Friday NHL Quick Picks: March 22
Most bettors’ eyes will be glued to the 16 NCAA Tournament games that will be running all day long, but hockey fans should take a minute to check out and wager on the games on the ice today. There may be only four on tap for Friday, but those four include some hard-hitting match-ups that should provide some excitement and entertainment for those who put some bets down. Of course, before you do make your wagers, be sure to check out our quick picks below for the four NHL games today.
Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 at New York Islanders +1.5Â
After the Blackhawks’ incredible points streak ended, NHL fans didn’t imagine they would see another thrilling streak, but in come the Penguins today going for their 11th consecutive victory.
The Penguins have been nearly flawless on both ends of the ice, allowing just six goals in the last six contests. Meanwhile, New York has picked up the pace a bit lately, but is still getting outscored by an average of half a goal this season. Although Pittsburgh is on the road today, there’s no way we can go against the hottest team in the league. Take the Penguins to cover -1.5 in the win.
Calgary Flames +1.5 at Columbus Blue Jackets -1.5
This match-up features two teams headed in complete opposite directions, as the Blue Jackets haven’t lost in regulation in nearly a month, while the Flames are simply looking to avoid a ninth straight loss on the road.
It’s certainly has been an incredible turnaround for Columbus, who came out of the gates this season with the worst record in the NHL. However, the Jackets haven’t dropped a games in regulation since Feb. 24 and they’ll look to improve their already stellar home record against a team that can’t seem to find the back of the net.
This is another pretty straight forward one here. Stick with the hot sticks and take the Blue Jackets to cover -1.5 today.
Washington Capitals +1.5 at Winnipeg Jets -1.5Â
Winnipeg comes into tonight’s home game against Washington with the better record and arguably the better team, but it has struggled in the match-up against the Caps this season, losing two of three, including the last two via shutout.
The Capitals should have a lot of confidence going up against the Jets, even in Winnipeg, considering they won there 4-0 just last night. Even if they don’t put up a repeat performance, we should still expect the Capitals to cover +1.5 today.
Detroit Red Wings +1.5 at Anaheim Ducks -1.5
The Ducks come into what is likely the biggest game of the night in the NHL on Friday with a near flawless 13-1-0 mark at home this season. So, even though the Red Wings are playing pretty well lately, winning in Anaheim will be a tall order.
The Ducks are still outscoring opponents by nearly a full goal on average this season, so with the home ice edge added in, it’s reasonable to think they can cover -1.5 against Detroit today. Since the Ducks are already 1-0 against Detroit this season, go ahead and lock that wager in.
