NHL Picks: Two Games on the Schedule, Plenty of Betting Opportunities

The NHL has two games on this Friday's schedule. It is almost the weekend. One of the contests is from Finland this afternoon as the Columbus Blue Jackets play the Colorado Avalanche from Tampere, Finland.

Friday’s edition features that international twist. Let's get ready for our NHL betting tonight.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche cannot be too happy right now. They are at .500 (4-4-1) with a goal differential of +2. Considering the Avalanche averaged nearly four goals a game for most of the regular season last year, this campaign feels different. The pressure on the Avalanche as they see each team’s best effort is something else. 

There are some nuggets of wisdom here. Colorado’s penalty kill is still struggling at just under 70%. Columbus has not gotten Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau going simultaneously. Gaudreau has five goals in 10 games. Because of injury, Laine only has one goal in four contests. The Finnish winger plays in his old “stomping grounds” this afternoon. Maybe that will help. 

Expect some defensive awkwardness. Columbus has given up 44 goals in 10 games. If they can ignite a spark on offense, it will probably come at the expense of their defense. Valeri Nichushkin will return for Colorado. That is not good news for Columbus. The forward had 12 points in seven games before missing the last couple of contests. 

With Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and a solid group of young talent, the Devils can skate up and down the ice with almost any team. It comes down to converting on scoring chances. This is still a team that rides the waves. That makes it a challenge to bet. 

Colorado, at least, gives the bettor a chance to know what they are getting into. The Over at 6.5 goals is not moving. That is good news. These international games tend not to be as high-scoring. Wagering on the Under may be a good move if that holds up.  Look at Colorado goal totals for some plus-money value.

Buffalo Sabres at Carolina Hurricanes

Here is that back-to-back scenario we discussed a lot in the early portion of the season. Some teams feel the effects more than others. Carolina will be returning for the second game after defeating Tampa Bay in a shootout on the road last night. Buffalo is one of those teams that love to push the pace. Carolina is relatively young and resilient. 

The biggest question is, does Craig Anderson start for the Sabres? Eric Comrie allowed three or more goals in five straight starts (three wins). Anderson has stopped 87 of 92 shots faced this season. Buffalo is on a front end of a back-to-back. 

There are some solid wagers to consider in this tilt. Betting tinier amounts than usual to set up the weekend games is a solid plan. Keep an eye on how the Over moves. 

Some Picks And More To Chew On

• Patrik Laine anytime goal - Check the number
• Buffalo Moneyline at +180
• Avalanche to win by 2 at +550
• Columbus and Colorado Under 6.5 goals at +105. Pass if it moves past Even.

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

All odds today come from BetMGM.

What Went Wrong Thursday

It had to be Ottawa. It started poorly, went down 5-1, and rallied. The result was a loss, but only 5-4. Calgary laid an egg along with Washington on Thursday. The Devils rallied for three straight goals and won in Edmonton. They close out their road trip on Saturday in Calgary. 

Some things did go right, though.

What Went Right Thursday

American sports bettors had to be happy with that Anaheim and Vancouver game as the teams combined for 13 goals, and the Vancouver Puckline still cashed. 

Thanks to Dallas, who scored seven goals in Arizona to help the over into the green zone. Also, Boston scored five of the seven tallies at MSG. Finally, Carolina did win on the Moneyline against Tampa Bay but needed extra time again. 

Follow us on social media for some weekend picks and much more. The goal is to get used to the schedule, ride the waves, and pounce on the line movements.