All posts by Alex Moretto

NHL Western Conference 1st-round betting preview: Chalk rules the West

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The NHL wasted no time jumping from the play-ins to Round 1, so we won't either.

Let's get right into these Western Conference matchups.

Chicago Blackhawks (+225) @ Vegas Golden Knights (-278)

The Blackhawks did well to upset the Oilers, but Edmonton doesn't hold a candle to Vegas. The Knights are unbelievably deep from top to bottom. They get production from all four lines, are stacked on the back end, and have two goaltenders capable of carrying this team to the Cup.

The Knights are a powerhouse when it comes to puck possession and pose a huge mismatch for the Blackhawks, who will need to play flawless hockey to even stand a chance. The issue for Chicago is that their weaknesses on the back end will be exploited by Vegas' depth - something Edmonton lacked. Corey Crawford is capable of some big nights, but he can't steal a series for the Hawks.

I hate the idea of laying -278, and it's not something I'll be doing personally. However, if you're looking to make a series bet here there's just no justifying a flier on the Hawks.

Pick: Knights (-278)

Arizona Coyotes (+205) @ Colorado Avalanche (-250)

I was on the Coyotes in the first round as one of my favorite series bets, but that was a byproduct of it being a good matchup for them against the Predators. A date with the Avalanche is anything but.

Arizona allowed 2.65 expected goals against per game versus Nashville - only the Blackhawks had a worse mark in the play-in round. Colorado's loaded forward group will feast in this series, while the Coyotes' offensive shortcomings will be amplified against an Avs blue line with no real weakness.

Unless Darcy Kuemper stands on his head - which is certainly possible given the season he's had - there's just no other edge the Coyotes hold here to inspire much confidence they can pull off the upset. The Avalanche have eyes on making a legitimate Cup run and Arizona simply lacks the firepower or depth needed to deny them.

Pick: Avalanche (-250)

Calgary Flames (+100) @ Dallas Stars (-118)

It's hard to put much stock in the Flames' play-in win over the Jets, who were playing significantly shorthanded from the jump. There's nothing about this club that jumps off the page - they do nothing particularly well, and nothing particularly bad. They were a middling team all season and remain average. They may have beat the Stars twice in the regular season, but won't give Dallas too much trouble in this series.

Playoff hockey suits the Stars, who were among the best defensive clubs all season. They have depth and star power at every position, rarely getting the respect they should. Dallas was fifth in the NHL this season in expected goals for percentage at five-on-five - the Jets were dead last - and created the fifth-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, while allowing the seventh-fewest over the course of the regular season. The Stars were also second in the NHL at five-on-five save percentage, armed with a pair of excellent goaltenders capable of giving Calgary's scorers fits.

The Flames went out without a whimper in the first round last season and there's little evidence to suggest this year will be any different. The Stars are an absolute bargain at this price, and are my favorite series bet.

Pick: Stars (-118)

Vancouver Canucks (+165) @ St. Louis Blues (-200)

These two teams couldn't be more different. The Blues possess the sort of experience and grit that's really lacking from the Canucks. Vancouver has plenty of star power up front, but their lack of depth at forward and on defense leaves a lot to be desired.

The Blues are also the only one of the top four seeds Vancouver doesn't hold an edge over in goal. Jacob Markstrom is capable of stealing a few games for the Canucks, as we saw against the Wild, but Jordan Binnington can steal an entire series.

Vancouver will be a popular underdog pick in Round 1, but this team has a lot of people fooled. There are too many deficiencies on the roster and to its game, and the Blues are well-equipped to exploit them.

Pick: Blues (-200)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL playoff picks: Expect tense games with 1st seed up for grabs

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We've been spoiled since the NHL's return, so a two-game slate on Saturday feels eerily quiet.

However, you only need one game to have action, so in that regard, we're living in luxury.

Philadelphia Flyers (+120) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (-140)

The round-robin games have been low in intensity at times, but that won't be the case when the Flyers and Lightning meet on Saturday in their final tune-up before the playoffs. Both of these teams are dialed in, making for a tightly contested game with first place and a date with the Montreal Canadiens up for grabs.

The Flyers have allowed just 2.05 expected goals against in two games, limiting their opponents to just eight high-danger scoring chances. The Lightning haven't been as stout defensively, with 3.17 expected goals against in their two games, while giving up 16 high-danger chances. But they haven't missed a beat offensively, and Andrei Vasilevskiy has been excellent.

