over the next few days. There's value in backing the Kraken against a Kings team that should be looking ahead to the postseason.
Bet: Kraken (+145)
Canadiens (+180) @ Rangers (-220)
We backed a bad hockey team versus a side locked into its playoff position with our first bet of the day. It's only fitting we do the same here.
After losing Tuesday night to the Carolina Hurricanes, the New York Rangers officially have nothing to play for. Absolutely nothing. Their lineup will reflect that.
Igor Shesterkin will get the night off, as he usually does in back-to-back situations. Artemi Panarin and Andrew Copp will also sit out. A couple of other forwards should as well.
Plus, it seems likely the Rangers will rest one of their top defenders with Zac Jones being recalled from the AHL. Adam Fox is the obvious candidate. He plays a ton of minutes and is one of the most important defenders in the league to his team. With home ice already locked up, it makes sense to rest Fox and make sure he's ready when the games matter again.
I realize the Montreal Canadiens are a disaster, but their top players have been quite good since Martin St. Louis took over. I expect they'll be able to do some damage against a watered-down Rangers team that, quite frankly, has no interest in anything other than getting through this game in one piece.
Bet: Canadiens +1.5 (-130)
Jack Eichel over 3.5 shots (-117)
We've constantly targeted Jack Eichel with shot props this season, and he continues to reward us for our support. After coming through against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, Eichel has recorded at least four shots in 22 of his 30 games this season. That's a 73% hit rate.
On Wednesday, Eichel draws a juicy matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. Not only are they a poor defensive team, but they also struggle mightily against centers. They rank in the bottom five in shots allowed per game and goals over the last month.
Playing in an absolute do or die, you can bet Eichel will be heavily leaned upon here. He should play a lot and, in turn, record a handful of shots against a bad defensive side.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.