NHL Betting Predictions - High-octane Pens, Hawks will flex their muscles
NHL betting predictions are working overtime during a very busy sportsbook weekend. Among the many exciting hockey matchups are a rivalry game between the Rangers and Pens and a battle between breakout teams when the Blackhawks visit the Kings.
| NHL betting predictions: Pittsburgh and Chicago have too much firepower for New York and L.A. to handle |
| Shut down Marian Gaborik and you shut down the New York Rangers |
| Penguins back on track with Evgeni Malkin’s injury healed |
| Blackhawks already looked like hockey’s best team – then they added Marian Hossa to the equation |
Rangers vs Penguins betting odds
Saturday, November 28, 7:30 p.m. ET
The New York Rangers have hit their bumps in the road but they’ve played decently of late, largely because of a soft schedule over the last week. Without Marian Gaborik in the lineup, offense is a problem but, as long as he’s healthy, the Broadway Blueshirts usually score enough to compete. The shackles from his Jacques-Lemaire-coached Minnesota days are off and Gaborik is running wild, leading the NHL in goals (19) and points (33) through Thursday night’s games.
But the truth of the matter is that the Rangers are a one-man offensive team and that Henrik Lundqvist has to stand on his head for New York to hang with Pittsburgh. The King has a shot – he’s 15-10-3 with a 2.29 goals against average all-time versus Pittsburgh – but the Pens are quickly regaining their swagger with Evgeni Malkin back from injury. Through Thursday they’d won four straight and five of six. Considering that Sergei Gonchar is also back, Pittsburgh’s power play should roll. I wouldn’t go against the defending champs at home in my NHL betting predictions.
Rangers vs Penguins betting edge: Penguins
Blackhawks vs Kings betting odds
Saturday, November 28, 10:30 p.m. ET
Unofficially, the Chicago Blackhawks have taken over as the biggest lock in NHL betting. Not only have they won eight straight games through Thursday, they’ve steamrolled the NHL’s elite. Wednesday night, they marched into San Jose and throttled the first-overall Sharks 7-2. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have emerged as hockey’s top shutdown pair; Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews continue to blossom into superstars. As if the Hawks weren’t powerful enough already, Marian Hossa debuted Wednesday with two goals. Even though Chicago should be tired after playing on Friday and the Kings will be the rested team at home, Chicago has reached a special sports betting status. You simply can’t bet against the Blackhawks until they cool off – if they ever do.
The Kings’ breakout is for real but they look slightly lost in Ryan Smyth’s absence; the Hawks will handle them.
Blackhawks vs Kings betting edge: Blackhawks
Keep reading the Betting Edge at BetOnline for NHL betting predictions and online betting tips for every sport imaginable from our team of experts.
