Welcome back to Fantasy Alarm’s NHL best bets to all my hockey heads out there! It's Thursday so you know what that means: another huge slate in the hockey world. 

As the season winds into the home stretch with just about 3 weeks to go, we’ll want to consider what teams are still playing for something and the teams that are not! Odds are also going to start to become less favorable so don't be afraid to get into NHL DFS or player props as we head to the end of the season.

 

 

 

In today's NHL best bets writeup, you will find 3 types of wagers that include a game total, team total and a puck line wager! The Dog of the Day is back again as well for a potential plus money winner.

Without further delay, let's dive into my expert NHL best bets today, 3/28!

  • Season Record: 125-102-5
  • Bankroll: +14.2 units
  • Dog of the Day Record: 19-16 (+7.05 Units)

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NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 3/28

Rangers vs. Avalanche Prediction

Colorado really bummed me out on Tuesday against the Canadiens, but it was a true fluke so let's dive right back in! The Avalanche boast one of the very best offensives in the NHL this season and lately it has continued, as they've scored 4.1 goals per game at home in the last 45 days. 

On the flip side, the defense has been much better too, but they will have a challenge against these Rangers. The Rangers are scoring 3.8 goals per game on the road over their last 45 days and recently it has led to high-scoring games that top the game total. 

In their last 7 outings, the over has hit in 6 of those games and it hasn't really been close. Add to that they are playing a Colorado team that has gone over in 20 of 34 home games this season and you have a recipe for a high-scoring matchup. It may be close as the goaltending has been good on both sides, but the fast-paced, talent-loaded rosters up front should control the game. 

 

 

 

Islanders vs. Panthers Prediction

The casual hockey fan would look here and think this would be a close game, and you couldn't be more incorrect. The Islanders are no longer a scary team. They are instead extremely subpar in a pretty bad eastern conference that makes them look okay. 

New York is 30-41 straight up on the moneyline this season, but because of points in overtime, it looks better than it really is. In the past 45 days on the road, they are living in a deficit too, scoring 3.1 goals per game while allowing 3.5 goals per game; not good! 

On the Florida side, they dominate on home ice with a record of 21-12-2 on the season and have been allowing just 2.4 goals per game over the same time period stated above with the Islanders. They are deep, well coached and have great goaltending, so why would the books give us plus odds on the puck line? 

New York is 33-37 ATS this season while Florida is 37-34. This seems like a great time to jump on the Panthers spread to me. 

 

 

 

Blue Jackets vs. Penguins Prediction

I know I am breaking a rule that is don't wager on teams with nothing to play for but sometimes there is an exception, and tonight is one of them. The Penguins have been scoring a lot more goals lately, and maybe it's because it's all about padding stats for them now.

Still, over the past 7 games, they have posted 28 total goals and seem to be in a groove! Sidney Crosby only needs 6 points over these final 11 games as well to break Gretzky's record of most seasons over a point per game so that's got to be top of mind. 

On the Blue Jackets side, they just aren't a good team at all and especially on defense as they've allowed 4.3 goals per game on the road over the past 45 days. That is more recent, but it reflects a season long trend as well, just a bad road team. They will turn to Daniil Tarasov tonight in the net and he's not going to help anything with his track record. 

The Blue Jackets have given up 26 goals in the last 5 games, why can't the Penguins score 4 or more tonight?

  • Blue Jackets vs. Penguins Pick: Pittsburgh Team Total Over 3.5 Goals (-140 on BetRivers)

 

 

 

Additional NHL Picks to Consider Today, 3/28

 

 

 

Expert NHL Predictions: Dog of the Day

Calgary Flames Money Line vs. St. Louis Blues (+120 on ESPN BET) *HALF UNIT PLAY