Media by Associated Press – Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar (52) in the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
There are a number of top contenders that find themselves at home underdogs to other top teams Wednesday night. While home ice may not be the be-all, end-all when it comes to predicting results on the NHL schedule, there is something to be said for teams feeling more comfortable playing in an environment with friendly fans.
Here’s a look at the best bets for Wednesday night.
New Jersey Devils at Colorado Avalanche (-137)
The defending Stanley Cup champions have figured things out. Colorado’s resurgence means that there will be a lot of teams in the Western Conference keeping their eyes out for the Avalanche. Colorado has won six straight, including the last three, by a combined score of 12-2.
The Avalanche have ridden goaltender Alexandar Georgiev during the winning streak. Georgiev, who ranks sixth in league with a .922 save percentage, has allowed two or fewer goals in four of his past five starts. The Devils are ready to kick off a West Coast-swing after winning four of its past five games.
New Jersey, which is three points behind Carolina for first place in the Metropolitan Division, has been fantastic away from home, piling up a 21-4-3 record. The Devils are sixth in the league in scoring, averaging 3.52 goals per game this season. New Jersey won’t be able to cool off Colorado.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Edmonton Oilers (+112)
The Oilers have had some hard luck recently. Edmonton has lost its last two games by one goal apiece, including a tough loss Monday night where they fell to the Bruins 3-2. The Oilers’ schedule isn’t lightening up anymore, either.
Edmonton will play its Canadian rivalry, Toronto, on Wednesday night. The Maple Leafs are excellent defensively, limiting opponents to 2.6 goals per game. Toronto also has a strong offense to match, converting 3.45 goals per game.
Edmonton has been power-play reliant, converting 67 goals with the man advantage this season. The Oilers will find a way to get Connor McDavid loose and help Edmonton protect home ice.
Carolina Hurricanes at Vegas Golden Knights (+114)
The Golden Knights have lost consecutive games to contenders and will want to bounce back by opening a three-game homestand against Eastern Conference opponents against Metropolitan Division-leading Carolina. The Hurricanes are one of the top defensive teams in the NHL.
Carolina only allows opponents to get 26.4 shots on net per game. Opponents are only scoring 2.55 goals per game against the Hurricanes this season. Carolina’s also able to build momentum through its power play. The Hurricanes are 14-2 this season when registering a power-play goal.
Vegas only allow 2.77 goals per game but allow teams to get 30.4 shots on net per game. The Golden Knights will want to move away from the two-game slide they are on right now and will grab a win over Carolina.
See more NHL picks >>