Philadelphia has benefited from some stout goaltending as well. Carter Hart was superb against the Boston Bruins, while Brian Elliott was sharp against the Washington Capitals. Hart will be back in for this one, with Vasilevskiy remaining in net for Tampa. With both goaltenders on top of their game and plenty at stake, don't expect fireworks in Saturday's lone game in Toronto.

Pick: Under 5.5 (+105)

Vegas Golden Knights (+100) @ Colorado Avalanche (-120)

The first seed in the West is also up for grabs in Edmonton on Saturday. The Knights are having a high-scoring 2-0 start to round-robin play, while the Avalanche have been nearly flawless in their wins.

I'm high on both of these teams, and truthfully there is very little to separate them on the ice. The Knights have a slight edge in goal, while the Avalanche are incrementally better on the blue line, and both are capable of scoring in bunches.

There's a strong possibility these teams will meet in the Western Conference final. If this ends up being the case, possessing top seed - meaning "home-ice" advantage and final line choices before faceoffs - would be huge. There's plenty at stake, so in this final matchup, expect Colorado to keep playing strong defensively and Vegas to try and tighten things up.

Pick: Under 5.5 (+100)

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL playoff picks: Resilient Jets won’t go down easy

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Thursday is a massive day on the ice with a pair of crucial Game 3's, a couple of intriguing round-robin contests, and one team facing elimination.

So let's get straight to some winners.

Vancouver Canucks (-105) @ Minnesota Wild (-115)

I've said about all I've needed to say about the Wild and Canucks, picking Minnesota in my series preview, in Game 1, and Game 2. The Wild let me down for the first time on Tuesday, but despite the loss, their performance reaffirmed why I'm much higher on this team than the Canucks.

Through two games, Vancouver posted expected goals marks of 1.02 and 0.79 at five-on-five, while Minnesota managed tallies of 1.86 and 1.19. Trailing 1-0 in the series, the Canucks played with more desperation in Game 2, with Jacob Markstrom doing his part to prevent them from falling into a 2-0 hole. With the series level, and the Wild now getting the second change as the home team, they take care of business in a decisive Game 3.

Pick: Wild (-115)

Washington Capitals (-125) @ Philadelphia Flyers (+105)

These round-robin games have lacked intensity, to put it mildly. They've improved slowly, but without the threat of elimination, the excitement level has paled in comparison to the play-ins. This one should be a lot more fun, at least.

Brian Elliott, whose numbers were underwhelming this season, starts here for the Flyers as Carter Hart gets a breather. The Capitals were great offensively in their first game, posting an excellent expected goals mark of 5.15. Andrei Vasilevskiy's strong outing helped limit the damage against Tampa Bay, but Washington will have much better luck against Elliott.

The Capitals are a middle of the road team defensively, and with the Flyers consistently producing on offense, this has all the makings of an entertaining, high-scoring affair.

Pick: Over 6 (-115)

Calgary Flames (-165) @ Winnipeg Jets (+145)

We get a great price on the Jets here as well, following their 6-2 Game 3 loss. That score doesn't inspire much confidence, but the reality is not nearly as concerning. The Flames did the bulk of their damage on the power play, scoring three times with the man advantage.

The Jets held a slight edge in scoring chances and high-danger chances at five-on-five. They had 18 more shot attempts at even strength, had 11 shots on net from the slot - compared to six for Calgary - and almost a full minute more of possession time in the offensive zone. But they didn't quite get the puck luck on Connor Hellebuyck's rare off night.

Not having Mark Scheifele or Patrik Laine is hardly ideal - though at least one of them could be back for this game - but the Jets have faced adversity all season are certainly aren't lacking in mental toughness. Winnipeg tends to come out swinging when backed into a corner, and Game 4 will be no different with this team facing elimination.

Pick: Jets (+145)

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL playoff picks: Best bets for Saturday’s return to play

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Thanks summer, it's been real. With the NHL playoffs beginning, my days enjoying the nice weather are over. For the next number of weeks I will be living on my couch, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The fun begins at noon Saturday in Toronto, with non-stop action taking us well beyond midnight. This is incredible.

New York Rangers (+110) @ Carolina Hurricanes (-130)

It's only right to have money on the first official game in nearly five months, and it just so happens to be my favorite bet of the day. Following such a long layoff, rust and fatigue are going to play big parts early on in the NHL's return to play. Because of that, coaching and depth are going to be huge in these play-in series - the Hurricanes hold significant edges in both.

