The 2021-22 NHL season is officially underway. The action got started last night with 2 games, and there are 5 matchups on the docket tonight. We’re going big and bold with a 3-team mega parlay that has the potential for a rather large payday. But before we dive in, be sure to check out our picks and previews for each game tonight. You can also follow me on Twitter for plenty of bets throughout the season.
Winnipeg Jets -1.5 (+164)
Edmonton Oilers -1.5 (+125)
New York Rangers ML (+108)
Parlay odds: +1135
Let’s break down each of the legs one by one.
Winnipeg Jets -1.5 over Anaheim Ducks (+164)
Looking at this matchup, the Jets should win with relative ease. The Jets rebuilt their defense in the off-season, and they should contend for a playoff spot with a deep and skilled top six forwards, and one of the best goalies in the league in Connor Hellebuyck. For the Ducks, they are another year deeper into their rebuild. This should be a season in which they start to show some signs of life, and there is hope that Trevor Zegras can show that he is going to be part of their core group moving forward, and John Gibson should continue to be steady in goal. However, it may be a rough season opener. Winnipeg is the deeper team in all areas of the game. Add in the fact that the Ducks were among the worst home teams in the league last year, and there isn’t a list of compelling reasons that would make you think they will be a whole lot better this year. Look for the Jets to win this game tonight, and for the score to not be particularly close.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Winnipeg Jets vs Anaheim Ducks
Edmonton Oilers -1.5 over Vancouver Canucks (+125)
The Vancouver Canucks went through a pretty drastic overhaul of their roster this off-season. Vancouver signed 17 players on the first day of free agency, and there are a ton of new faces on the roster. They begin the 2021-22 season with 6 straight road games, the first of which comes against 2 of the best players in the league, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Fans will be in Rogers Place in Edmonton for a regular season game for the first time since the spring of 2020. Look for the Oilers to come out firing in front of their home crowd. These teams met on Saturday in their final preseason game, and the Oilers won 3-2. That would typically not be very noteworthy, but the Oilers were under-staffed as they sat a number of their top guys including McDavid, Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse, and Tyson Barrie. The Canucks played with close to their full lineup, but still fell short. It should be another uphill battle for Vancouver with Edmonton sending out their top guys.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers
New York Rangers ML over Washington Capitals (+108)
The New York Rangers are looking for the 2021-22 season to be a big one. This is a team with high hopes, and they are looking to start the season on the right foot tonight against the Washington Capitals. Rangers projected starter in net Igor Shesterkin brings in a career record of 3-1 against Washington into the road opener. He will anchor a forward group with top-tier talent consisting of Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and former No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafreniere. Defending Norris trophy winner Adam Fox holds down a strong blue line. The Capitals will be without star center Nicklas Backstrom in this one, which figures to hurt their early season form. The Rangers should push the veteran group of the Capitals down to the wire, and the plus money presents some solid value.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals
At Pickswise we cover every morsel of NHL action with daily NHL Picks and Predictions throughout the season. Be sure to also check out our NHL Best Bets for those NHL top picks.
