NHL Best Bets For 2/21/23: Expert Betting Picks
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Get NHL best bets and our expert predictions for tonight’s NHL slate of games on (2/21/23) Find best bets for four of the top NHL games tonight.
NHL Best Bets (2/21/23)
We have plenty of games on tap for the Tuesday NHL slate and our NHL best bets are locked in for tonight’s slate of games.
Red Wings Vs. Capitals Best Bet
These are two teams that have been going in opposite directions. In the past 10 games, the Red Wings have gone 7-3 to keep their playoff hopes alive while the Capitals have gone 3-7. Much of this has to do with the absence of leading goalscorer Alex Ovechkin, who has been in Russia to be with family following his father’s passing. The Caps have only averaged two goals per game without Ovi, going 0-3 without their captain. Missing defenseman John Carlson (71 points in 2021-2022) throughout 2023 certainly hasn’t helped the situation.
On the other side of the ice, the Detroit Red Wings offense has been seriously heating up. The team has been averaging 4.6 goals per game in their last five matchups, with center Dylan Larkin accumulating six goals and five assists along the way. The Red Wings have also travelled well, with Detroit on a 5-2 away run that included big wins over the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. Washington goalie Darcy Kuemper has been subpar since the All-Star break, allowing three goals a game with a .906 save percentage. With a struggling goalie and an offense missing its best player, I’m fading the Caps once again and taking the value with the Detroit Red Wings.
Best Bet: Red Wings ML
Author: Anthony Elio
Sabers Vs. Maple Leafs Best Bet
I’m expecting a lot of goals in this showdown between Atlantic Division rivals. The Buffalo Sabres have been one of my favorite teams to watch all season, putting up plenty of goals thanks to contributions from Tage Thompson (36 goals), Alex Tuch (26 goals), and Victor Olofsson (23 goals). Buffalo only tails the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins in terms of goals per game, averaging 3.7 throughout the season. This fast-paced offense will need to fire on all cylinders to keep up with the Toronto Maple Leafs considering that Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be between the pipes for the Sabres. The young goaltender has definitely struggled this year, with a .898 save percentage and an average of 3.4 goals allowed in 23 starts.
The Maple Leafs will look to take advantage of this, and they definitely have the tools to put up plenty of goals. Since the return of Auston Matthews from a knee injury, the Maple Leafs have averaged 4.3 goals per game and will be looking to bounce back from a tough upset by the Chicago Blackhawks over the weekend. Toronto is on a 4-2 run to the over and should easily climb to 5-2 as two of the best offenses in the league face off. I’m taking the safer over at 6.5, but will also consider placing a wager on over 7 with the right odds.
Best Bet: Over 6.5
Author: Anthony Elio
Kings Vs. Wild Best Bet
Los Angeles has won four straight and have just two regulation losses in their last ten games. The Western Conference is in a tight battle and most of these games will have playoff implications over the next few months. Tonight is no different. The Wild have been playing middling hockey of late and their 5v5 numbers still leave a lot to be desired. The Kings could find themselves with a massive edge on the PP tonight. Minnesota ranks third in penalties per game and Los Angeles boasts the second-best PP%, only behind Edmonton. The Wild rely on their PP efforts but face a disciplined Kings team.
Overall there isn’t much of a discrepancy in goaltending and the Kings rank 11th in CF% compared to the Wild at 17. Minnesota’s offense ranks 26th in xGF and Kings should be able to steal this game on the road. The value is tough to pass up here.
Best Bet: Kings ML
Author: Jason Guilbault
Canucks Vs. Predators Best Bet
Another Western Conference battle, yet this time the Predators are the only team with a shot for the playoffs. Vancouver’s new coach shine lasted for about two games and they have reverted back to being a team to pick on. Starting in net there is an advantage for Nashville. Juuse Saros has a 2.82 GAA this season compared to 3.47 for Collin Delia.
Nashville is certainly closer to being bad than good this season but they continue to do enough each night to garnish value when in these types of situations. The Predators still edge the Canucks in key areas and Vancouver is bottom ten in high-danger attempts allowed. Nashville’s offense could come alive in this spot, especially against the worst PK unit in the league.
Best Bet: Predators 60-Min ML
Author: Jason Guilbault
