NHL Betting Guide: Lines, Trends & Picks For Saturday, Dec. 10

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

We're now getting into the thick of December hockey and we have a large eight game slate to pick through and discover some best bets on this super Saturday. 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.

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We'll start things off down in Dallas, Texas where the Stars will play host to the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings have lost three of their last four games, and I'll state again that I think this team is overrated. They have a good record, but I really think they take a step back, and I don't see them making the playoffs this season. They're just really average to me, with the exact same number for both goals for and against, sitting at 3.12. They get 30 shots on goal per game, and allow 31.9 per game. Detroit is the definition of average in the NHL this season.

The Stars have won three of their last five, and are starting to put things together. I felt their hot start was a bit of a fluke earlier in the season, but they have started to play better, and the wins keep coming. Dallas has an elite offense, scoring 3.74 goals per game and getting 32.3 shots per game. The defense could be better, allowing 31.4 shots per game, but it isn't bad. Goaltending has also been great for them, as the Stars allow just 2.85 goals per game.

MY PICK: I just don't like Detroit, and I'm going to fade them when they take on a team that is of any merit. Dallas is a good hockey team, and they should get the job done here against the Red Wings. Take them -1.5.

Our next match takes us to Canada, where the Los Angeles Kings will take on the Montreal Canadiens in a Saturday matinée. Both teams have more outright wins than losses, but there is just one team here that I actually think can sustain their success. The LA Kings have been a team I have told you to bet on quite a lot early in this season, and that's because they get overlooked. This is a good hockey team that for some reason is always undervalued. The Kings have a good offense, scoring 3.34 goals per game and taking 32.2 shots per contest as well. Defensively, they have been solid, allowing 29.9 shots on their own net per game. The goaltending is what has really hurt them, but they have been able to overcome it.

Montreal on the other hand, is a team that I will look to fade when the price is right. On offense, the are scoring just 2.96 goals per game and taking 29.2 shots, both numbers below average in the NHL. Defensively, they allow 32.9 shots per game and 3.54 goals per game, far higher than the NHL average. They aren't impressive anywhere you look, and somehow, they have a winning record. I don't think that continues if they play like this.

MY PICK: I think you know by now. LA is -150 on the ML if you want to lay that price, but it's a little steep for me. So, I'll take a shot at -1.5 for plus-money.

Lastly, let's head to the other side of Canada, where the Minnesota Wild will travel to take on the Vancouver Canucks. Minnesota, funny enough, has the exact same goals for and against as Detroit, both sitting at 3.12. However, I'm more of a believer in the Wild than I am the Red Wings. They have turned things around after a dismal start to the year, and I think they play better down the stretch than an average stat like that. Minnesota does get 31.4 shots per game, and allow just 29.7, so they are already doing pretty well there. This is a team that has potential, and are better than average if you ask me.

Vancouver is a team I had high hopes for entering the season, and they have been a massive disappointment as to this point in the year. You can't blame the offense, which scores 3.59 goals per game and gets 30 shots on net per contest. They are certainly doing their job, but they can't keep up with a bad defense and horrendous goaltending that has allowed an insane 3.89 goals per game and 32.7 shots. The Canucks can't stop anyone, and it has killed them to this point.

MY PICK: I'll say, I do like the Canucks if they can get things sorted on the defensive side, but they haven't been able to solve that puzzle. Minnesota is a good team that has yet to break out, and I have to go with them here if Vancouver is going to play like they have.