Let’s dive into the top betting angles from Thursday’s 11 game slate, including the Calgary Flames to make easy work of the Montreal Canadiens and Alex Ovechkin to stay on the pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal totals. For more best NHL bets, NHL odds and NHL props, be sure to check out the OddsShopper tool.
Tonight’s NHL Best Bets | December 1
Calgary Flames versus Montreal Canadiens (Flames -1.5 -115)
Calgary has suffered through arguably the league’s toughest schedules to this point and own a disappointing 10-9-3 record. The Flames have skated without some key skaters on several nights as well, and even still hold an analytical profile which suggests its disappointing start has been somewhat unlucky.
Things seem to be on the up-and-up for Calgary moving forward though, and this projects to be a great spot to build on a galvanizing 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers Tuesday. Jonathan Huberdeau has begun to trend into better form since returning from a foot injury, and offensively Calgary looks significantly more well balanced in turn.
Montreal has been in quietly awful form over its last seven games, which has been hidden in part due to a reasonable 3-4-0 record.
However, the Canadiens has faced an extremely easy slate of competition during that span, having played Columbus twice, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Jose, Buffalo, and New Jersey being the only above average side.
During that span Montreal has either won small (2 past regulation) or lost big, which is not surprising considering a dreadful 39.19 xGF% over the last seven. Considering the level of competition that number is extremely eye opening, even for those who only believe mildly in expected goals.
Alex Ovechkin Anytime Goalscorer +122 (Capitals versus Kraken):
Ovechkin has scored five goals over the Capitals last six contests, and it is not surprising to see this surge come with the likes of John Carlson and T.J. Oshie now back in the lineup.
Ovechkin has peppered pucks onto the opposition goal of late with an average of 5.16 shots on goal over this six-games tear, and should be able to generate more looks both on the powerplay and at even strength as the Capitals team game picks up.
Seattle presents an excellent matchup as the Kraken are allowing a ton of goals against of late, and Ovechkin will likely be licking his chops eying a matchup against former mate Phillip Grubauer. Grubauer has played to a -37.6 goals saved above expected rating over the last season and a quarter, which is the worst mark in the league.
Riding the hot hand with Ovechkin, who passed Wayne Gretzky for most NHL road goals last time out, makes a lot of sense in this matchup, and +122 is a great price to tap into Ovechkin’s push for his 800th.