Even without the injured Dougie Hamilton and Brett Pesce, the Canes are both deeper and stronger on the blue line, especially after acquiring Brady Skjei - from the Rangers - and Sami Vatanen at the deadline. But the big edge here comes at forward, where Carolina has far more depth scoring.

The Canes are stacked down the middle and pose a legitimate scoring threat with their bottom six. It's an area the Rangers struggle, and are even further shorthanded in that regard with Brendan Lemieux suspended. Carolina has four players in its bottom six that registered at least 29 points this season. New York has none.

With Rod Brind'Amour scheming behind the bench, the Canes will play the matchups and slow the Rangers' top lines, capitalizing on their depth to claim a crucial Game 1 victory.

Pick: Hurricanes (-130)

Florida Panthers (-105) @ New York Islanders (-115)

While there's a lot to like about the Panthers, they're going nowhere if Sergei Bobrovsky can't figure it out. The 31-year-old is coming off the worst statistical regular season of his career, and it crippled the team. Their hopes in this series hinge on the netminder turning a corner, but a miserable outing in their exhibition game on Wednesday - allowing five goals on 34 shots - doesn't inspire much confidence.

The Islanders aren't exactly an offensive juggernaut, but they will steadily attack with all four lines and grind the Panthers down. New York is incredibly deep down the middle - Matthew Barzal, Brock Nelson, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Casey Cizikas - and on the blue line. Barry Trotz has transformed the Isles into a defensive juggernaut, and will have them ready to expose a fundamentally flawed Panthers team in Game 1.

Pick: Islanders (-120)

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

3 long shots to win the Stanley Cup

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It's easy to point to teams like the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning as Stanley Cup favorites, but the margins are razor-thin heading into an unprecedented NHL postseason.

If there was ever a time to throw a few darts in the futures market, it's now.

TEAM ODDS
Boston Bruins +400
Tampa Bay Lightning +400
Philadelphia Flyers +700
Colorado Avalanche +800
Vegas Golden Knights +800
Washington Capitals +900
St. Louis Blues +1000
Dallas Stars +1200
Pittsburgh Penguins +1500
Toronto Maple Leafs +1500
Edmonton Oilers +2200
Calgary Flames +3000
Vancouver Canucks +3000
Minnesota Wild +3500
Arizona Coyotes +4000
Carolina Hurricanes +4000
Nashville Predators +4000
New York Islanders +4000
New York Rangers +4000
Chicago Blackhawks +6000
Columbus Blue Jackets +6000
Florida Panthers +6000
Winnipeg Jets +6000
Montreal Canadiens +12500

Carolina Hurricanes (+4000)

Not having Dougie Hamilton or Brett Pesce for a difficult play-in series with the New York Rangers isn't ideal for the Hurricanes, but Carolina is loaded defensively after acquiring Brady Skjei and Sami Vatanen at the deadline and can absorb losses in the back end. Should the Canes get by the Rangers, the returns of Hamilton and Pesce will give them an unrivaled blue line.

Carolina also has the talent up front to match. The Hurricanes strike a great balance with the young, dynamic top line of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Teravainen, and a veteran trio in Justin Williams, Jordan Staal, and Nino Niederreiter. Martin Necas, Warren Foegele, Ryan Dzingel, and Vincent Trocheck also provide excellent depth scoring. There's not a single hole on this roster.

That's exemplified by the Canes leading the NHL this season in expected goals for and high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes while ranking third in shots for percentage. They also excel on special teams - Carolina has the fourth-best penalty kill and the eighth-ranked power play - and with a bit of help from Petr Mrazek, there's no one they can't beat.

Columbus Blue Jackets (+6000)

Don't sleep on a Blue Jackets team that is among the league's best when healthy.

Oliver Bjorkstrand, Cam Atkinson, and Alexander Texier are back for Columbus, which had the most man-games lost in the regular season. Josh Anderson will also return soon to help boost a deep forward group, while a healthy Seth Jones will solidify the Jackets' defense, which had the fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes this season.

Columbus also possesses one of the league's most formidable goaltending tandems in Elvis Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo, with either capable of getting hot and leading the team on a deep run. It was because of them that the Jackets led the NHL in five-on-five save percentage prior to Jones' injury in February.

