NHL Picks: Maple Leafs Seek Revenge Against Sharks

Wednesday’s hockey schedule features games, including the Toronto-San Jose matchup, that offer good NHL betting opportunities.

First let’s look at the game between the Rangers and Senators.

New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators

The New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators have not been playing well lately. Ottawa occupies the cellar in the Atlantic, while the Rangers are barely above .500.

The question is, who starts in goal for both teams? It looks like Igor Shesterkin for New York and Cam Talbot for Ottawa. Keep in mind that Talbot has seemed solid despite limited time due to injury.

Could both teams score a fair share of goals on Wednesday night? It is possible, as New York recently scored three against New Jersey and arguably could have had five or six.

In their last four wins, Ottawa scored 3+ goals in each. In four losses, they have a mere five goals.

The Senators have disappointed Canadian sports bettors all season. Despite their record, Ottawa is above .500 against the spread. New York is not. They are 1-5 ATS in their past six contests.

This contest is not on TNT or NHL Network, so fewer eyes will be on it. 

New York’s puckline (2.78) is troubling. The Over of 6.5 at 1.87 is something to look at if the number stays there or creeps up to 1.85.

San Jose Sharks at Toronto Maple Leafs

This is a Pepto Bismol special for Canadian sports bettors on Wednesday night.

It is only on Sportsnet, but it has solid billing. Toronto wants revenge. Five weeks ago, San Jose edged the Leafs 4-3 and started the rumor buses rolling on Sheldon Keefe, Kyle Dubas, etc. 

San Jose likely will start Aaron Dell in gaol, as James Reimer is banged up.

Meanwhile, Toronto is 10-1-3 since going 4-4-2 at the end of October. Furthermore, the Leafs are doing this without Ilya Samsonov. Goaltender Matt Murray is 5-1-1 and is playing great. That includes four straight wins and a victory over the New Jersey Devils last week.

There are some question marks when looking at tonight’s contest. 

One is that Over 6.5 goals, which is at 1.97. If that number hits 2.00, then bet it.

Toronto, in regulation, is not an easy bet here. That number offers little to zero value.

The Toronto puckline stands at 1.81. It is the worst of all four favourites tonight. Why? With San Jose on the back end of a back-to-back, the Leafs should have more advantage.

Have you seen the other game on Wednesday between Buffalo and Detroit?

The Sabres have split their last four games but have scored 19 goals in that span. Detroit, meanwhile, has won four of five games, tallying 22 goals. This may be a spot to look at the Over, especially with Alex Ndeljkovic starting in goal for the Red Wings. He has struggled this season.

Best Bets

• Detroit and Buffalo Over 6.5 goals at 1.92 (do not bet at 1.90 or worse)
• Toronto puckline - 1.81
• Edmonton and Chicago Over 6.5 goals - 2.17

Good luck, and once again, thanks for reading! We will have a few more plays on social media as conditions warrant.

All odds are from BetMGM.