Although college hoops will dominate the betting handle and conversation this week, there are some real gems on the NHL board. The playoff push is underway and heating the ice. Several teams may drown from the intensity. The top eight are set in Eastern Conference play, barring a major miracle. As a result, the question with the NHL betting odds comes down to seeding and home ice. There are many teams on the brink of the playoffs or elimination in the West, which means that every game and point counts. Every game is a playoff game in the West!
NHL Best Bets March 14-20, 2022
Boston Bruins vs. Minnesota Wild
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, March 16, 2022 7:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Location: | Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, MN. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruins | +1½ (-255) | 6 (-105) | -102 |  |
| Wild | -1½ (+215) | 6 (-115) | -118 | |
| ||||
One of those Western Conference teams on the brink is the Wild. Minnesota is only five points ahead of the elimination posse. Of major concern is that the Wild has failed to get the cash in seven of its last ten online betting matchups. Minnesota’s rankings of 23rd for goals allowed and 23rd for penalty killing indicate their playoff challenges.
By contrast, Boston enters this game in great form with eight payouts in their most recent ten outings. The Bruins rank 5th for goals allowed, and that travels well. Boston is 18-8-3 on the road.
SBG Best Bet: Boston Bruins.
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes
| Date and Time: | Friday, March 18, 2022, 7 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location: | PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC. |
| TV Coverage: | NHL Network |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Late on, the Capitals have gotten back on track with four payouts in five games. Five of their last six went over the total. Washington shows balance with rankings of 9th for goals scoring and 10th for goals against.
In like manner, Carolina Hurricanes have paid in eight of their most recent ten games. Carolina went under the total in seven of their last eight outings. Concurrently the Hurricanes began the week atop the Eastern Conference standings. That means home ice for the entire Eastern Conference Playoffs if they can hang on. Carolina is 23-4-2 at home.
SBG Best Bet: Carolina Hurricanes.
New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
| Date and Time: | Saturday, March 19, 2022, 8 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL. |
| TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
The Broadway Blueshirts are the most improved team in the NHL this season. New York has paid in four of their most recent six games. Overall, the Rangers rank 3rd for goals allowed.
Of great concern is that the Lighting has not struck the cashier’s cage much lately. Tampa Bay Lightning has won just two of their last six games. The Lighting has slipped to 11th in the NHL for goals allowed. In this situation, the Rangers should bring enhanced value as a quality road dog.
SBG Best Bet: New York Rangers
New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers
| Date and Time: | Sunday, March 20, 2022, 2 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Hapless Philadelphia has dropped seven of its last ten NHL betting matchups. The Flyers are ahead of only Montreal in the Eastern Conference standings. In fact, this has been one of the worst seasons in the Flyers’ 54 years of action. At the onset of the season, the Islanders got stuck in the muck. Despite modest, improved play, it is too late to dig out now. To be exact, an offense ranked 25th for goal scoring and 20th for power-play efficiency is too much to overcome. But the Isles will get a nice price break on the road.
SBG Best Bet: New York Islanders.