This team is also built for the playoffs. Columbus plays stout defensive hockey, is aggressive on the forecheck, and is both deep and physical throughout the roster. We saw just how much the postseason suits the Jackets when they swept the first-place Tampa Bay Lightning last year; now, there's no excuse for being caught off guard by Columbus.

Florida Panthers (+6000)

I'm not nearly as sold on the Panthers as I am the Hurricanes and Blue Jackets, but maybe I should be. Florida has all the makings of a Cup team: a pair of superstars up front, skill and experience on the blue line, a two-time Vezina recipient in net, and a three-time Stanley Cup winner behind the bench.

Few teams will be more grateful for this second chance than the Panthers, who couldn't put it all together this season despite high expectations. This club is built to take advantage of a clean slate.

Sergei Bobrovsky's career-worst statistical season in the NHL held this team back. He's an incredibly accomplished goaltender, though, and entirely capable of taking over a series as he did in Columbus' sweep of the Lightning last year, when he posted a .932 save percentage. If he gets hot, the Panthers have both the scoring and coaching required to make a deep postseason run.

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Best bets to win the Stanley Cup

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It's hard to know what to expect when the NHL returns after a nearly five-month break, but it sure feels great to be betting on hockey again.

With so much uncertainty and a deeper than usual field, it's best to avoid the top chalk when picking a Stanley Cup champion.

Led by Cup favorites the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning, here's a look at the full oddsboard.

TEAM ODDS
Boston Bruins +400
Tampa Bay Lightning +400
Philadelphia Flyers +700
Colorado Avalanche +800
Vegas Golden Knights +800
Washington Capitals +900
St. Louis Blues +1000
Dallas Stars +1200
Pittsburgh Penguins +1500
Toronto Maple Leafs +1500
Edmonton Oilers +2200
Calgary Flames +3000
Vancouver Canucks +3000
Minnesota Wild +3500
Arizona Coyotes +4000
Carolina Hurricanes +4000
Nashville Predators +4000
New York Islanders +4000
New York Rangers +4000
Chicago Blackhawks +6000
Columbus Blue Jackets +6000
Florida Panthers +6000
Winnipeg Jets +6000
Montreal Canadiens +12500

Vegas Golden Knights (+800)

The Golden Knights were on an 11-2 run and cruising to the top of the Pacific Division when the season was suspended. It wasn't just a fluky hot streak, but a run that was coming for some time.

The Knights were the NHL's best team in shots for percentage and expected goals for percentage. They were also generating more scoring chances per 60 minutes than any other club. What held this team back was poor puck luck - evidenced by a 9.14 shooting percentage, well below league average - and uncharacteristically poor goaltending - 25th in the league in save percentage.

The deadline acquisition of Robin Lehner solidifies Vegas between the pipes. It offers a terrific insurance policy if Marc-Andre Fleury doesn't live up to his stellar postseason resume. Everything was coming together for the Knights before the pause and they're primed for a legitimate Cup run with improved goaltending.

Carolina Hurricanes (+4000)

The Hurricanes are the only team in the East that measures up to Vegas' statistical dominance. Carolina, however, isn't priced accordingly. The Canes led the NHL in Corsi For rating, expected goals for per 60 minutes, and high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes. Carolina was also second in shots for percentage and third in expected goals for percentage, just a hair behind Vegas in both categories. As a kicker, the Canes have the fourth-best penalty kill and eighth-ranked power play.

This forward group is loaded with talent and led by young stars Sebastian Aho, Teuvo Teravainen, and Andrei Svechnikov. To top it off, no team in the NHL is better or deeper on the blue line. Headlined by one of the league's top pairings in Dougie Hamilton and Jaccob Slavin, the Canes have six outstanding options to fill the bottom four, including deadline additions Brady Skjei and Sami Vatanen.

Their terrific depth on the back end will help them absorb the losses of Hamilton and Brett Pesce, both of whom are slated to miss the play-in series with the New York Rangers due to injury. However, they will be back to solidify the league's top blue line should the Canes progress.

Petr Mrazek and James Reimer weren't particularly great this season, but goaltending can be streaky, and they both possess the skills to get hot. If they can do that, then Carolina can beat anyone given the quality and depth of this roster.

Columbus Blue Jackets (+6000)

Coach John Tortorella has built Columbus for the playoffs. The Blue Jackets are four lines deep, block shots, hit everything in sight, and wear teams down with an aggressive forecheck. Columbus was eighth in the NHL in points percentage and first in five-on-five SV% when top defender Seth Jones was hurt on Feb. 8.

