NHL Picks Today: Wednesday, December 17
Los Angeles Kings vs. Florida Panthers
The Kings are in a terrible spot today that their ongoing three-game losing streak inadequately describes. In the first period of their last game, their goalkeeper Darcy Kuemper sustained an injury that has landed him on IR. Without him, they gave up four goals to Dallas and lost 4-1. The Kings hang their hat on their defense, but their defense is evidently lost without Kuemper, who ranks seventh in both GAA and save percentage. Kuemper’s absence and the resulting debilitation of the Kings’ defense are huge problems because the Kings have the second-worst goal-scoring offense. They aren’t going to win high-scoring games, yet they need Kuemper to limit their opponent’s goal total.
Florida is just the team that Los Angeles in its weakened state does not want to see. The Panthers are hot offensively and hot in general. WIth the exception coming in its loss to mighty Colorado, Florida has both scored at least four goals in and won five of its last six games. During this run, the Panthers scored a combined total of nine goals against the top-ten goal-scoring defenses of the Islanders and Lightning, so the Kings minus Kuemper will pose no problem for them. They will easily outscore Los Angeles and win tonight's affair by multiple goals.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators
Many bettors are eager to bet on Carolina because it is, generally speaking, the better team. But bettors lose chalky wagers because they fail to account for specific circumstances. The specific situation that will decide tonight's outcome is this: Carolina is a must-fade in rematches with teams that it had previously defeated by multiple goals. Whether the Hurricanes struggle to anticipate the opponent’s adjustments or are psychologically ill-equipped to beat a team that they had embarrassed and perhaps lost respect for, history sends a clear message. For example, the Hurricanes beat San Jose 5-1 before losing the rematch 4-1. They beat Buffalo 6-3 yet lost the rematch 4-1. They beat the Rangers by three goals before losing to them by two goals.
Nashville has won three straight home games, which include two blowouts and a triumph over Colorado, so the Predators couldn’t be in a better position to take advantage of Carolina’s vulnerability tonight. Tonight’s game, therefore, presents a fantastic opportunity to cash-in on a home underdog by investing in a Predators victory.
| Matchup | Pick | Odds | Confidence Level | Sportsbook |
| Kings vs. Panthers | Panthers -1.5 | +185 | Highest | Caesars |
| Hurricanes vs. Predators | Predators ML | +150 | Highest | BetMGM |
Los Angeles Kings vs. Florida Panthers
The Kings are in a terrible spot today that their ongoing three-game losing streak inadequately describes. In the first period of their last game, their goalkeeper Darcy Kuemper sustained an injury that has landed him on IR. Without him, they gave up four goals to Dallas and lost 4-1. The Kings hang their hat on their defense, but their defense is evidently lost without Kuemper, who ranks seventh in both GAA and save percentage. Kuemper’s absence and the resulting debilitation of the Kings’ defense are huge problems because the Kings have the second-worst goal-scoring offense. They aren’t going to win high-scoring games, yet they need Kuemper to limit their opponent’s goal total.
Florida is just the team that Los Angeles in its weakened state does not want to see. The Panthers are hot offensively and hot in general. WIth the exception coming in its loss to mighty Colorado, Florida has both scored at least four goals in and won five of its last six games. During this run, the Panthers scored a combined total of nine goals against the top-ten goal-scoring defenses of the Islanders and Lightning, so the Kings minus Kuemper will pose no problem for them. They will easily outscore Los Angeles and win tonight's affair by multiple goals.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators
Many bettors are eager to bet on Carolina because it is, generally speaking, the better team. But bettors lose chalky wagers because they fail to account for specific circumstances. The specific situation that will decide tonight's outcome is this: Carolina is a must-fade in rematches with teams that it had previously defeated by multiple goals. Whether the Hurricanes struggle to anticipate the opponent’s adjustments or are psychologically ill-equipped to beat a team that they had embarrassed and perhaps lost respect for, history sends a clear message. For example, the Hurricanes beat San Jose 5-1 before losing the rematch 4-1. They beat Buffalo 6-3 yet lost the rematch 4-1. They beat the Rangers by three goals before losing to them by two goals.
Nashville has won three straight home games, which include two blowouts and a triumph over Colorado, so the Predators couldn’t be in a better position to take advantage of Carolina’s vulnerability tonight. Tonight’s game, therefore, presents a fantastic opportunity to cash-in on a home underdog by investing in a Predators victory.
