Adam Strangis 
NHL Best Bets, Opening Weekend Games
If you are looking for series winners or outright bets to win the Stanley Cup, please check out my previous article that can be found here. If you’re looking for my NHL Best Bets for the Opening Weekend Games, you’re in the right place.
Saturday August 1st
New York Rangers (+110) vs Carolina Hurricanes (-120) 12PM EST
This game comes down to goal scoring and defence. I believe that Rangers are better set up in both categories. New York goaltender Igor Shestyorkin played 12 games this season and posted a scintillating 0.932 save percentage. If he doesn’t start, look for King Henrik Lundqvist who looked really good in the exhibition to back stop the Rangers to victory. Take the New York Rangers @ +110
Edmonton Oilers (-140) vs Chicago Blackhawks (+130) 3PM EST
DO NOT WAIT! I will no longer like this line if it reaches -150 or lower. Both Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen looked solid in their half game on Wednesday. Connor McDavid had 2 shots and 2 goals. Chicago looked pretty good in their warm up Thursday, however St. Louis didn’t look all that great against the Blackhawks that afternoon. Take the Edmonton Oilers @ -140 while the getting is good.
New York Islanders (-105) vs Florida Panthers (-105) 4PM EST
My faith in the Florida Panthers is low until they show some life. The Islanders might not score five goals like the Lightning did on Wednesday, but the Panthers also were unable to score. NYI are a much better defensive team, and were able to beat the Ranger 2-1. Take the New York Islanders @ -105
Winnipeg Jets (+100) vs Calgary Flames (-110) 10:30PM EST
The Winnipeg Jets looked scary good agains the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night. Calgary and Vancouver both looked like they played similar games, where they carried the play for a majority of the game but were unable to beat quality goaltending. Connor Hellebuyck is a quality goaltender up for the Vesina Trophy. Calgary took too many penalties against Edmonton and their defence and goaltending didn’t look quite play off ready. This will be a tight series but I really liked how the Jets looked in their tune up. Take the Winnipeg Jets @ +100 to win game 1.
Sunday August 2nd
Arizona Coyotes (+105) vs Nashville Predators (-115) 2PM EST
Nashville looked dominant agains the Dallas Stars in their tune up. Both goalies didn’t allow a goal and Victor Arvidsson was able to get two, both assisted by Filip Forsberg. Arizona gave up a short handed goal as well as a power play goal against the Golden Knights on Thursday. Take the sharper looking Nashville Predators @ -115
St.Louis Blues (-105) vs Colorado Avalance (-105) 6:30PM EST
The St. Louis Blues had quite the rough outing agains the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday. Jordan Binnington was stellar in the minutes he played but the rest of the Blues showed some rust. Colorado looked really good beating Minnesota 3-2. Nathan McKinnon didn’t look like he missed a beat, scoring a goal and flying into the offensive zone. I have faith St.Louis will find their game, but it won’t be in this contest. Take the Colorado Avalance @ -105.
Columbus Blue Jackets (+132) vs Toronto Maple Leafs (-145) 8PM EST
Both of these teams had dominant preformances in their exhibition games. I think Columbus is being undervalued here and with the return of goaltender Joonas Korpisalo and forward Cam Atkinson, this could be the upset of the first round. Even if it isn’t, I like the Leafs to receive a wake up call here. This line seems to overvalue the Leafs on this night. Take the Columbus Blue Jackets @ +132
Minnesota Wild (+105) vs Vancouver Canucks (-115) 10:30PM EST
Minnesota looked like the stronger team in their exhibition game being edged out late by the Colorado Avalanche 3-2. Minnesota is better on the back end and can find offence from anywhere. Vancouver looked good as well, however had some defensive lapses against Winnipeg. I don’t believe that this is out of Vancouver’s system yet as they have a young core. Take the Minnesota Wild to win game 1 @ +105
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