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

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

NHL Best Bets (3/3/23)

There are several games tonight on the NHL slate and you can find three of our NHL best bets below.

Seattle Kraken Vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

After getting the overtime win over the Detroit Red Wings last night, the Seattle Kraken are looking to keep the momentum going against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Seattle has been averaging four goals per game in the last four matchups and ranks sixth in the league with 3.47 goals per game. However, as showcased in the last few games, the Kraken have trouble keeping pucks out of the net, allowing 4.4 goals per game in their last five games. Seattle is projected to start Philip Grubauer in goal tonight, who has a 3.05 GAA and a 0.894 save percentage. 

But the goaltending looks even weaker on the other end, as Elvis Merzlikins has a 4.10 GAA to go with a .879 save percentage. The team has been more consistent offensively as of late, as showcased by Eric Robinson’s hat trick in a 5-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Columbus has also been one of the worst teams defensively overall, allowing 3.67 goals per game, ranking 30th in the league. The Kraken have been 4-2 to the over in recent road games, and I’m expecting plenty of goals tonight with two below-average goaltenders getting the start.

Best Bet: Over 6.5
Author: Anthony Elio

 New Jersey Devils Vs. Vegas Golden Knights

Despite being first in the Pacific Division and 7-1-2 in their last ten games, it is hard to buy what Vegas is selling. At least comparatively to New Jersey, who rolls into town winning seven of their last ten games and have been a force on the road (22-4-3). The Devils project Akira Schmid to be in net tonight, who has been strong in limited work this season (1.91 GAA & .930 SV%). If Vanecek gets the nod, then even better. He has been a reliable option all year. Adin Hill has been stout for Vegas but there is more offensive firepower on the Devils to lift them in a spot like this.

New Jersey is averaging 3.57 goals per game and is 7th in HDF% this season. This is a team that capitalizes on putting away quality scoring chances. The Devils are also incredibly strong defensively, allowing the second-lowest xGA at 109.4.

This is great value on the Devils ML in this spot where they have an edge offensively and have been equally if not better defensively than Vegas.

Best Bet: Devils ML
Author: Jason Guilbault

Carolina Hurricanes Vs. Arizona Coyotes

While they’ve been one of the best teams in not just the Eastern Conference but the entire league this year, the Carolina Hurricanes are in the midst of a head-scratching two-game losing streak. Well, something tells me that a showdown with the Arizona Coyotes is just what the doctor ordered. The Canes still bring one of the best defenses in the league to the ice every matchup, allowing just 2.58 goals per game. Frederik Anderson (14-6, 2.5 GAA) is projected to be in goal tonight, and he’ll look to bounce back from two straight games of allowing three goals. Luckily, he’s facing the lowest-shooting team in the league, as the Arizona Coyotes are averaging just 25.72 shots per game. 

Arizona has a key offensive piece with Clayton Keller (25 goals, 59 points this season), who has had at least one point in six straight games. While he might be a scoring threat in this game, he’ll have his hands full against a defense that showcases talented players like Jaccob Slavin (+17 this year). Arizona will have Karel Vejmelka between the pipes tonight, who has a .904 save percentage and a 3.32 GAA. The Canes have been traveling well this year (18-5-6 on the road), and I’m expecting them to cover the puck line tonight at Mullett Arena.

Best Bet: Hurricanes -1.5
Author: Anthony Elio