NHL.com identifies key gameday matchups and players to watch throughout the 2023-24 season.
---
Note: Betting lines provided by Betway (U.S., Ontario)
---
1. Detroit Red Wings at Carolina Hurricanes (7:00 p.m. ET; BSSO, BSDET, SN, TVAS)
DET moneyline: +170
CAR moneyline: -215
The Red Wings are on a three-game winning streak and only have one loss in their past seven games. They visit the Hurricanes, who are 7-2-1 in their past 10 games. Detroit ranks fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.55) this season, while Carolina is ninth in that category (3.42). The Hurricanes are heavily outshooting the Red Wings, with Carolina ranking sixth in shots on goal per game (33.3) and Detroit in 24th (29.4).
Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is on a six-game point streak with eight points (five goals, three assists) in the span. Forwards Andrew Copp (three goals, five points in past five games) and David Perron (three assists in past three games) have also contributed to Detroit's strong stretch. Carolina forward Seth Jarvis has five points (one goal, four assists) in his past three games, and Jordan Martinook has four points (three goals, one assist) in his past three games.
2. New Jersey Devils at Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00 p.m. ET; BSOH, MSG)
Over 6.5 total goals: -125
Under 6.5 total goals: +105
The Devils are coming off consecutive losses but are 5-4-1 in their past 10 games. They visit the Blue Jackets, who are 3-4-3 in their past 10 games. New Jersey is 2-1-0 against Columbus this season scoring 11 goals and allowing eight. The teams most recently met Dec. 27, when New Jersey won 4-3 in overtime. The Blue Jackets are tied for the second-most goals allowed per game (3.73) this season, and the Devils rank fifth in that category (3.48).
Columbus defenseman Adam Boqvist has had assists in four of his past five games with five in the span. Forward Adam Fantilli has had multiple shots on goal in four of his past six games and is third among NHL rookies in points (25 in 44 games) this season. Center Boone Jenner is expected to return from injury after not playing since Dec. 8. Devils forward Jesper Bratt leads them in points (46 in 42 games) and is playing on the top line with Nico Hischier and Tyler Toffoli. Forward Timo Meier returned from injury and had an assist and four shots on goal in New Jersey's 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.
3. New York Islanders at Chicago Blackhawks (8:30 p.m. ET; MSGSN, NBCSCH, TVAS)
NYI puckline (-1.5 goals): +105
CHI puckline (+1.5 goals): -125
The Islanders have lost three straight games and visit the Blackhawks, who are 2-8-0 in their past 10. New York and Chicago have each only scored three goals over their past three games. The Blackhawks are scoring the second-fewest goals per game (2.18) in the NHL this season, and the Islanders are averaging the 10th fewest (2.93).
Forward Mathew Barzal leads New York in points (45 in 43 games) this season, and Brock Nelson leads the Islanders in goals (19 in 44 games). Defenseman Noah Dobson leads New York in assists (37 in 44 games) and ranks third in the NHL at the position in the category. With Chicago rookie Connor Bedard still out because of injury, forward Philipp Kurashev is their next leader in points (23 in 38 games) this season. Defenseman Seth Jones recently returned from injury and has 10 shots on goal over his first three games back.
Canadian Readers
Only available in Ontario, 19+. Bet the responsible way. Visit our Responsible Gambling page or contact us for further details. ConnexOntario provides service information and resources for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. The service is free, confidential, and available anytime. Call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca
U.S. Readers
Odds subject to change. Must be 21+ and present in AZ/CO/IN/IA/LA (permitted parishes)/NJ/OH/PA/VA. Gambling problem? Call/text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit s.betway.com/rg