The Jackets are aided by a strong blue line and terrific goaltending tandem. Goaltenders Elvis Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo are capable of taking this team far. The Jackets had the fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes in the regular season.

Their issue was scoring, but they were plagued with injuries and no club had more man games lost than Columbus this season. Oliver Bjorkstrand, Cam Atkinson, Alexander Texier, and Josh Anderson will all be back from injury. Opponents should fear the Blue Jackets if they can find a scoring touch to go with their lights-out defensive play.

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL Playoffs betting preview: Will Jets’ Hellebuyck deal Flames more disappointment?

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The Calgary Flames are desperate for a taste of playoff success after last season's disappointing first-round exit, but they face a tough draw against a Winnipeg Jets squad with mounds of playoff experience.

Can Connor Hellebuyck and the Jets go into Alberta and inflict more playoff misery on the Flames?

TEAM ODDS
Calgary Flames -115
Winnipeg Jets -105

The case for Calgary

The Flames struggled to get out of first gear and were unable to build any energy after an early coaching change. Calgary's offense started to come to life before the pause, suggesting interim coach Geoff Ward found the right formula among his forwards. The Flames averaged 4.06 goals per game over their final 15 regular-season contests and Johnny Gaudreau broke out of his slump with 16 points over that stretch.

Calgary should expose Winnipeg, despite the Flames' offensive woes. The Jets’ run-and-gun style allowed the second-most high-danger scoring chances in the regular season while creating the fourth fewest. Winnipeg was also a miserable 29th in expected goal rates and 22nd in shot differential.

The Jets attempted to rebuild their defense on the fly and it simply hasn't worked. Calgary holds a significant edge on the blue line in this series. Mark Giordano is healthy after missing most of February and Noah Hanifin is making a welcome return to the lineup. That will be a big help for whomever the Flames pick to play goalie. Cam Talbot is enjoying a terrific bounce-back season and he's built a strong case to get the starting nod.

The case for Winnipeg

It's hard not to turn this into a "Connor Hellebuyck for Vezina" segment. The 27-year-old has enjoyed a spectacular season that should see him named top goaltender. Hellebuyck has posted an outrageous 22.37 goals saved above average, and he was second in save percentage among netminders who started at least half their team's games. He also faced 509 high-danger shots - by far the most in the NHL. Tuukka Rask, the only full-time starter with a better SV%, saw just 279.

Hellebuyck managed his strong stats behind a defense that was a mess for most of the year. Winnipeg had the fifth-most expected goals against this season but allowed the 12th fewest thanks to the netminder.

Hellebuyck should get more help from a defensive group that improved toward the end of the season. Deadline acquisition Dylan DeMelo has given a big push, while a healthy Sami Niku and Luca Sbisa should bolster the back end's strength. Winnipeg's forward group is loaded with high-end talent and shouldn't have any trouble providing goal support.

The pick

Winnipeg Jets (-105)

There was so little separating these teams in the regular season - just a .001 points percentage difference in favor of Calgary - and both Canadian clubs will be feeling the pressure to live up to expectations. Neither was particularly impressive in any offensive or defensive categories, but it's hard to back the Flames as the favorite with a significant disadvantage in goal. In a battle between a pair of evenly matched teams, go with the likely Vezina winner and a plethora of game-breaking talent up front.

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL playoffs betting preview: Can Predators extend Coyotes’ playoff drought?

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The play-in round will give the Nashville Predators a second lease on what was a disappointing season by their standards, but they'll face a hungry Arizona Coyotes squad with its sights on ending a seven-season playoff drought.

Will the Predators punch their ticket to the postseason for a seventh successive year, or will the Coyotes secure their first playoff berth since the franchise changed its name from Phoenix to Arizona?

TEAM ODDS
Nashville Predators -135
Arizona Coyotes +115

The case for Nashville

The Predators know what this is all about. With a roster boasting mounds of playoff experience, they're no strangers to high-pressure situations. They didn't post great numbers offensively this season, but they are well and truly four lines deep. That makes them incredibly dangerous in postseason play. Leading the group is a legitimate game-breaker in Filip Forsberg, who can take over a series if he heats up.

Nashville also happens to own one of the NHL's top defensive pairings featuring Norris Trophy nominee Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis. Both are capable of logging heavy minutes and should be fresh following a lengthy layoff, meaning the Predators can lean heavily on their top unit in this series.

