There are only three games on tonight's NHL slate, but that doesn't mean there isn't value on the board. Our betting experts have zeroed in on a couple of games and identified their NHL best bets for tonight.
So, let's get to their predictions and picks for Wednesday, February 26.
NHL Best Bets
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our NHL betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 9:30 p.m. | |
  | 10:00 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NHL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Devils vs. Avalanche
By Ryan Sura
The Avalanche beat Jake Allen and the Devils 4-0 in December and I don’t see the result changing all that much in this one.
We have a Devils team that has had a lot of success on the road, but their recent road success doesn’t seem sustainable. They are undefeated in their past three road games, but rank 25th in shot attempt share and expected goals for, and 20th in high-danger chances allowed over that span.
Luckily for them, they’ve played Pittsburgh, Montreal and Nashville over that span — all very uncompetitive teams at this point of the season.
So, they’ve been able to be outshot or outchanced, but rely on their skill and opportune goaltending. It will be very hard for the Devils to win if they are outshot and/or outchanced by Nathan MacKinnon and the Avalanche.
On top of that, there’s a revenge game narrative with Mackenzie Blackwood, who played on the Devils for five seasons to start his career. In 78 minutes and 57 shots faced against his old club, Blackwood hasn't allowed a single goal. Devils have the third-best PP rank, scoring at 28% rate. However, Blackwood has been one of the best goalies on the PK this season. Blackwood owns a .924 SV% on the penalty kill, which leads all goalies. That number is even better at home (.951 SV% in Ball Arena).
The Avalanche went 0-2 over the weekend, but this is a great opportunity to get their first win after the break against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference as they look to build momentum for the rest of the season.
Pick: Avalanche Moneyline (-134)
| |
Canucks vs. Kings
Los Angeles has been outstanding on home ice this season. In fact, the Kings have posted a 19-3-2 home record, the best in the NHL. The Kings have been good to us at home all season, so we'll continue to ride the trend tonight. Meanwhile, Vancouver is in a tough spot, playing its third consecutive road game since Saturday.
Back the Kings tonight.
Pick: Kings -1 (-127)
| |
