NHL Betting Picks for Wednesday 3/20/24: Wild, Kings Collide in Important Tilt

With just three games on the slate tonight, the NHL has a handful of bets that look good tonight thanks to two premier matchups.

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

Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals

Under 6.5 Goals (-128)

Who would have thought that in a game headlined by Auston Matthews and Alex Ovechkin that the under would be bet worth taking tonight? Perhaps no one, but that's where we are as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals face off.

After a miserable start to their season, the Capitals have found themselves within a win of making the playoffs. That's one of the biggest shocks of the season, and a lot of it has to do with their recent stretch. Washington is just 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, but they've won three straight coming into tonight. The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, are 5-4-1, having just dropped their last game.

Through the last 10 games, Washington is actually outscoring the Maple Leafs with 3.10 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60). Toronto is sitting at just 2.83 GF/60. The big difference, however, is in their expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). The Capitals are low with a 2.69 -- around their season total -- while the Maple Leafs remain a team that's creating offense with a 3.24 xGF/60.

Due to the inconsistencies of their numbers, the under feels like the safe bet. In terms of goals against per 60 minutes (GA/60), Washington is sitting at 3.00 and Toronto is a tick higher at 3.13.

Roll with the under tonight, as the Capitals should control play based on recent play and home ice advantage.

Minnesota Wild at Los Angeles Kings

Wild +1.5 (-194)

Two of the hottest teams in the NHL go head-to-head tonight as the Minnesota Wild meet the Los Angeles Kings.

Each of the teams has 6 wins in their last 10 games, with the Wild going 6-2-2 and the Kings going 6-3-1. Timing is everything, and it's why this collision is so exciting tonight. Off the bat, this should be a tight game based on their recent play, which is why taking the Wild +1.5 feels like the move.

Success for each team has come by keeping the puck out of their net, and both are in the top 10 over the last 10 games. Los Angeles has been spectacular, allowing just 1.99 GA/60. Minnesota isn't too far behind, holding their opponents to 2.16 GA/60. It's better than their expected metrics, but not too far ahead -- top 10 for both teams again. The Wild have a 2.35 xGA/60, and the Kings have a 2.44 xGA/60.

During this time, scoring hasn't been coming at a high rate. Los Angeles is averaging 3.18 GF/60, good for 15th in the last 10 games. On the other side, the Wild are only 22nd with 2.75 GF/60. Minnesota should be able to stay in this game with few problems.

Being so even in their play right now, the Wild are going to make it tough on the Kings and should keep it close, if not pull out the win -- especially with their hopes of making the playoffs still in sight.

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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.