NHL best bets today (Oilers will get off to hot start)

amtubaMay 3, 2023

27 4 minutes read

We had a couple of heartbreakers in the NHL last night.

The Maple Leafs and Panthers were sitting at 4-2 with only one goal needed for the OVER to cash. Toronto pulled its goalie with three minutes left and then failed to score a goal while Florida also failed to notch one on an empty net, losing us the OVER bet.

Then, the Dallas Stars lost in double overtime to the Seattle Kraken, losing us our moneyline bet.

Gamblor giveth, Gamblor taketh away.

We move on to tonight’s slate. Let’s dive into my best bet for each game.

Best NHL bets for Wednesday, May 3rd

Devils +100 vs. Hurricanes
Oilers -115 vs. Golden Knights

Devils +100 vs. Hurricanes

NJ @ CAR | Best Odds

NJ

CAR

Odds updated May 3rd, 2023, at 11:54 am

The Devils have found their goaltender and that could be the difference maker in this series. Akira Schmid had a .951 save percentage in the opening round, if his performance wasn’t exactly a fluke.

In 18 regular season appearances, Schmid had a .922 save percentage so it should come as a surprise to no one that he’s been standing on his head so far in the playoffs.

Despite the series going to Game 7, the Devils had the best 5-on-5 expected goals percentage of the opening round at 57.99%. Their offense created 16.82 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play, which was also the most amongst all first round teams.

The Hurricanes have to be concerned about their offense with Tuevo Teräväinen being added to the injury list.

I’m going to back the Devils as slight road underdogs tonight.

Oilers -115 vs. Golden Knights

EDM @ VEG | Best Odds

EDM

VEG

Odds updated May 3rd, 2023, at 11:54 am

I’m not a believer in the Vegas Golden Knights and I could foresee myself betting on the Oilers in every game this series. The oddsmakers agree with me that the Knights aren’t as good as their record indicates. A No. 1 seed that lives up to its seeding should be a much bigger favorite at home than Vegas is tonight.

I’m a big fan of advanced analytics and if you look at a few key metrics, it’s clear the Oilers are the better team.

Golden Knights statistical rankings:

22nd in CORSI%
20th in FENWICK%
16th in expected goals%
12th in high-danger scoring chances
12th in shooting%

Oilers statistical rankings:

7th in CORSI%
13th in FENWICK%
4th in expected goals%
3rd in high-danger scoring chances
1st in shooting%

The only concern I have with the Oilers is their goaltending. Stuart Skinner had an .890 save percentage in the opening round against the Los Angeles Kings. If he plays that poorly again, Edmonton could be in trouble.

Regardless, I’ll back the Oilers to get the job done in Game 1.