What really held Nashville back this season was goaltending. The Predators' underlying numbers suggest they were slightly above average defensively, yet they were on par with some of the NHL's worst defensive teams in terms of goals allowed. That's because Pekka Rinne was, to put it mildly, abysmal. The 37-year-old saw his play fall off a cliff in 2019-20, posting a 3.17 goals-against average and .895 save percentage in 40 starts - easily the worst marks of his career.

Juuse Saros took over as the starter in early February, and it's no coincidence Nashville's play drastically improved around that time. The Predators were 10-4-0 in his starts from February on, with the 25-year-old posting an outrageous .940 save percentage over that stretch. He should be the unquestioned starter heading into this series. With their goaltending issues finally behind them, the Predators can focus on making another deep playoff run.

The case for Arizona

Throw the standings out the window. The Coyotes were four points back of Nashville for the Western Conference's final playoff spot when the league suspended the season, but they were 20-12-4 when Darcy Kuemper got hurt in December. That's a 100-point pace over the course of a standard 82-game campaign. Because he plays in Arizona for a team that consistently flies under the league-wide radar, you probably didn't realize just how great a season Kuemper was having.

The native of Saskatchewan was third in the NHL in both save percentage (.928) and goals-against average (2.22) this season and would have been a lock for a Vezina Trophy nomination if he hadn't suffered an injury. He returned to play following a two-month absence and posted a .924 save percentage and 2.55 goals-against average in four games, so there's no evidence to suggest he'll be negatively impacted by the NHL's hiatus. On the off chance he does falter, Antti Raanta is one of the league's best backups.

Both Coyotes netminders will be supported by an extremely strong defensive corps. Jakob Chychrun is an absolute stud, emerging as the 22-year-old leader of a group that includes the dynamic Oliver Ekman-Larsson, as well as sturdy veterans Alex Goligoski, Niklas Hjalmarsson, and Jason Demers (with the latter two now healthy following the break). Only the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins allowed fewer goals than Arizona this season, a testament not just to the Coyotes' goaltending, but to the defensive strength of their roster - especially in Kuemper's absence.

We know the Coyotes can keep goals out, but can they score? They had the league's fifth-worst shooting percentage this season, which suggests they were victims of some bad luck. They need more out of their top forwards, but Taylor Hall is playing for a new contract this summer and Phil Kessel has a history of elevating his game in the postseason. Improved play from those two - and some better puck luck - could help Arizona make some serious noise in the playoffs.

The pick

Arizona Coyotes (+115)

Comb through all the numbers you want; the fact is, these teams are very similar. The difference? Arizona holds a significant edge between the pipes, behind the bench - Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet is criminally underrated - and on special teams. Nashville's power play (25th in the NHL) and penalty kill (29th) were disastrous this season, while the Coyotes boasted a top-five penalty kill and a middle-of-the-road power play. Those are three massive advantages for Arizona, which is one of my favorite bets of the play-in round at +115.

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL playoffs betting preview: Young Canucks face tough test in veteran Wild

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There seems to be a belief in hockey circles that young legs will be the least impacted by the NHL's long pause, while older players will take longer to get going.

That idea will be put to the test as the budding Vancouver Canucks take on a veteran Minnesota Wild squad in a best-of-five series.

TEAM ODDS
Vancouver Canucks -135
Minnesota Wild +115

The case for Vancouver

The Canucks are among the league's biggest beneficiaries from the pause in play. When the campaign was halted, they were on a 6-9-2 run, had just lost starting goalie Jacob Markstrom for the season, and were trending toward missing the playoffs altogether. This break afforded them a mental reset while allowing their prized asset to get back between the pipes.

With Markstrom, the Canucks have a massive edge over Minnesota in goal. The Swede is enjoying a career season with a .918 save percentage and 2.75 goals-against average. Playing for a new contract and going up against a Wild team that doesn't pack much scoring punch, a rested Markstrom will thrive.

That's not the only area where the Canucks have an edge. Led by Elias Pettersson - whose campaign was worthy of Hart consideration - Vancouver has the superior top six, as well as an advantage behind the bench (the Wild are being instructed by an interim coach) and a favorable mismatch on special teams, where the Canucks' fourth-ranked power play will face the Wild's 25th-ranked penalty kill.

