Tuesday sets the stage for a night on the ice as the NHL rolls out a slate packed with meaningful early-December matchups. Value on the board continues to emerge as clubs chase consistency heading into the midpoint of the season. Here are tonight’s best bets brought to you by BetOnline.ag. Click here to join. All new players get a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets.
First Pick: Penguins Moneyline
Rundown: The Anaheim Ducks (18-10-1) open a five-game road trip tonight as they head into PPG Paints Arena for a matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins (14-7-6). Sidney Crosby and the Penguins sit fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 34 points, leaning heavily on a defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest goals in the NHL. Pittsburgh’s strength has been especially evident while shorthanded, where it ranks among the league’s best in limiting power-play goals at just 0.44 per game.
That unit will be tested by one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Anaheim enters with the second-highest scoring attack in the NHL, averaging 3.6 goals per game behind strong seasons from Leo Carlson and Cutter Gauthier, who share the team lead with 16 goals apiece. The Ducks’ offensive surge has propelled them to first place in the Pacific Division with 37 points.
The matchup may ultimately hinge on Anaheim’s ability to stay out of the penalty box. The Ducks rank 23rd in defense overall and allow the third-most opponent power-play opportunities per game. That is a dangerous combination against a Pittsburgh team converting at a league-best 33.3 percent. If Anaheim continues to give opponents frequent chances with the extra skater, Pittsburgh is positioned to capitalize. Look for the Penguins to edge out a close one on home ice.
Second Pick: Islanders Moneyline
Rundown: The New York Islanders (16-11-3) open a three-game homestand tonight as they welcome the Vegas Golden Knights (14-6-8) to UBS Arena. Vegas arrives riding a four-game win streak powered by its eighth-ranked defense, which has surrendered only 2.0 goals per game during that stretch. Jack Eichel’s team-high 15 takeaways have fueled the Knights’ ability to generate pressure and capitalize on opponent mistakes. That opportunistic play has translated to Vegas possessing the NHL’s fourth-best power-play conversion rate (25.00%).
New York has been steady at both ends of the ice, ranking 14th in scoring and 13th in goals allowed. Center Bo Horvat continues to drive the offense, leading the Islanders in both goals and points through 30 games. While most teams rely heavily on their power play, the Islanders have found other ways to score, leading the NHL with five shorthanded goals. With the home crowd behind them, expect New York to set the tone early and push for its 17th win of the season.
Third Pick: Hurricanes -1.5
Rundown: The Columbus Blue Jackets (13-10-6) head to Lenovo Center for a Tuesday matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes (17-9-2). Carolina closes out a seven-game homestand looking to rebound from Sunday’s 4-1 loss to San Jose. Former first-round pick Seth Jarvis has produced 16 goals in 28 games while anchoring the Hurricanes’ high-tempo attack.
Carolina’s well-rounded play on both ends has produced the league’s fifth-best goal differential at plus-12. That should pose problems for a Columbus team that has struggled defensively, ranking 25th in goals allowed with 98 surrendered (3.4 per game). Expect Carolina to dictate pace, generate sustained pressure and pull away comfortably on home ice.