We split our best bets in the NHL's return to action.
The Vegas Golden Knights comfortably took care of the Los Angeles Kings. However, our under in San Jose was over - no pun intended - before it started as the teams combined for four goals in the opening frame en route to a *checks notes* 15-goal explosion.
We'll aim for better in our first six-game slate in nearly two weeks on Wednesday.
Rangers (+145) @ Panthers (-170)
This is undoubtedly the marquee game of the night in the NHL, featuring two of the nine teams to have 40 points or more.
While both teams have more than their fair share of firepower, it is the under that appeals to me. The Florida Panthers are playing strong defensive hockey. Over the last 10 games, they sit second in attempts against and fifth in expected goals against per 60 minutes of five-on-five play. They're not giving up many dangerous looks and Sergei Bobrovsky (.917 save percentage) has shown he's still capable of cleaning up the occasional mess made in front of him.
New York's defensive metrics aren't as promising as Florida's. Even so, the club is still top half of the league in limiting shots and expected goals over the last 10 games.
And, to be frank, it doesn't much matter how the Rangers defend when Igor Shesterkin is between the pipes. He owns a ridiculous .937 save percentage and ranks second in goals saved above expected.
If he can shake off the rust following a few weeks of inaction, this game should stay under the number.
Bet: under 6 goals (-110)
Canucks (-110) @ Ducks (-110)
The Vancouver Canucks are 6-0-0 since Bruce Boudreau took over behind the bench. It's not all smoke and mirrors, either.
At five-on-five, they rank 11th in expected goal share - sandwiched between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins - and only seven teams have generated more scoring chances.
They have shown clear improvement on the penalty kill as well, conceding just twice in six games. That's a stark contrast from the 29 they allowed in 25 games with Travis Green behind the bench.
The Anaheim Ducks are not the pushovers many expected them to be. But they are expected to be without a few key cogs on Wednesday.
Trevor Zegras is by far the most impactful absence, but injuries to Adam Henrique and Max Comtois are also worth noting. The Ducks are now paper thin up front.
Expect the Canucks to take advantage of that and keep the hot streak going.
Bet: Canucks (-110)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.
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