Richard Masana 
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1/17 NHL Main Slate of Games – Beginning 7 p.m. ET
*All odds and player pricing below have been obtained from DraftKings Sportsbook and are accurate as of the time of writing*
Detroit Red Wings (+170) at Florida Panthers (-205) – 6.5 Projected Goal Total
Montreal Canadiens (+200) at New Jersey Devils (-245) – 6.5 Projected Goal Total
Chicago Blackhawks (+235) at Buffalo Sabres (-290) – 6.5 Projected Goal Total
Record “starting Jan 17, 2024” – 0-0
1/17 NHL Bet One
Red Wings v. Panthers – Red Wings +1.5 (-135)
The Red Wings have been very productive offensively this season, averaging 3.56 goals per game so far. In addition, they have nine goals in their last two games. Most of the scoring has come from the top line. Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, and Dylan Larkin have collectively scored 46 goals and 66 assists to lead the top two lines, but the rest of the offense has contributed as well. The second line, consisting of Daniel Sprong, J.T. Compher, and Andrew Copp has combined for 28 goals and 45 assists while defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Moritz Seider have added 12 goals and 40 assists from the point.
Despite the fact that the offense has been great the Red Wings’ defense has struggled, allowing 3.35 goals per game. The only bright spot has been the play of goaltender Alex Lyon who has a .922 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average on 434 shots with 7.9 goals saved above average. That said, they have improved in this regard as of late.
The Panthers are averaging 3.16 goals per game and should be able to increase that figure here with their forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes. The Panthers only allow 2.56 goals per game, they create a lot of turnovers in the defensive zone and limit shots on the net.
The Panthers come into this in fine form but Monday night they were leading the lowly Ducks with ease and allowed them to come back and tie the game, then win in overtime. Playing down to their competition has been a problem for the Panthers. While they did have a nice winning streak, this could be the night that all begins to change.
1/17 NHL Bet Two
Montreal Canadiens v. New Jersey Devils – Over 6.5 (-110)
This one features a team that has lost its last four games in the form of Montreal against a Devils team that has lost three of its last four. On the bright side for both teams, one of them has to win tonight!
Montreal was a huge underdog (+180) last time out, but they pulled out a close 4-3 win against the Colorado Avalanche. The Canadien’s top line was the driving force as Cole Caufield scored a goal and had an assist and Nick Suzuki had two assists. Jake Allen was also strong in that effort, stopping 32 out of 35 shots faced. Despite this recent highlight, the offense has been playing poorly for Montreal this season. They have scored three or fewer goals in seven of their last 10 games. Montreal ranks 28th in goals per game and 27th in shots per game. Defense and goaltending have also both been poor for the Canadiens. Montreal ranks 24th in goals against per game and 29th in shots against per game.
New Jersey was also a decent sized underdog (+150) in their last game which ended up a 3-0 loss against the Boston Bruins. Nico Daws stopped 33 out of 35 shots faced in net so for once, it wasn’t the goalie’s fault. On the bright side, the offense has been very good for the Devils recently. They have scored three or more goals in eight of the last 10 games “with the Boston game an anomaly”. New Jersey ranks seventh in goals per game and 13th in shots per game. Jesper Bratt leads the team with 46 points. Jack Hughes has 45 points. The defense has been about average but overall, goaltending has been poor for New Jersey. They rank 28th in goals against per game and 10th in shots against per game which helps to demonstrate this discrepancy.
The Devils are 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings against Montreal. In those last 10 meetings between these two teams, New Jersey has averaged 4.30 goals per game while has Montreal averaged 3.10 goals per game. Quite frankly, the Devils are the more talented team and should cover the puck line tonight. That said, the better bet is the O 6.5 total given both team’s shortcomings in terms of allowing goals. In 26 of 41 games this season, New Jersey and its opponent have combined for more than 6.5 goals. Furthermore, the Devils have won 62.5% of their games this season when they’ve been a money line favorite.
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