Ryan Hodges
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The NHL’s 2023-24 season got off to a great start on Tuesday. Fans can enjoy a larger 6-game slate on Wednesday, which leads into even more action later this week and weekend. It is a great time of year to be a sports fan and hockey fans are no exception. There were 6 teams that made their season debut on Wednesday and another 11 teams will get underway on Wednesday.
What better way to celebrate getting over the hump of the week than with NHL hockey?
If you’re looking to have some betting action, check out our NHL mega parlay at +1071 odds below. You can also read our NHL predictions for picks on every game today.
Maple Leafs -1.5 & Over 5.5 (+145)
Senators vs Hurricanes Under 6 (-105)
Oilers -1.5 (+145)
NHL mega parlay odds: +1071
Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5 over Montreal Canadiens & Over 5.5 (+145)
The Maple Leafs have been a regular-season machine year after year. This team was fantastic last year and in the offseason only added pieces that make them look just as good if not better. Toronto finally won a playoff series and Auston Matthews recently signed an extension. With (slightly) less pressure and distraction, this team will be on a mission this year. Look for the Leafs to come out of the gates with plenty of jump.
It’s no secret that the Maple Leafs are loaded with talent. Anytime Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander are suited up, there is solid potential for an over. Last season the Canadiens allowed the 4th-most goals in the NHL. There will be plenty of opportunity for Toronto to do its part in contributing to a high total. It shouldn’t take much for the Canadiens to help, as well, get over this lower alternate over 5.5 goals.
Find out our best NHL player prop bets for tonight’s games
Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes Under 6 (-105)
The Hurricanes will likely have the biggest influence in this game going under the total. Their team’s identity under head coach Rod Brind’amour has been that of a fundamentally sound, structured team. In terms of goals allowed, Carolina ranked 5th in the NHL in 2020-21, 1st in 2021-22 and 2nd last season. If there is anything that can be expected of the Hurricanes game in and game out, it is that they will probably do a good job containing the opposition.
Carolina’s goal prevention strength typically leads to low totals. What reinforces low totals is the ‘Canes are not typically an offensive juggernaut. Preventing goals and not scoring many are a good recipe for an under. The Senators also have not produced at a proficient clip over the last few years. They appear ready to take the next step this season, but they are still more of a question mark as opposed to the Hurricanes. The under 6 looks good in this one.
Check out our division winner predictions and full analysis of Wednesday’s slate.
Edmonton Oilers -1.5 over Vancouver Canucks (+145)
Similar to the Maple Leafs, the Oilers are very much on a mission. Their window to win is now and there is already chatter early on this season of expectations of “Stanley Cup or bust.” They are the better team and should be coming out with plenty of jam. Connor McDavid put up a ridiculous 153 points last season but is not satisfied with repeated early exits from the playoffs. He is probably going to go scorched earth this season beginning with this game. The rest of the team should follow his lead.
The Oilers have had the Canucks’ number in the last couple of seasons, as well. Edmonton has won 6 out of the last 7 games against Vancouver, as well as the last 5 consecutive played head-to-head in Vancouver. The Oilers are expected to be one of the best teams in hockey and the Canucks are a question mark. The more reliable team is Edmonton and they should be able to take care of business and then some in this season opener.
Read our full Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks prediction
