NHL Second Half Betting Guide: Expert Picks and Predictions for Every Team

After an exciting 4 Nations Face-Off, the NHL regular season is set to resume. With fewer than 30 games remaining, teams are battling for playoff spots and players are chasing individual milestones. Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash provide their expert betting picks for every team in the league.

Betting Insights for Key Teams

1. Anaheim Ducks: With the Ducks five points clear of the Buffalo Sabres, betting on Anaheim to finish higher in the standings seems promising. The Ducks are looking to end the season strong, while the Sabres appear focused on trade deadline moves.

2. Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak is a strong bet to score 40+ goals this season. Despite a slower start, he has been on fire since January, making this a valuable pick.

3. Buffalo Sabres: Tage Thompson’s total goals are projected to stay under 40.5. Given his streaky performance and Buffalo’s inconsistencies, the under is a safe bet.

4. Calgary Flames: At +380 odds, the Flames are a dark horse to make the playoffs, especially if the Vancouver Canucks falter.

5. Carolina Hurricanes: Jackson Blake, with 75-1 odds to be the top rookie goal scorer, is worth considering. His recent promotion to the top line increases his potential output.

Stanley Cup Contenders

• Dallas Stars: With a balanced roster and key players returning from injury, the Stars are a strong contender to win the Stanley Cup at 9-1 odds.
• Edmonton Oilers: Leon Draisaitl is on pace to score over 56.5 goals, making him a solid bet for individual accolades.

Dark Horses and Long Shots

• Montreal Canadiens: With the second-easiest remaining schedule, the Canadiens are a long shot (+13-1) to make the playoffs but could surprise.
• Seattle Kraken: Facing a tough schedule, the Kraken are likely to finish with under 76.5 points this season.

Key Player Bets

• Connor Bedard: With a six-point lead over Alex Ovechkin, Bedard is a solid pick to finish with more points.
• Nikita Kucherov: At +210 odds, Kucherov is a value pick to win the Art Ross Trophy.

Stay tuned for more updates and betting insights as the NHL season progresses!