The case for Minnesota

Vancouver's high-flying attack won't strike much fear into a Minnesota team that excels defensively. The Wild do a terrific job of suppressing high-danger shots and forcing opponents to the perimeter, reflected in their 2.07 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) total this season - the lowest mark in the NHL. Their overall goals-against numbers weren't great, but that's down to Devan Dubnyk's struggles. Alex Stalock eventually took over as the regular starter and posted a .920 SV% from Jan. 16 on, with the Wild going 11-4-1 in his starts over that span.

While limiting goals against wasn't an issue for the Wild, scoring was. Minnesota ranked in the bottom third of a number of offensive categories but experienced a reversal of fortune over the second half following the emergence of Kevin Fiala. The 23-year-old came to life in February and ignited the Minnesota offense, posting 14 goals and 12 assists in the Wild's 18 games before the break. It's no coincidence that they averaged 3.5 goals per game over that span. For comparison, the Tampa Bay Lightning were the league's best offense this season, averaging exactly 3.5 goals per game.

If the Wild truly have the offense to match their typically dependable defense, the Canucks are in trouble. Also helping Minnesota's cause is a porous Vancouver defense that posted a 2.77 xGA/60 this season - third-worst in the NHL. The Wild play a fundamentally sound brand of hockey suited for the postseason, while the Canucks' defensive game plan is for Markstrom to bail them out. That's ... not ideal.

The pick

Minnesota Wild (+115)

Minnesota came a long way over the second half of the season thanks to Fiala's emergence, a more aggressive approach under interim head coach Dean Evason, and the steadiness of Stalock. Vancouver boasts plenty of firepower, but it's still a very green team that's a bit too unstructured in its approach, and that will cost the Canucks against the stingy, patient Wild.

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL playoffs betting preview: Oilers, Blackhawks not thinking about defense

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The Edmonton Oilers will feel aggrieved for being forced to take part in the play-in round. They earned the fourth-most points in the Western Conference when the season was halted, but their points-per-game mark was a shade lower than the Dallas Stars, which leaves their playoff fate hanging in the balance.

Playing the entirety of the series on home ice is somewhat of a consolation prize, but a date with the offensively inclined Chicago Blackhawks makes for a tricky return to the ice for the high-powered Oilers.

TEAM ODDS
Edmonton Oilers -160
Chicago Blackhawks +140

The case for Edmonton

This draw couldn't be much better for the Oilers, as the Blackhawks' flaws play right into Edmonton's strengths. Chicago placed last in the NHL in expected goals against at even strength. The Hawks are a defensive mess and have to face the league's two most dangerous scorers in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The Blackhawks' brutal defense was often bailed out by Robin Lehner, who was understandably shipped off to Vegas at the trade deadline because Chicago didn't appear close to making the playoffs. Well, here we are. Corey Crawford has enjoyed a bounce-back season, but he'll have to stand on his head to steal this series for Chicago, and the supporting cast won't do him any favors.

Edmonton converted on an absurd 29.5% of power plays - by far the league's best mark - and the team received some much-needed secondary scoring from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who really stepped up this season. These Oilers love to attack and will have their way with a Blackhawks team that bleeds goals.

The case for Chicago

Yes, Chicago struggled defensively, but the Oilers weren't much better. Edmonton finished 24th in expected goals against at even strength, and for as offensively gifted as the Oilers are, Chicago still posted a higher expected goals for mark. The Blackhawks will fight fire with fire, and they aren't lacking in artillery.

The Oilers' struggles at even strength are legitimately concerning and holds them back from being considered strong title contenders. Even Draisaitl and McDavid were pedestrian at even strength, being scored on almost as often as they scored. Edmonton's third and fourth lines were particularly bad, which could mean a big series for Chicago's Dominik Kubalik and Kirby Dach. The Oilers' run-and-gun style leaves them far too exposed far too often - hardly a recipe for playoff success.

Chicago needs to turn this into a bit of pond hockey, which feels like the natural progression of the series given the styles and weaknesses of both teams. From there, the Blackhawks can lean into the likes of Patrick Kane and his electrifying supporting cast while counting on Crawford to rise to the occasion as he's done in previous postseasons, outplaying Mikko Koskinen and setting the scene for an upset.

The pick

Edmonton Oilers (-160)

Every case that can be made for the Blackhawks can also be made for the Oilers. Chicago is essentially a lesser version of its opponents. The Oilers are flawed, but the Blackhawks are not the team to expose them. Edmonton will lean into its stars and have its way with Chicago's miserable defense, ending a two-year playoff drought.

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.

Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.