NHL Best Bets For 3/1/23: Expert Betting Picks For Tonight’s Games

Get NHL best bets and our expert predictions for tonight’s NHL slate of games on (3/1/23) Find three best bets for the NHL games tonight.

NHL Best Bets (3/1/23)

A jam-packed Wednesday NHL slate is here and our NHL best bets are locked in for tonight’s slate of games.

Carolina Hurricanes Vs. Vegas Golden Knights Best Bet

The Carolina Hurricanes are one of the top teams in a crowded Eastern Conference for one major reason: a smothering defense. The team is allowing just 2.57 goals per game, thanks to key contributions from defensemen like Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns. While the defense is definitely stout, the Canes have also been putting up goals lately, averaging four goals per game in their last five. Center Seth Jarvis has been particularly heating up lately, with five goals throughout that streak including a hat trick against the Montreal Canadiens. Frederik Anderson is projected to be between the pipes tonight, who has a 2.47 GAA with a .905 SV% and a 14-5-0 record. 

On the other side of the ice, the Vegas Golden Knights are coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Backup goaltender Adin Hill played admirably in the game with a .939 save percentage, and he will likely be between the pipes tonight as well. Both of tonight’s teams have been trending to the under lately, with Carolina going under in five of six games while Vegas is 4-2 to the under in their last six. However, Carolina’s 35.17 shots per game (third in the league) mixed with Anderson’s subpar save percentage on the season have me leaning more towards the Hurricanes moneyline. The Hurricanes have traveled well (18-4-6 on the road), and the Golden Knights should struggle to find an offensive rhythm after being shut out by a Cale Makar-less Avalanche team on Monday.

Best Bet: Hurricanes ML
Author: Anthony Elio

New York Rangers Vs. Philadelphia Flyers Best Bet

After swinging for the fences with the trade for Patrick Kane, the New York Rangers just added another offensive playmaker to an already talented squad. While he won’t be playing tonight, New York still has plenty of firepower with Mike Zibanejad (31 goals) and Chris Kreider (25 goals). Meanwhile, goalie Igor Shesterkin (.910 SV%, 2.65 GAA) hasn’t been the dominant force he was last season, allowing 3.57 goals per game since the end of the All-Star Break. Still, the offense has been keeping them competitive, scoring at least five goals in six different February games. 

The Philadelphia Flyers haven’t been keeping the goals out of the net lately either. Carter Hart (.908 SV%, 2.94GAA) will be in goal tonight, and he’s been allowing four goals per game in the team’s last four matchups. The team is missing lead scorer Travis Konecny (27 goals), who is on injured reserve with an upper body injury. Philadelphia will need forwards like Owen Tippett and Kevin Hayes (17 goals each this season) to step up in order to stay in this one, and they’ve got the opportunity to put up some goals facing off against a struggling Shesterkin. With Philly going 6-1 to the over and New York going 8-3 to the over as of late, I’m sticking with the trends and expecting goals tonight.

Best Bet: Over 6.5
Author: Anthony Elio

New Jersey Devils Vs. Colorado Avalanche Best Bet

There are a handful of potential offensive outbursts tonight and this one might get overlooked. Colorado isn’t a big over team this season behind their goaltending and strong defense. Colorado will continue to miss a handful of defensemen, including Makar, and have Justus Annunen starting in net for just his third career go. I have pause about the Avs moneyline given the Devils offense can put up points (5th in GF), but both teams are inside the top ten in SCF%. Both the Devils and Avalanche are in the top half in converting high-danger scoring chances. While the Avs’ offense hasn’t been as potent this season, there will be plenty of chances in a high paced game between these two teams. Vitek Vanecek is projected to go tonight and has been a bit more vulnerable of late, allowing 2.75 GAA in February.

Best Bet: Over 6
Author: Jason Guilbault