Hockey Night in Canada Picks, Predictions, & Analysis

Hello out there, we’re on the air, and it’s time for Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC). A staple of Canadiana and the NHL, Hockey Night in Canada is the place for all the top Canadian-based NHL action of the weekend. This Saturday we have two great matchups to tune in for and the only way to make HNIC any better is by placing a bet on the games.

NHL betting is a fun and easy-to-do experience, letting you add some extra excitement to whatever matchup you are watching. With HNIC already a must-see event, adding in the thrill of an NHL wager creates a new layer to your NHL viewing experience.

Want to place a bet on this Saturdays NHL matchups? Head to Canadian Sports Betting and check out our top online sportsbooks and find the oddsmaker that’s right for you. We’ve scoured the market for the best online betting sites available so you know you’re betting with a trusted and reliable sportsbook.

Toronto Maple Leafs VS Winnipeg Jets Picks

An interconference matchup, the Toronto Maple Leafs travel to their neighbours on the West in the Winnipeg Jets in hopes of securing back-to-back wins. Both teams have looked solid so far early on this season but still have room for improvement. In what should be a closely contested tilt, there’s bound to be plenty of action in this All-Canadian matchup.

Last season these two teams split the season series winning one game each, as the two squads look to settle the score on Saturday night. Find the best bets for the Toronto Maple Leafs VS Winnipeg Jets on Hockey Night in Canada below.

Moneyline/Puckline Pick: Winnipeg Jets (ML/+1.5)

Entering this game as an underdog, the Winnipeg Jets are our pick to defend home ice and walkaway with the victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Jets have looked much improved from last seasons mediocre finish and are poised to make another push towards the postseason. With solid play from netminder Connor Hellebuyck to keep his team in games, as well as great scoring efforts from Pierre Luc-Dubois and Mark Scheifele, the Jets are a tough matchup for any team.

Their opponents the Maple Leafs have certainly taken a step back this season. Possessing a worse roster than the year prior, the Leafs have once again failed to find a reliable goaltender to man the crease, as well as find solid protection to place in front of them to prevent easy scoring opportunities.

While the Leafs certainly can score with the top offences in the NHL, look for the Jets superior all-around play and physicality to be the difference maker in this Saturday Night matchup. At plus money, the Jets moneyline is more than attractive enough for any NHL bettors, but those skeptical can get solid value and insurance by backing the Jets puckline (+1.5).

Over/Under Pick: Under 6.5 Goals

In a game of clashing styles, this matchup has Under written all over it. The Maple Leafs offence plays conservatively when in possession of the puck, waiting to find the perfect chance to strike instead of the “get pucks on net” or “fire at will” sentiment that many are used to in the NHL.

With their slower place when in the attacking zone, the Leafs drain plenty of clock over the course of a matchup. Now factor this in with going up against a top goalie in Hellebuyck and the Leafs may only manage to put a few points up on the board.

On the other side of the ice the Jets will need to take their offence to the next level to get in position against the superb skaters on the Maple Leafs, but should have no problem finding the back of the net when they get a clean look.

Look for a slower pace in this game that will result in a low score, bet the under on the Toronto Maple Leafs VS Winnipeg Jets on Hockey Night in Canada.

Buffalo Sabres VS Vancouver Canucks

In a showdown between two teams that have flipped the script on the expectations set for them coming into this season, the Buffalo Sabres have looked strong, while the Vancouver Canucks have lost five-straight to start their season.

The Sabres have played exceptionally well this season, defying those that counted them out before the season began and showcasing that they do in fact have legitimate talent on their roster. Led by former number-one pick Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres have moved the puck well and are looking to keep their winning ways alive as they travel to the West Coast to take on the Vancouver Canucks.

The Canucks certainly haven’t lived up to the hype that was built around them coming into this season, winless through five games. While they at least were able to pick up a point in two Overtime losses, the Canucks are in desperate need of a win. Matching up with the Buffalo Sabres could be just the opportunity needed to spark their lockerroom to rally together and save their season.

The Sabres swept the season series in 2021-22, so the Canucks will be looking for revenge. Find all the best bets on the Buffalo Sabres VS Vancouver Canucks below.

Moneyline/Puckline Pick: Vancouver Canucks (ML/-1.5)

It may not have occured yet this season but somethings got to give in favour of the Vancouver Canucks. Facing off against a Sabres team that is playing in over their heads, this is the chance for the Canucks to secure an easy two points and begin their push towards returning to the playoffs.

The Canucks have plenty of talent on their roster to get the job done including Quinn Hughes, J.T. Miller, & Elias Pettersson, all ready to create a highlight play out of thin-air. Look for the Canucks to come out the gates hot and set the tempo for this matchup, playing hard, physical hockey, to drain the visiting Sabres squad.

Back the Vancouver Canucks to win straight up on the moneyline, or take them to cover a (-1.5) spread on the puckline as they look to make this game a blowout in their favour.

Over/Under Pick: Over 6.5 Goals

Neither team has been a stranger to high-scoring affairs this season. With goals galore in the majority of their games played, both the Sabres and Canucks have been lighting the lamp at a steady clip. Looking at this string of large goal totals, the Over is a fantastic bet for the Sabres VS Canucks.

Generally, a line at 6.5 total goals can be daunting but these are two teams that fit the bill for a high-scoring battle. Neither side has played a lick of defence, leaving their goalies hung out to try on several occasions in their attempts to push the tempo and create scoring chances on the other end.

If both teams continue this offence-centric style the scoreboard is sure to catch fire as it gets put to work tallying each and every score on the evening. This ones gonna be fun, don’t miss out on this Hockey Night in Canada matchup, and bet the Over on the Sabres VS Canucks.

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