Best NHL Bets Today | NHL Picks, December 5

New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators

• Time: 7:00 PM E.T. - Tuesday

• Moneyline: Rangers (-142) | Senators (+120)

• Puck Line: Rangers -1.5 (+180) | Senators +1.5 (-210) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (-102) | Under 6.5 (-118)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Get $150 in Bonus Bets at DraftKings!

My Pick: New York Rangers (NY)

The first game of the night in the NHL is set for an Eastern Conference matchup between the New York Rangers at the Ottawa Senators. This would be the first match of the season between these two Eastern Conference opponents.

The Rangers are in first place of the Metropolitan division, while the Ottawa Senators are in last place of the Atlantic division. Despite the huge difference in terms of their current place in the standings and their efficiency on both sides of the ice, the Rangers are coming into this game on the road as close favorites.

The Rangers have been one of the most dominant teams in the NHL and certainly among the Eastern Conference teams. The Senators, on the other hand, have been among one of the worst starting teams in the Eastern Conference this season.

This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair as the Rangers are ranked 6th in the league in goals per game averaging 3.43 while the Senators are averaging 3.3 two goals per game, 13th in the league. These are teams that have a reliable and dynamic set of playmakers throughout the ice.

The biggest difference will come on defense as the Rangers are the much more efficient team. The Rangers are ranked 6th in the league in goals allowed per game by allowing only 2.57 goals per game. This is due to the tenacious play of their goalies and incredible play from their defenders who are some of the best players in the league when it comes to intercepting the puck. The Senators are ranked 20th in the league in goals allowed per game, allowing an average of 3.32 goals per game. 

Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres

• Time: 7:30 PM E.T. - Tuesday

• Moneyline: Red Wings (-125) | Sabres (+105)

• Puck Line: Red Wings -1.5 (+195) | Sabres +1.5 (-238) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (-122) | Under 6.5 (+102)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

My Pick: Detroit Red Wings (DET)

One of the closest set matchups this Tuesday night in the NHL is set between a heated game between Atlantic divisional opponents as the Detroit Red Wings (13-7-3) go on the road to take on the Buffalo Sabres (10-13-2). This will be the first matchup of the season between the two opponents.

The Red Wings started the 2000 23 dash 2024 NHL season with a 5-1 overall record before finding themselves in a tough slate of matchups. By the middle of November, the Red Wings had found themselves with an overall record of 8-6-3. They have, however, won five of their last six matchups. They are coming off a 5-4 overtime road win over the Montreal Canadiens.

The Sabres have found themselves battling through an up-and-down from the start of the season. By November 10, Buffalo had accounted for an overall record of 7-6-1. Buffalo has won only three of the last 11 games as they are currently on a three-game losing streak. Their last win was on November 27th with a solid 5-1 road win over the New York Rangers.

The Red Wings come into this game with significant advantages on both sides of the ice. Detroit is third in the league in goals per game averaging 3.74 goals. Among the best offensive players in the league is forward Alex DeBrincat, who has accounted for 23 points and 13 goals this season.

The Sabers are among the worst teams in the Eastern Conference due to their poor play on the offensive and defensive side of the ice. Buffalo is averaging only 2.84 goals per game, which is 25th in the league. They are also 23rd in the league in goals allowed for game, allowing an average of 3.4 goals.

New Jersey Devils vs. Vancouver Canucks

• Time: 10:00 PM E.T. - Tuesday

• Moneyline: Devils (-110) | Canucks (-110)

• Puck Line: Devils +1.5 (-258) | Canucks -1.5 (+210) 

• Total: Over 7 (+110) | Under 7 (-130)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

My Pick: Vancouver Caucks (VAN)

The final game of the night is set for a huge Eastern Conference versus Western Conference matchup as the New Jersey Devils (11-10-1) go on the road to take on the Vancouver Canucks (16-8-1). This game would be the first matchup between the two teams this season.

The Devils and the Canucks are set to bring a huge scoring matchup as they are both among the top offensive teams in the NHL. Not only do both teams possess reliable high scorers, but they also possess solid role players to help set up scoring opportunities. Vancouver is second in the league in goals per game averaging 3.84, while New Jersey is averaging 3.59, fourth in the league

The Canucks have three players this season that have already surpassed 30 points a counter 4 and 25 games. Center J.T Miller, defender Quinn Hughes and center Elias Pettersson have accounted for 32 points this season.

The Devils are led by three high-caliber offensive-minded players. Center Jack Hughes leads the team in points accounted for (30) despite missing five games due to injury. 4 Jasper Bratt accounted for 26 points and 18 assists, while forward Tyler Toffoli has accounted for a team-high 12 goals.

Two of the biggest deciders of the game will come down to the efficiency on the defensive side of the ice and the homecourt advantage, both that the Canucks possess. Vancouver is fifth in the league in goals allowed per game (2.56), while New Jersey is second to last in the league in goals allowed per game (3.73). Vancouver will also have the homecourt advantage for this huge matchup.

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