We're back with another edition of NHL best bets and in a pretty loaded slate, I've singled out two specific games that hold substantial value.
It's the home stretch of the NHL season, and as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, there will be a ton of eyes on these particular teams.
Let's get into my NHL best bets, predictions, and picks for Tuesday, March 3.
Jonny Lazarus' NHL Best Bets for Tuesday
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 10:00 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. | ||
Sabres vs. Golden Knights
The Buffalo Sabres are set to play in their first home game since returning to action from the Olympic break, and there is no doubt that this will be the game of the night. It's always fun when the Golden Knights come to town, but tonight will be a little extra special now that Jack Eichel is a Gold Medalist.
The Sabres and Golden Knights have become a rivalry in the NHL due to the Eichel trade from a few years ago, which sent him to Sin City, and tonight his team will need a big performance because the Sabres have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL over the past two months.
Since coming back from break, the Sabres have won all three of their contests and are looking to keep that momentum rolling into this battle. Offensively, the Sabres have been firing, scoring 11 goals in their last three games and averaging 3.67 goals per contest, while generating a ton of chances at 5v5.
Per Natural Stat Trick, Buffalo has generated the third most high-danger chances per game at 5v5 since returning (15.61) and is tied for the sixth best xGF/60 at 3.34 per game.
As good as they've been offensively through this stretch, goaltending has far and away been the Sabres' biggest strength. Both of their netminders are feeling it right now; whether Alex Lyon or Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen gets the start, it's a good option.
Signs are pointing to Lyon being tonight's starter and he has arguably been the best goalie in the league over his last 10 starts.
Since December 20th, Lyon has boasted a record of 8-2-0 with a .932 SV% and a 2.20 goals against average while skating to a league's best +12.2 goals saved above expected. He's been a brick wall.
On the flip side, Vegas' goaltending has been a bit of a struggle as of late. Adin Hill is expected to get the nod tonight, and since the break, his numbers have been pretty ugly. Hill 1-1-0 with a .780 SV% and a 4.50 goals against average.
To top it all off, Vegas has allowed 12 goals in its last three games.
Buffalo is buzzing right now and tonight's atmosphere should be incredible at the KeyBank Center. It's hard to bet against those Sabres.
Pick: Sabres to Win in Regulation (+110)
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Avalanche vs. Ducks
The Colorado Avalanche are getting set to play the second leg of a back-to-back after a strong win in Los Angeles last night against the Kings. The Anaheim Ducks, however, are a perfect 3-0-0 since coming back from the Olympic break.
The youngsters have been getting it done for the Ducks, and boy, have they become a fun team to watch. Leo Carlsson, Beckett Sennecke, and Cutter Gauthier are turning into must-watch television.
Carlsson and Sennecke are leading the way with five points each since returning to action, but Gauthier is the team's purest goal scorer, potting home three in his last three games and leading the team with 28 on the season.
Colorado and Anaheim are two of the highest-flying offenses in the league, and both teams haven't missed a beat since returning. The Ducks are scoring 4.33 goals per game since being back, while the Avalanche have scored 3.25 goals per contest.
Martin Necas, who was unbelievable for Czechia in the Olympics, has come back scorching hot with nine points in his last four games (four goals, five assists). He's got plenty of help around him with Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, and Cale Makar, who are all producing at a point per game in this stretch as well.
While the Ducks have won all three of their games, and Dostal continues to help lead them there, his numbers have not necessarily been all that great in those games. He is skating to a .883 SV% and a 3.48 goals against average.
He'll need to step that up tonight against a team as talented as Colorado. To be fair, the Ducks haven't necessarily helped him out much. Anaheim is surrendering the most high-danger chance per 60 at 5v5 since the break, allowing 18.63 per contest.
This game should be a track meet. I'm expecting non-stop end-to-end action with some of the most talented offensive players in the league. We should see a ton of goals.
Pick: Over 6.5 (-122)
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