Wednesday’s round of online hockey betting action featured zero upsets. Some bettors prefer predictable action because it’s easier to bet on, while others love seeing some unforeseeable upsets. Nevertheless, these types of trends hardly ever last and anticipating that Thursday’s NHL hockey betting action won’t feature any upsets is more misguided than anything else. Especially when considering the spectrum of matchups that the NHL has in store for bettors.
Latest NHL Betting Information
- Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview – March 8, 2017
- New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers – March 7, 2017
- Minnesota Wild vs. Columbus Blue Jackets – March 2, 2017
Sportsbook players will have a total 10 games to choose from Thursday night, but one particular matchup worth taking a look at is the contest between the Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks will be hosting the Ducks at the United Center, marking the second time these two have faced each other this season. In the first contest, the Blackhawks were able to come out on top 3-2 in regulation on home ice. Will the bookies predict a similar result this time around?
ONLINE HOCKEY BETTING ODDS – REGULAR SEASON – Thursday, March 9th
Anaheim Ducks +1 ½ (-200) 5 ½ (+110) +150
Chicago Blackhawks -1 ½ (+170) 5 ½ (-130) -170
NHL Betting on Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have indeed been pegged as the NHL hockey betting favorites this Thursday night. After competing in 65 games this season, Chicago has racked up a 42-18-5 record that nets the club 89 points. With that tally, the Blackhawks are 1 point shy of tying with the Minnesota Wild atop the Central Division. Nevertheless, the Blackhawks aren’t exactly feeling the pressure since they are enjoying a 15-point lead over third-place Nashville. Lastly, Chicago enters this contest on a 7-game win streak that is causing a ton of anxiety for the Wild.
As things stand now, the online hockey betting favorites have the 7th best offense in the NHL with an average of 3.0 goals scored per game. Additionally, Chicago has the 7th best defense since they are only allowing 2.5 goals per contest. The Blackhawks rank 15th overall in power play percentage with an average of 19.5%, but rank 27th overall in penalty kill percentage with an average of 76.9%.
NHL Betting on Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have failed to miss the playoffs since the 2004-05 lockout season and will be vying to keep that streak alive in 2017. After competing in 66 games this season, the Ducks have amassed a 34-22-10 record that nets the franchise 78 points. With that sum, Anaheim ties for second in the Pacific with the Oilers. However, unlike the Blackhawks, the Ducks are feeling the heat since the Flames are on their heels with 76 points.
The NHL hockey betting underdogs come into Thursday night’s matchup with the league’s 20th worst offense, due to only averaging 2.6 goals per game. Nonetheless, the Ducks’ defense ranks much better. With an average of 2.5 goals allowed per game, Anaheim owns the 8th best defense in the NHL. The Ducks rank 16th in power play percentage (19%) and 6th in penalty kill percentage (84.8%).
