NHL Best Bets Tonight: 3 Expert Predictions for Big Tuesday Slate (February 20)
Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images. Pictured: Ryan O’Reilly #90 of the Nashville Predators
Check out our NHL best bets tonight for Tuesday, February 20 – our top hockey picks and predictions.
The Action Network's NHL experts have compiled their favorite betting picks for tonight's big eight-game slate on ESPN+, which we've also covered extensively with our individual NHL game guides.
However, for our NHL best bets tonight, we're targeting three games with two moneylines bets and a player prop.
Want some NHL action tonight? Below, check out and tail along with our experts' predictions and picks for those games.
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NHL Best Bets
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our NHL betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| 7 p.m. | ||
| 7 p.m. | ||
| 10 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. | ||
Senators vs. Panthers
Ottawa has played to the under in three straight while Florida's game totals have come in under the total in six of eight. Those trends are likely to end tonight, though, and could be part of the reason we see a total of 6.5 on a contest that deserves a rare 7.
The Senators are generating high-danger chances at an elite level since the All-Star break, which is no surprise considering their deep forward corps. They own a 3.82 xGF/60 in seven contests and have more than enough shooting talent to pay off those chances.
With Shane Pinto back in the mix, it would be fair to say the Sens have one of the more talented offensive rosters you'll ever see sitting down in 27th place in the standings.
A huge reason for the Sens' underachievement has been the treacherous play of their goaltenders. Joonas Korpisalo has been particularly dreadful with an .887 save % and -16.1 GSAx, and he is likely to get the start tonight.
The Senators' offensive play still doesn't hold a candle to that of the host Panthers, who have scored 4.27 goals per game over the last 10. In those matchups, they own a 3.92 xGF/60, which ranks second in the league.
The Panthers' defensive play is excellent, which is another reason for the betting total of 6.5. There's more logic stating that the Senators can still create some offense tonight, though, than there is that they can shut down the Panthers' elite attack.
Betting the Over 6.5 at anything better than -140 provides value in this exciting matchup.
Pick: Over 6.5 (-124 at BetRivers)
Devils vs. Capitals
The New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals face off for the fourth time this season as Metropolitan Division rivals. New Jersey is looking to even the season series as Washington owns a 2-1 series lead thus far.
The Devils have been an offensive powerhouse, ranking fifth in Corsi and third in expected goals (xG), a testament to their ability to control the game and create high-quality scoring chances. Their 12th-place ranking in high-danger chances further illustrates a team skilled at penetrating defenses.
On the defensive end, the Devils have been nearly as impressive with rankings of sixth in Corsi Against and 12th in xG Against, indicating a well-rounded team that's tough to break down. Goaltender Nico Daws has provided solid netminding with his save percentages and goals saved above expected painting the picture of a reliable last line of defense.
The Capitals, in contrast, have faced challenges in generating offensive momentum, ranking 28th in Corsi and 26th in xG. Their difficulty in creating high-danger chances, evidenced by their 25th-place ranking, has hampered their ability to score consistently.
Defensively, the Capitals haven't fared much better with metrics indicating a team that often allows opponents too much space and opportunity, as shown by their rankings in Corsi Against and xG Against. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren, while performing reasonably well given the circumstances, faces an uphill battle every night due to the team's broader systemic issues.
Tonight I’ll be taking the Devils' 60-minute regulation moneyline at +105 odds at Caesars. The Devils' superior offensive and defensive metrics, coupled with their ability to consistently create and capitalize on scoring chances, position them as clear favorites against a Capitals team that has struggled on both ends of the ice.
Furthermore, the Devils' performance in high-danger areas, combined with Daws' solid goaltending, gives them a decisive edge.
Pick: Devils in Regulation (+105 at bet365)
Predators vs. Golden Knights
By Tony Sartori
A Western Conference tilt kicks off the late window of Tuesday's NHL slate with the Vegas Golden Knights hosting the Nashville Predators. Oddsmakers are expecting a low-scoring affair between these two teams with the total set at 5.5.
One of the main factors for this low total is that goaltender Adin Hill is slated to start between the pipes for Vegas in this matchup. Through 21 starts this season, Hill is 14-4-2 with a commanding .931 SV% and 2.06 GAA.
Now, it certainly helps that he also plays behind a strong blue line. Entering this matchup, the Knights rank in the top half of the league in goals allowed per game and expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5.
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Not only does this team suppress high-danger scoring chances at even-strength, but they also do a tremendous job at limiting the opposition from succeeding on special teams; the Golden Knights rank sixth in penalty minutes taken per game and 12th in penalty kill percentage.
That brings us to Nashville's Ryan O'Reilly. Nearly 50% of his points this season have come on the power play, which could very well be nullified against this disciplined Vegas lineup.
If O'Reilly is left to rely on even-strength to record points, then he is likely in a lot of trouble in doing so against Hill and this defensively efficient blue line. Therefore, you should not be too surprised to learn that he has failed to record a point in each of his past two games against the Knights.
We are catching a great price on this prop at +115 via ESPN BET, a line that's up to five cents longer than the rest of the market at the time of writing.
Pick: Ryan O'Reilly Under 0.5 Points (+115 at ESPN BET)
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