Daily NHL Odds and Betting Trends – 08/19/20
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.
Blue Jackets vs Lightning | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Lightning -185 Favorites
The Lightning will try to become the second team to advance to the second round of the NHL playoffs and first from the Eastern Conference when they take on the Blue Jackets in Game 5 on Wednesday. Tampa Bay has recovered nicely from its lone loss of the series in Game 2, edging Columbus by one goal in each of the last two games, with the UNDER improving to 7-0-1 in its past eight following a 2-1 victory as a -170 favorite in Game 4 on Monday. The Blue Jackets have scored two goals or less in three of the first four games, with the UNDER on a 9-2-1 run.
Hurricanes vs Bruins | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Bruins -159 Favorites
Like the Lightning, the Bruins also will be looking to move on after rallying to stun the Hurricanes 4-3 as -120 favorites in Game 4 on Monday. Carolina led 2-0 going into the third period before surrendering four consecutive goals to Boston, including two to Jake DeBrusk. The Bruins are still playing without leading scorer David Pastrnak, and his status remains uncertain. The Hurricanes have failed to take advantage of the situation though, as their only win of the series came in Game 2 against Tuukka Rask, who opted out of the postseason before the next game.
Coyotes vs Avalanche | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Avalanche -222 Favorites
The Avalanche hope to join the Vegas Golden Knights as the second team from the Western Conference to advance to the second round after they routed the Coyotes 7-1 as -180 favorites in Game 4 on Monday. Colorado bounced back from a 4-2 loss in Game 3 as a -170 favorite on Saturday when the team peppered Arizona goaltender Darcy Kuemper with 51 shots, scoring four goals on 22 shots in Game 4 before he was replaced by Antti Raanta, who surrendered three more goals on eight shots. The Coyotes have seen the OVER go 6-2-1 in their last nine games while the UNDER is on a 6-3 run for the Avalanche in their last nine.
Canadiens vs Flyers | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Flyers -123 Favorites
Will there be a fourth straight shutout in this series between the Canadiens and Flyers, who have a shot to advance to the second round as well with one more victory here? Philadelphia goalie Carter Hart has blanked Montreal in each of the last two games, stopping all 52 shots he has faced during that stretch, including 29 in a 2-0 Game 3 win as a -120 favorite on Tuesday. The Flyers looked like they could be in trouble after getting blown out 5-0 as -145 favorites in Game 2 last Friday, but they have rebounded to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Canadiens have dropped eight of 12 when playing the second game of a back-to-back situation while their opponent has won four of six since losing five in a row under that scenario.
Canucks vs Blues | OddsShark Matchup Report
Opening NHL Odds: Blues -159 Favorites
A pivotal Game 5 in the only series tied 2-2 on Wednesday will feature the Canucks and defending Stanley Cup champion Blues, who have won the last two after losing the first two. St. Louis has rallied behind goalie Jake Allen, who has earned both wins for his team since replacing a struggling Jordan Binnington. The Blues got some bad news Tuesday when they announced Vladimir Tarasenko will miss the rest of the round to have his surgically repaired shoulder checked out, although he did not tally any points in four games since returning. St. Louis has been favored in every game so far, with the total going UNDER in the last two after going OVER in the first two. Vancouver had a five-game winning streak prior to its current skid.
Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for analysis on this week’s top games. As well, the OddsShark Computer serves up daily NHL picks for bettors.