The NHL is slowly returning to action after the pause last week because of the COVID-19 outbreaks around the league. After three games on December 28th, the first night back after a weeklong pause, the NHL has six games slated for December 29th and plenty of intriguing matchups. With the big games, bettors will be looking for favorable matchups and mismatches that could lead to profitable bets in the upcoming games.
Over 5.5 – New Jersey Devils Vs. Buffalo Sabres
| Devils stat line | 10 wins in 30 games | 2.70 goals per game | 3.37 goals against per game |
| Sabres stat line | 10 wins in 30 games | 2.67 goals per game | 3.43 goals against per game |
The Devils travel to Buffalo to face the Sabres with both teams eager to make up ground in the Eastern Conference. The two offenses have struggled but look to step up against two of the worst defenses in the NHL. The Devils look to find the back of the net throughout the game with Pavel Zacha, Dawson Mercer, and the rest of the forward unit crashing the net on the odd-man rush and establishing a strong offensive zone presence against the Sabres struggling defense. Meanwhile, the Sabres should also find the back of the net throughout the game with Tage Thompson and Jeff Skinner crashing the net on the odd-man rush and creating quick shots on the net.
The Over will cover in a high-scoring game controlled by both offenses.
New York Rangers (+135) Vs. Florida Panthers
| Rangers stat line | 19 wins in 30 games | 2.83 goals per game | 2.53 goals against per game |
| Panthers stat line | 18 wins in 29 games | 3.55 goals per game | 2.93 goals against per game |
This is going to be a great game between two evenly matched teams. The Panthers are looking to win on their home ice but the Rangers can find favorable matchups on both ends of the ice. The Rangers should find the back of the net a few times with Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, and the rest of the forward unit crashing the net on the odd-man rush while also creating open shots off of strong passes in the offensive zone. The strong offensive zone presence will also allow Adam Fox to find open shots from the point throughout the game.
The Rangers should also eliminate the Panthers offense with Adam Fox, Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone alike while limiting shots on the net. Moreover, Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin is having a great season in the net and should blank the Panthers’ initial shots on the net and limit second-chance shots on the goal.
The Rangers will win the game and provide greats odds in the process as road Underdogs.
Also Consider: Under 6 – Both teams have excellent defenses that look to step up and control the upcoming game.
St. Louis Blues (-130) Vs. Edmonton Oilers
| Blues stat line | 17 wins in 31 games | 3.35 goals per game | 2.68 goals against per game |
| Oilers stat line | 18 wins in 29 games | 3.41 goals per game | 3.10 goals against per game |
The Oilers are having a great season and look to win the upcoming game and provide great odds in the process as road Underdogs. The problem is that they are facing a Blues team that can overwhelm them on both ends of the ice. The Blues should find the back of the net throughout the game with David Perron, Jordan Kyrou, Brandon Saad, and the rest of the forward unit creating open shots in the offensive zone while Torey Krug and Justin Faulk help pick apart the Oilers struggling defense from the point.
The Blues defense should also limit the Oilers offense with Torey Krug, Justin Faulk, Marco Scandella, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net. In addition, the Blues should receive a great performance from goaltender Jordan Binnington who should blank the Oilers’ shots on the net.
The Blues will win the game with great play on their home ice.
Also Consider: Over 6.5 – This is a high total but both offenses are exceptional and look to pile on the goals in this game.
Under 5.5 – Vancouver Canucks Vs. Anaheim Ducks
| Canucks stat line | 14 wins in 31 games | 2.52 goals per game | 2.87 goals against per game |
| Ducks stat line | 17 wins in 32 games | 3.16 goals per game | 2.69 goals against per game |
The Canucks have looked great since hiring Bruce Boudreau and hope to continue their winning ways against a great Ducks team. In this game, expect both defenses to step up and exploit weaknesses in the opposing offenses. The Ducks should limit the Canucks offense with Kevin Shattenkirk, Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shooting lanes while John Gibson steps up and has a great game in the net. The Canucks should also limit the Ducks offense with Quinn Hughes, Tyler Myers, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone alike while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Thatcher Demko to make plenty of easy saves.
The Under will cover in a low-scoring game controlled by both defenses.
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