NHL Betting Report: Four Picks for Friday, January 22
NHL action continues Friday night with eight fantastic games to get action on, and I’ve got four great picks to help earn us some cash. We went 3-0 on our straight picks Thursday night, so let’s hope our hot streak continues into Friday.
Ahead are three picks on the moneyline and one under that’s providing exceptional value.
Odds via the FanDuel Sportsbook; subject to change.
Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks (-146)
The Pick: Red Wings (+124)
Although it’s early, it seems safe to say the Red Wings aren’t the historically awful team they were last season when they finished 17-49. While they’re a far cry from being a contender, they’ve managed to split games against a formidable Hurricanes team and a decent Blue Jackets team.
They’re no longer as comfortable of a fade as they were last season. I’d argue they’re a great underdog to play in the right spots. That’s exactly how I feel about Friday’s game. The Wings take on a Blackhawks team that gives up goals like Mcdonald’s sells hamburgers. Thus far, Chicago has allowed 20 goals in four games, allowing the most average goals per game in the league. It’s safe to describe the Blackhawks’ defensive and goalie play as horrific, and that doesn’t look to change any time soon.
On the other hand, the Red Wings have turned out solid goalie play led by Thomas Greiss. While he’s 0-2 to start the season, he’s sporting a solid .930 save percentage, pointing toward better days against subpar opponents. Even if Jonathan Bernier starts, you can comfortably bet the Wings on Friday.
While that analysis would typically point to the over, the Red Wings don’t quite have the offensive talent to run the table. The total has gone under in 3 of Detroit’s first four games, and I don’t have much confidence in the Hawks battling back if they go down early. This under has a ton of value, so I’m calling it a play. I recommend waiting closer to game time to take it, as I’d rather get it at an even 6 to avoid paying so much juice.
The Pick: Under 6.5 (-130)
Nashville Predators @ Dallas Stars (-102)
The Pick: Predators (-116)
This is what’s called a situational play. Because it’ll be the Stars’ first game of the season (their first games were postponed due to COVID-19 concerns), we don’t yet know anything about them. With no NHL team allowed to play the preseason, this will be the first game Dallas plays in four months. I’m banking on them needing to shake off some rust.
Nashville has looked good in their first three games. Even in defeat, they outplayed an elite Hurricanes team, pointing toward greener pastures in 2021. I think the Preds will compete amongst the elite again this season. Back them.
Vegas Golden Knights @ Arizona Coyotes (+144)
The Pick: Golden Knights (-172)
We finally get the Knights at a line good enough to take straight up … kind of. It’s the third of four consecutive games these two play against one another. The Golden Knights have comfortably taken care of the Coyotes in their first two meetings, winning both by 2+ goals.
Because this is a roadie for Vegas, and there’s now familiarity between the two, I expect this game to be closer than Monday’s and Wednesday’s game. Still, I’m staying the course and betting the Knights at an okay value. If Vegas trails early, I recommend hitting their in-game moneyline at plus money.
Pick to parlay: Avalanche (-215)
There’s not good enough value to bet this heavy favorite straight up, but they should bounce back from Thursday’s loss to the Kings. The betting favorite to win the Stanley Cup, the Colorado Avalanche, should take care of the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks.
Good luck if tailing! Agree? Disagree? Drop your best bets in the comment section below.
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