Contrary to yesterday, tonight's NHL slate isn't as jam-packed. But that didn't stop our staff from whipping up a few best bets for Friday night.
Tonight's NHL slate features five games, and our staff has pinpointed three with value. For our best bets, we're covering the Devils vs Capitals, Avalanche vs Blackhawks, and Panthers vs Flames.
Let's dive into our NHL best bets, predictions, picks and odds for Friday, March 20.
NHL Best Bets for Friday, March 20
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
  | 9:00 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NHL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Devils vs. Capitals
By Tony Sartori
The Washington Capitals have been the stronger team than the New Jersey Devils this season. Entering this matchup, Washington outranks New Jersey in points, goals scored per game and goals allowed per game.
However, the biggest disparity between these two teams is in net. Goaltender Logan Thompson is slated to start for the Capitals and looks to continue his strong campaign.
Through 47 starts, Thompson owns a .914 save percentage and a 2.36 goals-against average. Meanwhile, Jacob Markstrom is projected to start for New Jersey.
He carries an .884 save percentage through 39 appearances this season. Entering this matchup in poor form, Markstrom has allowed three or more goals in each of his past six starts, posting a .863 save percentage during that span.
Those struggles could continue against Washington, a team he has had difficulty against throughout his career. In 13 meetings against the Capitals, Markstrom is 2-8-3 with a .892 save percentage.
Pick: Capitals Moneyline (-130)
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Avalanche vs. Blackhawks
By Nick Martin
The Avalanche appear to be in a perfect get-right spot Friday as they take on the Blackhawks, who played Thursday in Minnesota and started top goaltender Spencer Knight.
Readers who follow my work in the Action Network app will know backing Colorado to cover -1.5 at an opening price of +100 was a play I was high on, and I'm not surprised to see sharper money has moved the price down to the -120 range.
The price for Colorado to cover the puck-line is getting close to unplayable, but backing Makar to record two points at a long number of +200 appears to be an excellent pivot in a game where the Avalanche should have a much more productive evening than we have generally seen of late.
Colorado lost 2-1 on Wednesday versus the Dallas Stars in a game that was always likely to hold a playoff feel. The Stars have been the best defensive team in the NHL recently. However, it was still an excellent offensive showing for Makar, who scored while driving play effectively throughout the game and graded out as the second-most impactful offensive skater per Hockeystatcards.com.
The Avalanche were blown out by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday, after being stymied by Connor Hellebuyck in a frustrating 3-1 loss on Saturday. Makar scored one point in each of the last matchups despite his team's overall lack of production.
It has seemed of late that the Avalanche have lacked cohesiveness and urgency, but that seemed to change on Wednesday despite the result. With the possibility of losing the Central Division now a legitimate reality, I'm expecting Makar and the team's top stars to show out in this highly favourable spot.
Over the last ten matchups, the Blackhawks have a 43.24% expected-goals share and have allowed 3.29 xGA/60. Their defensive results have been respectable, but it's still hard to imagine backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom will not face a notably tough workload in Friday's matchup.
Soderblom has struggled to a -6.1 GSAx rating and a .876 save percentage in 20 appearances this season, and I like the Avalanche's chances of a strong offensive output Friday.
Based on Makar's recent offensive form in tougher matchups, FanDuel's +200 price for him to record two points Friday looks like great value.
Pick: Cale Makar Over 1.5 Points
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Panthers vs. Flames
By Greg Liodice
Sam Bennett has been one of the more potent goal scorers in hockey as of late.
Despite the Florida Panthers having a season to forget, it doesn’t discount the fact that Florida still has players who can light it up.
Bennett has always been a threat, but even more from five feet, propping himself either in front of the net or right beside it. And in the final game of this northwest road trip, Bennett has never shied away from scoring on his old team, the Calgary Flames, registering three goals and four assists.
Beyond that, he’s been one of the more active players in the NHL in the past 10 games. He’s already potted six of them, including two in his last three games, but he’s second out of all players posting 6.6 expected goals.
In addition to that, he’s second in expected goals per 60 minutes, with 2.16, and leads all players in high danger chances with 10. The enticing part about that is he’s actually converting on them, with 4.04 expected goals in high danger opportunities.
Pick: Sam Bennett Anytime Goal Scorer (+240)
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