The 2017-18 NHL season kicked off last week and after just one week of play there has already been some surprising results! We look forward to this Wednesday's games here as we preview some of the key matchups of the 11 game slate and give our betting tips.
NHL Betting Tips - Wednesday 18th October
Washington Capitals at Toronto Maple Leafs (Wednesday 10.00am AEST Fox Sports 503HD)
The Leafs travel to the Verizon Centre in DC for the first of three meetings. The last time these two teams met, it was the first round of the Eastern Conference finals, when the Caps won in six games against a young gallant Maple Leaf team.
With last season’s finals series now history, the Leafs have come charging out of the gates early and are showing fans why last year wasn't just a one-off experience. The expectations to be successful this season are quite high after coming so close to defeating the Caps last year and things have started well. The Leafs are leading the Atlantic division with a 4-1 record and, more importantly, lead the league in playoff percentage and goals per game.
The Washington Capitals come into this Wednesday’s game trying to forget the 8-2 drubbing against the Flyers on Sunday morning. With all the speculation surrounding the team in the off-season they have actually started ok. Ovechkin leads the league with nine goals and when paired with Backstrom and Oshie in the power play, they are a deadly combination. Expect this game to be fast and aggressive as Toronto tries an upset the Caps on home ice.
TIP: Washington Capitals to win - $1.70 at CrownBet
Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils (Wednesday 10.30am AEST)
The Lightning head north to the Prudential Center to take on the Devils and witness the world’s largest in-arena scoreboard. I'm not sure if it's the scoreboard, or just good hockey, but the Devils haven't registered a start like this in 22 seasons.
The Devil's remind me of the Maple Leafs of last season, young, fast and eager.
They won the first three games of the season until the Caps ended that streak but are now 4-1 for the season and are leading the Metropolitan division. Number one pick Nico Hischier hasn't made an immediate impact with only two assists so far but he is doing his role and has helped his team with the best start in years. The Devils have the youngest team in the league and are lead by youngster’s Taylor Hall, Miles Wood and goalie Corey Schneider. If these players stay healthy, there’s a good chance you will see them in April.
But they will have their work cut out with the Tampa Bay Lightning who have some of the best offensive players in the league with Stamkos and Kucherov who are fit and healthy. Nikita Kucherov has been on fire early and leads the team with five goals and three assists in the first five games. The Lightning have also won the last four out of five games against the Devils. Can the Devils get one back early in the season?
TIP: Tampa Bay Lightning to win - $1.94 at Sportsbet
Buffalo Sabres at Vegas Golden Knights (Wednesday 1pm AEST)
The Buffalo Sabres are set to play their first game against the Vegas Golden Knights in Vegas on Wednesday afternoon. Buffalo have started slow, but got their first victory for the season against Anaheim on Monday afternoon. This game is their last road trip game before they meet Vancouver back in Buffalo. The Sabres are tipped to have a tough year as they are in rebuilding stage. They will need to tighten up their defence if they are to challenge Vegas as they have given up 23 goals in five games.
With a defence that seems to be lacking, the Vegas Golden Knights have gone bang and have come out to prove that they aren't just a walkover. They are 4-1 early with their one and only loss coming to the Red Wings at home. The only issue is that Vegas haven't come up against the league's best, with two wins coming against the Coyotes who are still winless this season. Despite this, you can't help but love the energy and competitiveness early on. James Neal has been their best with six goals and six points. Hard to go against Vegas as they already look comfortable at home.
TIP: Vegas Golden Knights - $1.96 at CrownBet
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