After a small abscence over the Christmas/New Year period, we are back with another round of NHL Best Bets for Wednesday the 4th of January. The game of the day features the Maple Leafs travelling to Washington, see our tips for that game + more here.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Washington Capitals (11.00am AEDT)
Toronto travel to the nation's capital to take on the Washington Capitals on Wednesday morning. Toronto are on fire coming into the new year, they have won the previous five games and are now fifth in the Atlantic division. The Leafs are 7-6-5 playing away from home this season and have also won the last four games on their recent road trip. They are coming off an exciting win over Detroit on New Year's Day at the Centennial Classic where rookie Auston Matthews stole the show with two goals including the game winner. The offence is playing a key role in the Leafs latest run of victories, they are registering 2.97 goals per game and are now third in the league for shots on goal.
Washington started 2017 off with a 2-1 victory over the Senators on New Year's Day.
The Caps have won the last two but still need to stay more consistent to match the likes of Pittsburgh and the Rangers. Braden Holtby and the Caps are still one of the best defensive teams in the league and are ranked first with goals allowed and second in penalty kill percentage. The Caps have an outstanding offensive lineup as well, and Toronto should keep a close eye on the ex King Justin Williams he has been hot of late.
Toronto won the last contest 4-2 on home ice, I'm predicting the caps to tie the series up this time round.
TIP: Washington Capitals to Win - $1.57 at CrownBet
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes (11.00 am AEDT)
Carolina have a very impressive home record considering the team sits sixth in the Metropolitan division, they are 11-3-1 coming into this contest. The Canes should thank goalie Cam Ward who has only been defeated twice on home ice this season.
The Canes are very discipline this season and the defence shows. The team are ranked first in the league for penalty minutes, giving away only 6.2 min per game and have great defence in penalty kill.
The Devils are eighth in the Metropolitan division and are really struggling on the road with one of the worst away records in the league. The Devils will want to change a few things this game after the Caps defeated them 6-2 on home ice last game. New Jersey are expected to start Keith Kinkaid who may have his hands full in this game, with a team running hot at home.
TIP: Carolina Hurricanes, HT/FT - Check closer to tip off for price
Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks ( 2.00pm AEDT )
These teams met only a few days ago in LA, in a tight defensive battle the Kings were able to hold on, after the Sharks made a run in the third period. Peter Budaj notched another win and is certainly keeping the Kings afloat. Even though they have been struck with injuries the Kings sit fifth in their division and have surprised many fans with how the year has gone. If they are to make a run for this playoffs this year the away record needs to lift as they are 7-11-3.
San Jose couldn't be happier ranked first in the Pacific Division but are just ahead of Anaheim and Edmonton. The Sharks seem to take care of business on home ice with a record of 13-4-0. The three veterans Burns, Pavelski and Joe Thornton are again having a stellar year. Brent Burns leads the team with 35 points along with 15 goals this season and will look to stay hot against division rivals. We may see the Sharks come out hot in the first period to try and rattle the Kings who are coming off a long road trip out East.
TIP: San Jose Sharks, 60 min line - $2.12 at CrownBet
Make sure to read terms and conditions of any promotions before placing a bet - some specials may not be available in all states!
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
