NHL best bets today (Maple Leafs strong defense will continue vs. Flyers)

Dec 22, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting (58) and Philadelphia Flyers forward Noah Cates (49) battle for position during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL may dominate the sports cycle today, but that doesn’t mean we should bet on some NHL action.

I need to starting writing articles on my days off, because I went 0-3 on Friday when I just tweeted out my picks instead of writing an article here on FanSided.

Oh well, bad days happen and after taking Saturday off, I’m ready to bounce back.

We’re still profitable for the season, so let’s keep things moving. If you want to see the best odds for all eight games tonight, find them here.

Here are my three best bets for Sunday’s hockey action.

BetMGM

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DraftKings

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NHL best bets record-to-date

116-105-2 (+1.96 units)

NHL best bets today (Sunday, January 8)

Maple Leafs/Flyers UNDER 6 (+100)
Blues/Wild UNDER 6.5 (-105)
Bruins -1.5 (-110) vs. Ducks

Maple Leafs/Flyers UNDER 6 (+100)

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Philadelphia Flyers | Current Best Odds

To Win

Total

Toronto Maple Leafs

Philadelphia Flyers

Not team has played better defensive hockey in recent weeks than the Toronto Maple Leafs. Over their last 10 games, they lead the NHL in expected goals against at 2.41 per game. That should pair well against a Philadelphia Flyers team that’s 29th in expected goals for per game.

I think we’re going to see a defensive battle here, and getting the under at plus-money is a bargain I can’t pass up.

Blues/Wild UNDER 6.5 (-105)

St. Louis Blues @ Minnesota Wild | Current Best Odds

To Win

Total

St. Louis Blues

Minnesota Wild

I was shocked to see the total set at 6.5 for this Central Division matchup.

Few teams have allowed fewer goals per game than the Wild in recent weeks. Over their last 10 games, they’re allowing just 2.38 goals per game, with only the Bruins, Jets, and Capitals allowing fewer.

Now, they get to take on a St. Louis Blues team that is 27th in expected goals per game.

Filip Gustavsson is expected to get the start for the Wild tonight and he sports an impressive .924 save percentage on the season.

It may not be a fun bet to cheer for, but I think the UNDER is the right play in this one.

Caesars

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Bruins -1.5 (-110) vs. Ducks

St. Louis Blues @ Minnesota Wild | Current Best Odds

To Win

Total

St. Louis Blues

Minnesota Wild

I truly feel this is a game between the best and worst teams in the NHL. I know the Blackhawks have a worse record, but when it comes to statistics, it’s the Ducks who are the jesters of the NHL.

Over their last 10 games, they’re dead last in the league in CORSI%, expected goals against, and high-danger scoring chances allowed.

Meanwhile, Boston boasts the best record in the NHL and for good reason. The Bruins have dominated on their West Coast road trip, and I expect that to continue tonight.

Bet on Boston to win big.

Under 6

BetRivers