Top Shelf Picks: NHL Best Bets Today (Jets Will Shut Down Canucks)

The Jets are home favorites to the Canucks on Tuesday night.
The Jets are home favorites to the Canucks on Tuesday night. / Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

We managed to finally cash on the Flyers as underdogs but unfortunately missed on the other two picks to finish 1-2 on Monday night.

We're back with a loaded slate on Tuesday night and I have plays on three games, including a pick on the Winnipeg Jets to beat the Vancouver Canucks in a Western Canada showdown. Let's dive into my plays.

  • Season-to-date record: 87-86-6 (-6.19 units)

NHL Best Bets Today

  • Stars -113 vs. Maple Leafs via FanDuel
  • Devils -150 vs. Panthers via BetMGM
  • Jets -156 vs. Canucks via FanDuel

Stars vs. Maple Leafs Prediction

It pains me as a Maple Leafs fan to say they may be the most fraudulent, and thus overvalued, teams in the NHL. Meanwhile, the Stars are for real.

The Maple Leafs have found ways to win games by sharp shooting and strong goaltending but yet rank 20th in the NHL in 5-on-5 expected goals percentage. Meanwhile, the Stars rank eighth in that stat while also getting strong goaltending and solid shooting.

I'm going to bet against the Maple Leafs until the market starts correctly price this team.

Pick: Stars -113

Panthers vs. Devils Prediction

The Panthers and Devils rank amongst the top of the NHL in most statistics, but the Panthers have struggled in areas like shooting percentage and save percentage. They have the second worst shooting percentage during 5-on-5 play over the last 25 games at 6.63% and they're expected to start Spencer Knight tonight who has a sub-optimal .891 save percentage on the season.

While Florida can match New Jersey in the advanced analytics department, the Devils have a significant advantage with both their shooting and their goaltending. That's enough for me to back them as -150 home favorites.

Pick: Devils -150

Canucks vs. Jets Prediction

The Vancouver Canucks have been one of the worst offensive teams in the NHL this season. They have an expected goals for per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play at 2.03, the worst mark in the league. Now, they have to face a Jets team that allows only 1.6 goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play.

A team that struggles to create offensive chances going up against a top tier defensive team with Connor Hellebuyck in net is a recipe for disaster for Vancouver. Give me the Jets.

Pick: Jets -156


Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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Iain MacMillan
IAIN MACMILLAN

Originally from Nova Scotia, Iain MacMillan is a senior editor covering betting, with a focus on NFL, NHL, and golf. He hosts the Bacon Bets Podcast and has been featured on VSIN, BetQL and Monumental Sports Network. He is a member of the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association and his beloved Falcons and Maple Leafs break his heart on a yearly basis.