NHL Betting Picks for Friday 12/1/23: Devils Should Contain Low-Scoring Sharks

We head to the weekend with just two games on Friday, so let's see what bets we can make.

Whether it's moneylines or total goals, there are plenty of ways to bet on the NHL action all season. It's a long 82-game campaign, meaning that the best selections of each night can be very different based on backup goalies coming into play, injuries that add up, and if teams are due for positive or negative swings.

Let's dive into the best bets for tonight.

Note: Lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. All NHL betting odds and totals are from the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. All advanced statistics are used from MoneyPuck.com and NaturalStatTrick.com.

NHL Best Bets

San Jose Sharks at New Jersey Devils

Under 6.5 Goals (+100)

With just two games tonight and one of them involving the San Jose Sharks, we have to dig deep to find some bets we'll like.

The New Jersey Devils were able to pick up the win last night against the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-3. It wasn't the cleanest game defensively for NJ, as they allowed 4.14 expected goals (xG) to the Flyers. They've given up 3.62 goals per game this season, the fourth-most in the league.

It hasn't all been bad for Devils on D, though, especially at five-on-five. They have allowed the fourth-fewest shot attempts and third-fewest scoring chances per 60 minutes when both teams are at full strength.

If ever a team is struggling defensively, facing the Sharks is the antidote they need. San Jose just got shut out last night and averages a minuscule 1.57 goals per game. That would be the lowest average in a season since the salary cap was introduced ahead of the 2005-06 campaign.

Even with how leaky the Devils have been in net this season, they should be able to limit San Jose in this game. Getting even money on the under in this game is a nice spot to take advantage of tonight.

Ottawa Senators at Columbus Blue Jackets

Over 6.5 Goals (-134)

This game between the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets has the potential to be a wild one.

Ottawa is one of the best teams to bet the over on each game. They're averaging the same number of goals scored and allowed per game -- 3.47. They have loaded up on offensive skill players and have some of the best forward depth in the league.

The Senators struggle to keep the puck out of their net. They have the sixth-worst team save percentage and allow the fifth-most expected goals at five-on-five. Their penalty kill is the seventh-worst in the NHL, as well.

Columbus has improved defensively this season compared to last -- but not by much. They've allowed the third-most shot attempts and fifth-most expected goals per 60 minutes. Their goaltending has kept them in games, but their goaltender tonight, Elvis Merzlikins, had the most goals allowed above expected last season. Regression could be coming for him in the near future.

Both teams are capable of having blow-up games in both directions. They have talent up front but lack the structure and defensive abilities to be consistent on the back end.

Even laying -134, the over is the way to play this game.

Looking for more NHL betting opportunities? Check out all of the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.