Daily NHL Odds and Betting Trends – 08/05/20
by OddsShark (@OddsShark) – Sponsored Post
Here’s a look at the NHL odds and betting trends for the games on today’s schedule.
All NHL betting lines below are as listed at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
Islanders vs Panthers | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Islanders -117 Favorites
The Islanders will try to complete the second sweep of a qualifying round series in as many days after the Carolina Hurricanes disposed of the New York Rangers on Tuesday. The other New York team doubled up the Panthers 4-2 on Tuesday as well to take a commanding 2-0 lead in this best-of-five matchup despite falling behind 1-0 after the first period. The Isles scored three times in the second period to take command of Game 2, and they rewarded their backers as -120 favorites on the betting lines.
Predators vs Coyotes | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Predators -135 Favorites
The Predators bounced back in Game 2 on Tuesday, getting off to a strong start and then coasting to beat the Coyotes 4-2 as -135 favorites. Nashville scored the first four goals of the game, including two in the first period, before allowing two in the final minute. Juuse Saros redeemed himself between the pipes for the Preds, making 24 saves before surrendering the last two. Arizona will obviously need to play better defensively and start stronger like the team did in Game 1 with an early 3-0 lead, so look for an improved effort in what is a huge game.
Lightning vs Bruins | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Pick’em -111 Odds
The Lightning will attempt to prevent the Bruins from earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a victory in this round-robin matchup. Tampa Bay is coming off a 3-2 shootout win over the Washington Capitals as a -140 favorite on Monday, as Nikita Kucherov scored the first goal of the game along with the game-winner in the shootout. On Sunday, Boston fell to the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 as a -135 favorite, and another loss here could put the team at risk of falling all the way down to the No. 4 seed. Surprisingly, it was backup Jaroslav Halak in net against the Flyers instead of Tuukka Rask, who is expected to return.
Avalanche vs Stars | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Avalanche -128 Favorites
The Avalanche can take another step toward securing the top seed in the Western Conference when they face the Stars in a round-robin game. Colorado edged the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues 2-1 on a goal by Nazem Kadri with 0.1 seconds remaining. The Avalanche scored both of their goals in the third period and could face the Vegas Golden Knights for the No. 1 on Saturday if both teams win their next games. Dallas lost to Vegas 5-3 as a +120 underdog on Monday, blowing a 3-1 lead in the third period.
Penguins vs Canadiens | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Penguins -166 Favorites
The Penguins are again big favorites against the Canadiens in Game 3 as they each look to take a 2-1 series lead. Pittsburgh closed as a -160 favorite in Game 1 and lost 3-2 on Saturday before rebounding with a 3-1 victory as -175 chalk in Game 2 on Monday, with both staying UNDER the total. Two-time Cup winner Matt Murray was a lot better for the Penguins in their victory, stopping 26-of-27 shots, although you could argue that counterpart Carey Price still outplayed him with 37 saves in defeat. Jake Guentzel scored the final goal of the game for the Pens on an empty-netter with 10 seconds remaining to preserve the victory.
Oilers vs Blackhawks | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Oilers -140 Favorites
The highest-scoring series of the qualifying round will continue as the host Oilers go for a 2-1 lead against the Blackhawks in Game 3. The first two games have seen a combined 19 goals scored after Edmonton evened the series with a 6-3 win as a -140 favorite on Monday behind a hat trick from Connor McDavid. Chicago had won the opener 6-4 as a +115 underdog on Saturday, with rookie Dominik Kubalik picking up five points (two goals and three assists). The last four meetings at Rogers Place have all easily gone OVER the total, averaging 8.75 goals.
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