NHL ALL-STAR BEST BETS
2023-02-04 · 2 min read · NHL/Hockey
NHL.com
Central vs Pacific
- Let's be real, all these games feel very open which is why the lines are so close, sitting at about -120 for Central and +105 for Pacific on average. The difference in those lines feels like it is based on the goaltending, as the Central has the edge there at least in experience. The Central sports Juuse Saros and Connor Hellebuyck vs Logan Thompson and Stuart Skinner for the Pacific. Yet when you look at the rosters it feels the Pacific has more talent partially due to the Oilers duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. I can't help but think with more ice, almost no checking and a lack of attention to defence, McDavid and co will shine. Did you know in the six years the all-star game has been a 3-on-3 tournament the Pacific has won three times, and the last time these two teams met at these festivities it ended 10-5 Pacific.
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- Moneyline Pick - Pacific
- Goals 13.5 - take the over
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Atlantic vs Metropolitan
- This one was a smidge easier for me as despite being the reigning champs it feels like the Metro doesn't quite have the talent or chemistry of years past. In fact, for the Metro 7 of the 11 players will be making their first All-Star appearance. The Atlantic just feels like they have a roster more suited to this format, with a bevy of creative skaters who are familiar with each other. They also have serious high-end talent in Mitch Marner, David Pastrnak, Nikita Kucherov and Aleksander Barkov. Three-quarters of this roster have played with each other in at least one of the last two all-star games, this team even features family ties in the Tkachuk brothers. In the previous blurb, I said the Pacific won three of the six 3-on-3 tourneys, and the Metro won the other three. Despite this, I like the Atlantic as their team is faster, younger and backed by Vezina calibre goaltending
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- Moneyline Pick - Atlantic
- Goals 12.5 - take the under
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Outright Winner
For outright winners, I am leaning toward Pacific as I think they will get to the finals and have the best odds at around +325. Again, do you really want to bet against McDavid, Draisaitl Karlsson and co with extra ice and minimal physical play?
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Best props
McDavid first goalscorer
- This is just too high for this guy with the odds being around +1000, as McDavid has found another gear in terms of goal scorer and is bound to start the game on the ice for the Pacific.
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Pastrnak to score and Atlantic to win
- To add value to an Atlantic winning play let’s make it a little parlay, backing one of the league's best goal scorers and a Hart trophy candidate to find the twine.
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Tourney MVP
Favourite - Connor McDavid: could it have been anybody else? He has the lowest odds, but they still sit around +1100.
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Value pick
Nikita Kucherov: If the Atlantic wins it's a good bet Kucherov will be one of, if not the main reason why.
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Wildcard
Mitch Marner: sitting at around +3000 Marner feels like an interesting bet as his style of play is suited to 3 on 3 and he is clearly excited to be at the all-star game. Remember he did this not too long ago, at 30-1 he is definitely worth a look.
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By: Chase Howard
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