If you like juicy NHL bets, be sure to check out Greg Liodice's Likable Losers for tonight, March 19, with his top underdog picks.
To be a likable loser, a number of stars have to line up. When we hit that "place bet" button, we always want a "sure thing." Because of that, we tend to lean a certain way with NHL bets.
That "sure thing" is usually the betting favorite. Bettors probably see that a team is favored to win at -200 odds and think that’s the best way to cash a winner (or, at the very least, create some momentum). And if you care just about wins and losses with your NHL bets, you’re not wrong.
However, while that heavy favorite is a favorite for a reason, the name of the game is value. And one way to tilt the odds in our favor and find that value is by betting on NHL "losers" – teams that have underachieved and disappointed for the most part. But we don’t want to bet those underdogs willy-nilly – that’s just irresponsible.
Instead, in addition to betting on NHL losers that pass the eye test, we’ll examine trends with 10-game samples, 5-on-5 play, goaltending matchups, and more.
I’ll be here to conduct that research so you don’t have to. Let’s make some money, and dive into what we have in store for tonight's NHL bets.
NHL Bets – Liodice's Likable Losers
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our NHL betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NHL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings’ downfall this season needs to be studied.
They had played exceptional hockey in hopes of making the playoffs for the first time in seven years, only to fall in eight of their last nine games. Frustrations are clearly mounting in the Motor City.
Lucas Raymond, captain Dylan Larkin and Patrick Kane are the only ones who are providing consistent offense. Alex DeBrincat has disappeared, and Daniel Sprong has scored only once in his last nine games.
Alex Lyon has done the best he can to bring good vibes to this team. He’s been the guy after injuries to James Reimer and Ville Husso, and he's played to a .903 SV% and a 0.1 goals saved above expected (GSAx).
Why To Fade Detroit
As expected, Detroit is playing abysmal 5-on-5 hockey. The team is second worst in expected goals with a 39.99 xGF%, and they're worst defensively with a 4.16 xGA/60. The power play is clicking, scoring at a 21% clip in the last 10 games, but the penalty kill is third worst at 72%.
Nothing is working in its favor at all. Moving forward, I’ll be fading the Red Wings until I see a dramatic change in not just their play, but their effort.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit’s opponents, the Blue Jackets, are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and are playing for pride. They went 4-5-1 in their last 10 games and are playing decent 5-on-5 offense for a team that’s last in the conference.
The Jackets have received great production from their young guys lately. Alex Nylander is on a tear since they picked him up, and Johnny Gaudreau has five points in his last three games. Not only that, but captain Boone Jenner is a stabilizing force on the front line.
The Jackets' goaltending is an interesting subject. Elvis Merzlikins is as volatile as they come, but they’ve found stability in Daniil Tarasov. Given how poorly Detroit has played on the offensive end, I’d expect whoever starts in net will have an easier time than he would if they played someone else.
Why To Bet Columbus
Columbus has a 49.37 xGF% this month, and while it’s not the model defensive team, it’s still better than what Detroit has put up.
Although the Red Wings’ power play has been strong over the last 10 games, the Blue Jackets’ penalty kill is even stronger. Columbus has succeeded at an 83% rate when down a man, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that continues.
ESPN BET has Detroit as a favorite, though it’s not a significant favorite. But given how both teams have played, trends seem to favor the Blue Jackets in this contest, which is why I’ll be backing them tonight.
Pick: Blue Jackets (+145 at ESPN BET)
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Blackhawks vs. Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings have been one of the more disappointing teams this season. There were a lot of expectations for the Kings, and after an incredibly strong start to the season, they’re now clinging on to dear life in a tight playoff race.
Since the beginning of March, Los Angeles has played mediocre hockey. It’s been impossible for the Kings to gain any momentum – because, after any game they win, they lose the next one.
Why to Fade Los Angeles
The acquisition of Pierre-Luc Dubois has proven to be a dud. Not only that, over the last month, Los Angeles’ top scorers have all been invisible for the most part. Adrian Kempe is really the only King performing at a high level.
Since March 1, the Kings are 16th in 5-on-5 offense with a 51.46 xGF%, and defensively, they have a 2.57 xGA/60.
Defensively, this team has nothing to worry about, but offensively, those numbers are down from their season total. Not only that, but the power play is struggling. In this 10-game stretch, they’ve scored only 13.6% of the time.
Chicago Blackhawks
Their opponents, the Blackhawks, are playing much better for a team destined for a top-three draft pick.
Connor Bedard is as advertised and has registered a staggering 10 (!) points in his last four games. Those are ridiculous numbers for a rookie. Philipp Kurashev is also on a tear with seven points in his last four games.
Chicago’s play from its young guys has resulted in an incredible stretch for the team. Three wins in its last four games is a small step for the future of this franchise.
Why to Bet Chicago
Along the way, the Blackhawks have played tremendous even-strength hockey with 53.98 xGF% and a 3.22 xGA/60.
Goaltender Petr Mrazek has played well. In his last three games, he’s played to a .938 SV%, which is better goaltending than the Blackhawks have had all season.
Even at 3-1 odds, picking a team at the bottom of the standings is always a risk, though I’ve been highly encouraged by the Blackhawks’ recent play.
I expect Los Angeles to show up a little lax after dominating Chicago on Friday. Playing at home against a team it already dominated – what can be better than that? Only difference is, this has “trap game” written all over it. I’m backing the Blackhawks.
Pick: Blackhawks (+310 at FanDuel)
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