NHL Saturday Games Predictions & Analysis

Your Saturday National Hockey League schedule is highlighted by a Pacific Division clash between the Vegas Golden Knights (27-12-2, 56 points) and the Los Angeles Kings (22-14-6, 50 points). The Knights hold a game-in-hand advantage, giving this midseason battle some extra emphasis. The Kings trail the VGK by six points for the division lead.

The schedule kicks off in New Jersey when the Devils (24-12-3, 51 points) host the New York Rangers (22-12-6, 50 points) with the winner taking ownership of second place in the Metropolitan Division. Let’s take a closer look at both of these key match-ups as we present our NHL Saturday games predictions.

Must-Watch Television

It seems as if the Los Angeles Kings have been chasing the Golden Knights all season, a stark contrast from last season when it was the Knights chasing the Kings for a wild card spot.

What a difference a year makes when injuries aren’t much of a factor for the Kings. The Golden Knights once again have been dealing with some key guys banged up but have done a terrific job of overcoming those and should be strong throughout the NHL season if Jack Eichel can stay in the line-up.

Vegas has won three straight games after losing four of their previous six, largely in part to the play of goaltender Logan Thompson (18-9-1, 2.61 GAA, .915) who will be making his first all-star game appearance. Los Angeles is worth a shot with the generous plus money.

Throw out their 5-2 loss to Boston, Thursday. The Kings have been on a roll the game after they’ve been held under two goals, winning seven straight. We recommend getting on this game as quickly as possible because money is already pouring in on Los Angeles after the opening consensus number was Knights -170.

You can bet that the Kings will be blocking shots while putting an emphasis on gap control. This will remind the viewers of a typical playoff battle, something we may see down the road.

With the Carolina Hurricanes looking unstoppable in the Metro Division, the Rangers and the Devils will battle it out for second place Saturday afternoon. New York has won three straight games, two as an underdog, while a poor power play is starting to catch up to the Devils who started the season 21-5.

Since they have lost 10 of their last 13 games for bettors and six of eight as a favorite. The Devils opened as high as -130 in some spots but predictably have been bet down to -125. After the Rangers snapped the Carolina Hurricanes’ 17-point streak a couple of games ago, you can sense the confidence that professional bettors are starting to have in the Rangers.

To the educated eye, this number does look like a bit of a trap. We expect the game to come out -110 each way, or around there, but the bookmakers are making a statement by staying with what appears to be a very generous plus money with the Rangers who are playing their best hockey of the season.

Our official recommendation is to take the Devils who can erase a poor couple of weeks with a win. If Jersey could find some consistency with the man advantage, the Devils will be a difficult team to contend with down the road.

The Buffalo Sabres are hanging in there after being one of the league’s worst teams for many seasons. However, anyone who watches the game could tell you that the tide was turning last season after severing ties with Jack Eichel, who is doing just fine in Vegas.

In return, they received the first player to start the tide turning in a different direction when New York native Alex Tuch infused his enthusiasm for playing in Western New York. He, alongside Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner, has given Buffalo a top line that has contributed 65 goals including 30 from Thompson.

‘National Hockey League, scoring just under four goals a game. With wins in seven of their last eight games, there’s no need to go against Buffalo in this spot where they’re getting home plus money.’

They lead an offense that is arguably the most dangerous in the National Hockey League, scoring just under four goals a game. With wins in seven of their last eight games, there’s no need to go against Buffalo in this spot where they’re getting home plus money. By comparison, I think the Wild’s lack of offensive consistency will hurt them until they address it, perhaps at the deadline.

Ice Chips

Seattle Kraken at Ottawa Senators (-115, 6 o 120)

There is so much respect for the Ottawa Senators by the bookmakers, and we see that again in this number. Both teams are among the league’s best NHL teams against the spread, but Seattle is fresh off underdog wins against the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs by a combined score of 10-3 and they’re a dog against the Sens? Better to look toward the over with moneyline that’s hard to figure out and a total that is begging you to go under. We’re not falling for that as this game gets pushed over the total late.

Wait For the Highlights

Carolina Hurricanes (-280, 6.5 u -126) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Hurricanes have now lost two straight games after winning 11 straight. The Jackets have lost 11 of their last 12 games. Only two other teams have lost more money (-1140 units) for bettors than the Blue Jackets (Blackhawks -1792 units and Panthers -1198 units).

That does it for our NHL Saturday games predictions, all the best this weekend NHL betting tips.
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