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This season has been unlike any other for NHL betting. The constant postponement of games is increasingly problematic as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across the league.
Somehow, there’s talk of fans attending games in two weeks. It’s baffling, but the season rolls on anyway.
Assuming there are no further postponements, here are three betting favorites you should consider taking on Thursday.
Carolina Hurricanes at Dallas Stars Picks
Hurricanes vs. Stars Betting Report
Best Bet: Hurricanes ML (-127)
The Carolina Hurricanes (7-3-0) have dropped two of their past three games, but that shouldn’t cause any doubt for this team, especially not against the Dallas Stars (5-2-3). Carolina has beaten Dallas twice this season (4-1, 4-3), outshooting the Stars by at least 11 in each game.
The Hurricanes’ success starts in the faceoff dot. They dominate possession of the puck because their .538 faceoff percentage is the best in the East Division and third-best in the league. With the roster approaching 100% health again, Carolina should be shooting up the standings over the next few weeks.
Dallas is struggling to boot. The Stars have dropped five of their past six games and are dealing with off-ice drama surrounding goaltender Anton Khudobin.
Khudobin was scratched from Sunday’s start after reportedly oversleeping and being late to practice. He was also the backup Tuesday night during an overtime loss against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Take the Hurricanes on the road Thursday night.
Get the Best NHL Odds on Your Next Bet
Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers Picks
Lightning vs. Panthers Betting Report
Best Bet: Lightning ML (-165)
To me, this is the no-brainer pick of the day. The defending champion Lightning are 9-1-1 and have won their last six games.
Florida has dropped two of its last four, one each against the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators, who are at the bottom of the division standings.
After getting the day off Monday, Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 32 of 33 shots on Tuesday en route to a 6-1 dismantling of the Predators. The 2019 Vezina Trophy winner is tied for the league lead in wins and save percentage and ranks second in goals-against average among goaltenders with at least six starts.
As a team, the Lightning allow the fewest goals per game (1.82) in the league while scoring the second-most (3.82). While Florida does score 3.10 goals per game, it does most of its damage on the power play, where it scores 37% of the time, the league’s best rate. At even strength, Florida has the second-fewest goals in the league.
Trust the Lightning to stay out of the box and walk away winners on Thursday.
Calgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks
Flames vs. Canucks Betting Report
Best Bet: Flames ML (-157)
Neither the Flames (6-5-1) nor the Canucks (6-10-0) are having the type of season they anticipated. Both teams are fighting to stay out of the cellar, as they currently sit fifth and sixth in the North Division, respectively.
Vancouver is allowing almost four goals per game and allows a league-worst 34.7 shots per game. Calgary is in the exact middle of the league in both goals for and goals against per game. As bad as things have been for the Flames, they’ve been much worse for the Canucks.
Calgary has won its last two games, while Vancouver has lost its past five. Don’t overthink this one. Flames come out on top.
