Ryan Hodges
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Wednesday’s NHL slate is a light one, but brings plenty of intrigue. The Flyers have been fantastic early on this season, but there are valid questions about whether that success will sustain. They’ll visit the Maple Leafs, who are already feeling pressure from local and national hockey media after a tough West Coast road trip. The Penguins are looking to end a 5-game slide as they visit a Sabres team that is playing great out of the gates this season. This 2-game slate should bring plenty of action!
If you are looking to combine some picks from these games, check out these two parlay picks that have +752 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (-135) over Philadelphia Flyers
Buffalo Sabres win and both teams go over 2.5 goals (+390)
Parlay odds: +752
Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 (-135) over Philadelphia Flyers
There is a lot of overreaction out there about the Maple Leafs going winless in their 4-game West Coast road trip. Despite the 4 losses, Toronto collected 2 points and were 2 shots away from collecting 4 of 8 points. The 2-goal regulation losses in that stretch came to the Kings, who were a playoff team earlier this calendar year, and the Golden Knights, who have the NHL’s 2nd best win percentage early on this season. The glass half full of the Leafs’ past week is that it really wasn’t that bad.
There is a lot of outside noise that Toronto will be anxious to silence. Even though this is just the 11th game of Toronto’s season, they will come out with plenty of added urgency. They will host a Flyers team that will be on the second of road back to backs having played the Rangers Tuesday night. Philadelphia has exceeded expectations early, but playing a deeper, better team for the second night in a row on the road does not bode well for the Flyers in this game. Water will find its level with both of these teams. A stronger Leafs team with a chip on their shoulder and an extra day rest does not look good for the Flyers.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Philadelphia Flyers vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Buffalo Sabres win and both teams go over 2.5 goals (+390)
The Penguins and Sabres have both lit up the scoreboard early on this season. The Penguins started the season with four 6-goal performances in their first five games. The Sabres have scored 12 goals in their last two games and have scored at least 4 goals in six of their nine games. Both teams are in the top 7 of the NHL in goal scoring and their pure matchup makes for a high total. Buffalo is playing great and is anxious to prove they are here to stay while Pittsburgh has dropped 5 straight. This one looks better overall for the Sabres.
The Penguins have allowed 24 goals in their five game losing streak. They will be visiting the Sabres who have scored 21 goals in five home games. The Penguins will be the Sabres’ most offensively productive opponent in six games and third most productive opponent of the season thus far. The Penguins have shown in nearly half their games that they can score in bunches. They have also shown in nearly half their games that they can allow goals in bunches. That recipe looks good for a high total. The Sabres’ strong scoring touch early on this season combined with the Penguins’ volatility and high ceiling will contribute to a high total on Wednesday.
Be sure to check out our NHL predictions for Wednesday
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