NHL Thursday best bets: Rangers to cool off Red Wings
We have a jam-packed 10-game slate to look forward to Thursday night. Let's waste no time in getting to our best bets.
Rangers (-165) @ Red Wings (+145)
The Red Wings are hot, having won seven of their last 10 games to get back in the race for a wild-card spot.
Although the Wings have done some good things defensively and been opportunistic in finishing, this run does not appear to be sustainable.
Detroit has really struggled to create offense at five-on-five. The team is 31st in high-danger chances per 60 during this spell, narrowly ahead of the Blue Jackets. Nobody has fared worse than the Red Wings in terms of generating expected goals.
They deserve credit for making the most of their chances, but a lack of volume generally won't lead to success against a goaltender like Igor Shesterkin.
He predictably hasn't been as dominant this season as last. Even so, he still owns a save percentage well above league average and is top 10 in goals saved above expected.
Converting three or four times on a shot count that is likely to hover around the mid-20s is a tall order for the Red Wings. That's likely what they'll need to do to hang around - let alone win - against a sizzling Rangers squad.
The Rangers have picked up points in nine of 10 and are firing on all cylinders offensively. Aided by the recent addition of Vladimir Tarasenko, they have a loaded three-line attack that opponents are having a miserable time slowing down.
I expect the Wings to have a tough time. Look for them to drop this game inside 60 minutes.
Bet: Rangers in regulation (-105)
Wild (-190) @ Blue Jackets (+160)
The Wild finally appear to be turning a corner and gaining some traction in the Western Conference.
They have won three games in a row on the back of stout defense and strong goaltending. While their offense still has definite room for improvement, a date with the Blue Jackets should help bring out the best in them.
Columbus has controlled only 42% of the high-danger chances at five-on-five the past 10 games. The Blue Jackets spend a lot of time absorbing pressure, which is not what you want to be doing - especially against a team featuring weapons like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.
I think this matchup gives the Wild a welcome opportunity for regression. Nobody will confuse them for a high-flying offensive team, but they've shot 4% at five-on-five over the last 10 games and about 5.5% overall. Whether the lineup lacks finishing or not, numbers that low are not sustainable for any club, let alone one holding down a playoff position.
Elvis Merzlikins getting the nod in goal for Columbus would be preferable - Joonas Korpisalo is having a pretty strong season - but the Wild hold enough advantages that they should be able to grind out a much-needed win regardless.
Back Minnesota to claim two points inside regulation.
Bet: Wild in regulation (-110)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.