NHL Wednesday best bets: Jets to take flight
We have a pint-sized three-game slate ahead of us Wednesday night. Luckily, there's still plenty of value on the board, so let's dive into it with three best bets.
Wild (+110) @ Jets (-130)
The Wild have gotten a ton of positive results lately, picking up at least a point in 10 consecutive games.
While Minnesota might extend that streak to 11 in Winnipeg, I don't see it leaving with two points.
Despite their recent success, the Wild are still really laboring offensively. They've generated high-danger chances at a below-average rate and rank dead last in goals per game during this stretch.
Facing Connor Hellebuyck won't be the elixir to their offensive woes. Despite his recent struggles, he ranks fourth in the NHL in goals saved above expected (plus-22.8).
It generally doesn't take long for Hellebuyck to get back on track, and a game against Minnesota - in a back-to-back situation for it, no less - could be just the spot to do it.
Conversely, the Jets' offense should benefit greatly from Marc-Andre Fleury drawing the start instead of Filip Gustavsson, who played Tuesday and has been one of the league's best netminders this season.
Fleury's numbers lag significantly behind Gustavsson's in every sense. He also has a poor recent history against Winnipeg, conceding at least four goals in four of his last five games against them.
Look for the Jets to take advantage of a strong scheduling spot and get back in the win column following a dud of an effort against the Sharks last time out.
Bet: Jets (-115)
Kyle Connor over 3.5 shots (+105)
Connor has hit another gear lately. He's attempted 70 shots over the past 10 games, leading the Jets in that category, scoring chances, and expected goals over the stretch. He's been Winnipeg's biggest offensive threat.
I expect that to be the case again versus the Wild on Wednesday. For one, Connor is significantly more efficient on home ice. His hit rate in Winnipeg is 52%, while he's come through just 29% of the time on the road.
Connor also has a pretty strong history against Minnesota, hitting in three straight games against the club and four of the last six.
The Wild are generally a stout team at suppressing shots. However, they rank middle of the pack over the last 10 contests and played 65-plus minutes of hockey last night. That, coupled with travel, could lead to some fatigue Wednesday.
Look for Connor to take advantage.
Elias Pettersson over 3.5 shots (-130)
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That certainly applies to backing top shot generators when going up against the Ducks.
Anaheim has bled shots, chances, and goals all season and continues to show no signs of improvement. Over the past 10 games, the Ducks have conceded an average of 41 shots while giving up high-danger looks and expected goals at a higher clip than every other team.
Pettersson is the player primed to benefit most from such an advantageous matchup. He leads the Canucks in attempts (by 17) over the past 10 contests, taking just under seven per game.
He should have a field day at five-on-five, while his one-timer will be heavily featured on each power play.
Pettersson had eight shots on goal the last time these two teams met. I don't expect him to reach those heights again, but he should cruise past four.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.