NHL Wednesday best bets: Expect fireworks between Devils, Bruins

We split our best bet Tuesday night. The Hurricanes picked up a sweat-free win over the Senators in Ottawa. Unfortunately, the Lightning couldn't get the job done to complete the mini-sweep.

We'll set our sights on one Wednesday night with a pair of totals that popped off the page.

Bruins (+110) @ Devils (-130)

My initial point of attack in this game was going to be the Devils' moneyline. But with the price moving to -130 in favor of New Jersey and Vitek Vanecek starting, I now see more value in the total.

Vanecek is an over machine, with six of his past eight starts going over the number. In one of those exceptions, he gave up four goals and the Devils were blanked for the first time in over a season.

Vanecek is coming off a strong performance against the Flames, but red flags remain littered throughout his statistical profile. He owns a putrid .879 save percentage this campaign and ranks dead last in goals saved above expectation.

Consistency remains a massive issue for Vanecek. He hasn't finished with a .900 save percentage or better in two straight games this season, and he's coming off a .920 performance.

One solid start against an underwhelming Flames team is hardly enough for me to believe Vanecek is turning a corner.

The Bruins rank top 12 in goals per game and shots per game. With Charlie McAvoy sidelined, Boston may need to rely more on their offense than defense to win this matchup. David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand should be able to do real damage against an inexperienced defense and subpar goaltending.

On the flip side, the Devils have looked a lot more like themselves since captain Nico Hischier returned to the lineup. They've won six of eight games and scored an average of four goals per 60 minutes, third most in the NHL during that span.

Giving Vanecek legitimate goal support will be imperative for the Devils. And the absence of McAvoy will certainly aid New Jersey in that cause.

Both teams should be able to contribute their fair share of goals in what has the makings of a high-scoring affair.

Bet: Over 6.5 (+105)

Penguins (-150) @ Canadiens (+130)

This game has the makings of a slow burn, particularly in the early going. The Penguins have mostly played low-event first periods. Only one contest in their past five have featured more than a goal in the opening frame.

Slower starts have been a common theme for Pittsburgh all season. The club sits 28th in first-period goals and has conceded only 19 in the opening period through 27 games.

In the latter half of a back-to-back situation, I don't expect anything different. The Penguins aren't going to be pushing the pace and looking to turn the game into a track meet against fresh legs. I expect a tight, professional performance as they allow the game to develop.

The Canadiens are unlikely to disrupt that plan. They've scored only 14 first-period goals through 28 games, the lowest output in the NHL.

Montreal doesn't have much firepower, and its goaltending has mostly been good this season, which is why they happen to be an above-average side at preventing goals in the opening period.

With both power plays struggling mightily - each team ranks bottom three in goals per minute over the past 10 games - the under shouldn't be in danger even if we see some undisciplined play from the start.

Bet: 1st period under 1.5 (+105)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ToddCordell.