NHL Betting Guide: Lines, Trends & Picks For Friday, Dec. 9

The top betting trends you need to know for today's NHL games

Untitled Image

NHL Betting Guide: Today's Lines, Trends & Picks

We're now getting into the thick of December hockey and we have a large 10-game slate to pick through and discover some best bets on this fantastic Friday. So be ready to make some wagers and let's cash. BetQL subscribers can see more betting trends and all of our best bets with star ratings for every pick.

Take advantage of BetQL's free trial and see all of today's best NHL bets, plus what the model is projecting for every NFL, NBA and NCAA football and basketball game this week! Start your free trial today!

We'll start things off in Anaheim, California, where the Ducks are playing host to the San Jose Sharks. These are two horrendous teams that I certainly don't recommend watching, but there is some value to be had here. San Jose has lost four straight games, and things won't get easier for them moving forward. They have a pretty average offense, scoring 2.97 goals per game and getting 30.1 shots on goal, so nothing impressive there. What has been troubling them the most is the goaltending, which has struggled mightily. They allow 3.66 goals per game, which is simply not acceptable, and it's why they are a bad hockey club more than anything else. The defense actually plays alright, allowing 31 shots on their net, so you can't blame them entirely for this.

The Ducks are even worse. No team in the NHL has gotten worse goaltending so far than Anaheim, who allows an insane 4.15 goals per game. It isn't as shocking when you see that the defense is letting up 37.9 shots each game out, giving them absolutely zero help. The total for this game is going to be sky-high, even with the Ducks offense being terrible as well, scoring just 2.48 goals per game. They get 30.2 shots on net, so they can at least say they are average there.

MY PICK: At first glance, you would obviously fade the Ducks with those awful numbers, but think about who they are playing. Does San Jose deserve to be a favorite? They are also brutal, and they are the team on the road here. Take Anaheim at plus-money.

Bet $5 Get $200 In Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Claim This Offer Now! 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
5.0
5.0
Bet $5 Get $200 In Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Claim This Offer Now! 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Claim Offer

Next up, we'll head all the way across the country to New Jersey, where the Devils will be squaring off against the New York Islanders. The Islanders have gone cold as of late, losing three of their last five games. One of those two wins was against the Chicago Blackhawks, which is basically a free square. They need to pick it up here, and quickly. The offense has been pretty good, getting 32.1 shots per game and scoring 3.19 goals per game. The defense could use some work, allowing 32 shots per game, but the goaltending has bailed them out. New York allows just 2.70 goals per contest.

The Devils are the team to beat in the NHL along with the Boston Bruins right now. New Jersey has won four of their last five, and has lost just five times all year. The offense has been remarkably good, scoring 3.69 goals per game and getting 35.1 shots on net. The defense has been outstanding as well, allowing just 26.4 shots on net per game, and that has really helped the goaltenders. Devils net minders are allowing an insanely low 2.19 goals per game. This team is one of the top-5 in almost every statistical category.

MY PICK: And somehow, I'm going to pick against them. The Islanders need a win desperately, and despite the losses as of late, I think they are still a pretty good hockey team that is getting huge plus-money.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
DraftKings Has You Covered- Claim Now! 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
5.0
5.0
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
DraftKings Has You Covered- Claim Now! 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Claim Offer

Here's a free square for me. The Boston Bruins, otherwise known right now as the best team in hockey, will travel over to Arizona to take on the Coyotes in the ultimate mismatch. Boston has been unstoppable for the most part, with an offense that scores 3.96 goals per game and gets 34.9 shots on net. The defense is stellar, allowing 29.2 shots per game and the goaltending is something to be truly admired. The Bruins allow 2.08 goals per game, the lowest number in the entire NHL. In every aspect of the game, Boston is excelling.

Arizona is the complete opposite; they are failing in every aspect of the game. The Coyotes have seen better days, and it's a painful sight to watch right now for fans. The team takes just 23.7 shots per game, generating almost no offense, and scoring 2.63 goals per game. The defense is horrible, allowing 34.5 shots per game, and goaltending has been lackluster. Arizona also allows 3.63 goals per game.

MY PICK: It's impossible to pick the Coyotes here, even at a ridiculous price. If you want plus-money, the better bet to me is laddering -1.5 to -2.5 or more for the Bruins. They should crush them with authority.