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NHL Totals Betting Advice: Hot and Cold Over and Under Teams 12/28/2023

by Ryan Cobbett - 12/28/2023

NHL totals betting advice hot and cold for over and under Elvis Merzlikins Columbus

After diving in last week to the ATS numbers, now it is time for us to take a deep dive at game totals and see who has frequented on each side. To everyone’s surprise, the Vancouver Canucks did not make the list this week despite being very successful at hitting the Over game total. While on the other side, the Washington Capitals did not make the list either despite leading the NHL in hitting the Under game total. Let’s take a look at where the money has been made lately regarding the game total.

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Over

Vegas Golden Knights 9-1

Adin Hill’s absence has been noticeable and a big factor for the over game totals, but the offense deserves some credit as well. Overall, Vegas has been struggling in their last five games, but the over has been an essential lock. The Knights have allowed 3.75 GA/G over their last eight games, but the offense has been effective as they have averaged 4.1 GF/G over the last 10. Five of the next six opponents for Vegas are in the playoff picture, so the offense will need to stay hot. And if the offense stays hot, the over will look good with the Knights weak standing in the net.

Columbus Blue Jackets 8-2

Every now and then, this Blue Jackets offense will blow up and put up a big number. Over the last 10 games, Columbus has scored five or more goals in three games. In fact, the 20 goals they scored in those three games is more than the other seven games in that stretch (17). However, goaltending is consistently a struggle. Columbus has used four different goalies over the last 10 games, and none of them has been the answer. Elvis Merzlikins started four games and allowed 4 GA/G, Spencer Martin allowed seven goals in his lone start, Jet Greaves started two games and allowed 3.5 GA/G, while Daniil Tarasov allowed 4.67 GA/G in the other three games. Yikes. As long as the offense maintains their below average 3.08 GF/G and the netminding stays consistent, it will be Overs galore in Ohio.

Dallas Stars 8-2

The over had hit in eight straight before their last two games going under the game total. The over has actually hit in 10 of the Stars last 12 games. One of the biggest reasons for it hitting as of late is the absence of star netminder Jake Oettinger, who is dealing with a lower body injury. The Stars are going to bring him back slowly, with the big picture in mind. Scott Wedgewood is getting the nod and has started the last six games, with the over hitting in four of them. Four of the last 10 games have needed extra time, assisting in those over game totals. Dallas’ next five games are at home, and the over has hit in 12 of the 16 home games for the Stars thus far. Look for this streak to continue against the lesser opponents and home ice advantage.

Under

Florida Panthers 2-8

Florida is averaging less than three goals a game on the year, so its no surprise to see them on this list. In fact, the under has hit in 21 of their 34 games this season. The netminding has been elite in their last 10 games, as the Panthers have allowed just 2.7 GA/G, with the only team managing more than four goals being the Dallas Stars. Anthony Stolarz has been a nice backup for Sergei Bobrovsky, as he has allowed only 2.5 GA/G over his two starts in this 10-game stretch. Florida has allowed more than four goals only three times this season. This team rarely falls apart and always limits scoring.

Calgary Flames 3-7

The Flames rank 25th in the NHL in GF/G with a lowly mark of 2.94. The goaltending has been incredible for the Flames over their last 10 games as they have allowed just 2.2 GA/G. With the return of Jacob Markstrom, we may see some more of the south side of the game total in Calgary’s games. However, overall, the over has been more frequent for the Flames this season. The Flames desperately need Markstrom to stay healthy and return to his elite form from years’ past. If he can figure it out, the under may continue to be consistent.

Seattle Kraken 3-7

Of the three overs in this stretch, two of the games needed extra time. Otherwise, Seattle would have seen the under hit in nine of their last 10. Mostly, it has been a complete lack of offense from the Kraken. Seattle has averaged just 2.7 GF/G, and in one of the last ten games the Kraken uncharacteristically scored seven. Take that game away, and the Kraken averaged just 2.22 GF/G. G Joey Daccord has been a driving force for the under as well, as he has been playing at premier level, allowing just 2.13 GA/G in his eight starts over the last 10 contests. If that continues, expect more Unders in Seattle games.

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