Thursday was a mixed bag on the ice. While the side and total picks in our best bets failed to hit, the three shot props highlighted in the player props article all came through.

We'll look to end the week on a high note as we comb through the best bets for the weekend ahead.

Predators (+100) @ Devils (-120)
Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. EST

I know this is a game I want to target tonight, but we just have to wait for goalie news to find the best way to approach it.

If Juuse Saros is able to return in goal for the Predators, the under of six goals (-115) is very attractive. Nashville has conceded 14 fewer high-danger chances than the next closest team over the last 10 games. The Preds' stingy defense, coupled with strong goaltending from Saros, would likely lead to very little action on the scoreboard, especially given the matchup.

The Devils' defense has tightened up of late, ranking 10th in expected goals against over the last 10 games and boasting a high-end penalty kill. If Mackenzie Blackwood can provide serviceable goaltending, they should be able to keep Nashville to a low number as well.

However, if Saros isn't playing, New Jersey is suddenly very appealing. The Predators are playing their third road game in four nights against a rested Devils team that hasn't travelled in over a week.

The Devils' five-on-five numbers are respectable, the penalty kill has been elite, and their power play is (finally) showing signs of life.

We'll have to wait for news on if Saros is starting to determine which route to take, but this is a game I want to be involved in either way.

Bet: Under 6 goals (-115) if Saros starts, otherwise Devils (-120)

Hurricanes (+100) @ Oilers (-111)
Dec. 11, 10 p.m. EST

The Oilers have hit a bump in the road of late, but they're still playing pretty good hockey. They've controlled nearly 52% of the expected goals at five-on-five over the last 10 games, but their sore spot has been finishing. Edmonton is shooting just 6.25% as a team, good for 27th in the NHL over that stretch.

Part of the reason for that is a lack of depth; the Oilers are top-heavy and don't have many guys capable of scoring in their bottom-six. Even so, they're running a little too dry right now.

I think we're going to see the offense come to life sooner than later, perhaps aided by the power play.

Though the Hurricanes are a fantastic defensive team, they are prone to taking penalties. They've been shorthanded for eight minutes more than any other team over the last 10 games, which could lead to real trouble against the Oilers.

As effective as the Hurricanes are at killing penalties, they'll be playing with fire - to an extreme - if they parade to the box against Connor McDavid and Edmonton's lethal power play.

Bet: Oilers (-111)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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