NHL Thursday Betting Preview: Nine games, Only One Champion
Buffalo's Other Team, A Worthy look

NHL predictions today offer a nine-game schedule filled with plenty of chances for NHL picks and parlays. Let’s start our NHL Thursday betting preview by honing in on an Atlantic Division clash when the Boston Bruins (38-5-4, 80 points) take their talents down South to take on the defending Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning (30-15-1, 61 points).
We’ll dive into that game from a betting perspective in addition to the Buffalo Sabres (25-19-3, 53 points) going North of the border to take on the Winnipeg Jets (31-17-1, 63 points). Then we’ll finish off our NHL Thursday betting preview with a glance at the New Jersey Devils (31-12-4 66 points) at the Nashville Predators (23-18-6, 54 points).
Must-Watch Television
Boston Bruins vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Date & Time:
Location: Amalie Arena
Streaming: NESN, BSUN, ESPN+
Moneyline: Bruins -115, Lightning -105
Total: 6 (o -120)
Puckline: Bruins -1.5 (+200), Lightning +1.5 (-250)
There are games during the NHL season that we can pin-point as NHL matchups that we might see down the road in the postseason, and this one has a second-round clash written all over it. The Bruins are clearly the best team in the National Hockey league, which speaks to what happens when a team likes playing for the head coach but that’s another story for another column.
Boston already owns two wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning this season. Bettors know that this is a great team because they continue to do things that Stanley Cup champions do, and we only have to look back to their road win against the Montreal Canadiens for another example. Jim Montgomery’s team could have easily laid down in what amounts to a meaningless road game before a battle with a legit contender.
Instead, they suffocated their once biggest rivals, 4-2, and put themselves in the discussion of whether are they going to be remembered as the best team in NHL history after hitting the 80-point mark in just 47 games. That’s the fastest to 80 in NHL history.
There are not too many times we’re going to get Boston Bruins with a reasonable moneyline assigned to them which compels us to lay the -115. We don’t think going against a team with five regulation losses is a way to build a bankroll.
Buffalo Sabres vs Winnipeg Jets
Date & Time:
Location: Canada Life Centre
Streaming: MSGB, TSN3
Moneyline: Jets -185, Sabres +150
Total: 6.5 (o -115)
Puckline: Jets -1.5 (+140), Sabres +1.5 (-165)
After being one of the worst teams in hockey for years, the Buffalo Sabres make one trade with the Vegas Golden Knight to bring Alex Tuch into the equation and the change of culture began. Today, Buffalo is securely in the wild card discussion, being just a few spots (12th) out of the top 10 in our latest power rankings.
We don’t think they’re in the discussion with the Bruins, Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs but it’s fair to anticipate that they will own the top wild card when the postseason rolls around. Tonight will be a step up in class against a Jets team who will compete for a conference crown and could represent the best in the Stanley Cup Final.
The number is a reflection of the oddsmakers knowing how good the Jets are (-180) after opening at -200. With 65% of the early money in on the Buffalo Sabres, the opening number was pushed down some but remember the influence that Northeast bettors have. You’ll start to notice that most numbers don’t go against teams in the East now that betting is legal in New York State specifically.
The rest of us who can see clearly know that the Sabres have had a difficult time winning in Winnipeg (6-14 last 20) while the Jets have won 21 of 27 at home. No need to get in front of that train, and take the Jets (-180) but that’s the limit. Having to lay a number that is not bankroll friendly isn’t a habit to get into.
Ice Chips
New Jersey Devils vs Nashville Predators
Date & Time:
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, USA
Streaming: MSG, BSSO, ESPN+
Moneyline: Devils 1.77, Predators 2.10
Total: O 6 1.95
Puckline: Devils -1.5, Predators +1.5 (-165)
There is a point in the season when betting on the NHL isn’t hard. There are a few teams that you’re willing to lay a little more with because they’re that good, and when you’re asked to lay a short price with great teams, well there shouldn’t be much hesitation.
The New Jersey Devils are a small -125 road favorite after winning seven of their last eight games.
Like the Boston Bruins, the Devils are a reliable wager after a win (20-7 last 27). That’s important because the player knows that he has his money behind a team that doesn’t experience let-downs, allowing them to wager freely on these teams night after night.
New Jersey may quietly be the second-best team in hockey, no reason to not back them tonight.
Wait For the Highlights
Chicago Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames
Date & Time:
Location: Scotiabank Saddledome
Streaming: RSNW/NCh+, ESPN+
Moneyline: Blackhawks 4.40, Flames 1.24
Total: O 6 1.91
Puckline: Blackhawks +1.5, Flames -1.5 (-165)
Our NHL Thursday betting preview column wouldn’t be complete without giving some love to those who need it the most. There is nothing about the Chicago Blackhawks that suggest defense is part of their arsenal and the Calgary Flames have not played well defensively against the lesser teams in the league, let’s get on the over in a game that you must have cash on to watch.
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