Top NHL Expert Picks for Wednesday

It's a light five-game night around the NHL prior to the All-Star Break. But there are still intriguing plays to pursue. Let's dive in with our NHL expert picks.

Our hockey experts highlight their top moneyline and Over/Under selections for Wednesday's NHL matchups (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, and pick confidence is based on a one-to-five star scale).

Wednesday's Top Expert NHL Picks

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SEE ALSO: Top NHL Prop Picks for Wednesday

Top NHL Expert ML Picks

Wild (-150 via DraftKings Sportsbook)

It feels like the Wild should be a bigger favorite than -150 against the Blackhawks Wednesday night, despite being the road team.

Minnesota’s offense has been torching opposing goaltenders while leading the team to an 8-1-1 record over its last 10 games (including five straight victories). The club is averaging an impressive 4.3 goals per contest during that stretch. The Wild rank third in goals per game, and they're in the top 15 in Corsi For percentage, goals, and expected goal percentage.

Conversely, the Blackhawks are a decent 4-4-2 over their past 10 games while scoring just 2.9 goals per contest. Chicago ranks in the bottom 10 in goals per game, goals surrendered per outing, expected goals, and expected goals percentage.

Although the Blackhawks benefit from Marc Andre Fleury's superior goaltending, the team has been mediocre in front of him. Fleury sports a 2.85 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage over 32 games.

The Wild will likely counter with Cam Talbot, who has produced a 2.92 goals-against average and .910 save percentage over 26 appearances. - Smith

Wild (-150 via DraftKings Sportsbook)

The Wild's five-game win streak began with a home-and-home sweep of the Blackhawks.

Minnesota's stellar play since the COVID-19/holiday break is largely rooted in its 54.25% xGF. The Wild have also posted the third-best xGA/60 (2.08) during that span.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are 5-7-3 since the break with a bottom-10 xGF% of 46.91. Chicago has lost six of its last seven games, including an uninspiring effort against the Canucks on Monday. The Wild will stay hot tonight in the Windy City. - Gilbert

Wild (-150 via DraftKings Sportsbook)

The Wild's only blemish over their last eight games was a shootout defeat in Colorado. They've also won 13 of 22 road games. Minnesota will be missing winger Marcus Foligno and defenseman Matt Dumba, but the team boasts enough depth to overcome those absences.

It's been a difficult season for the Blackhawks, who have managed to win just eight of 21 games at home. They've also lost six of their past seven contests overall. Chicago is dealing with a few injuries, most notably to captain Jonathan Toews, who has been sidelined with a concussion for the past week.

These two teams are going in opposite directions, so lean heavily toward the favored Wild. – Cullen

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Top NHL Expert O/U Picks

Kraken-Islanders Under 5.5 (-110 via DraftKings Sportsbook)

This isn’t exactly a battle of offensive juggernauts.

The Kraken rank 25th in the league while averaging 2.60 goals per game, and they've scored two goals in four straight contests. They also sit among the bottom 10 in goals, expected goals, and shots on goal per matchup.

The Islanders aren’t exactly lighting the lamp either. New York ranks in the bottom five in goals per game, expected goals, and shots per game, and dead last in total goals. However, the Islanders are much better defensively while surrendering a mere 2.61 goals per game to Seattle’s putrid 3.51.

Fatigue will likely set in for both teams, with each side playing the second half of back-to-back games. Combine that with a couple of anemic offenses, and there will be a low number on the scoreboard. - Smith

Kraken-Islanders Under 5.5 (-110 via DraftKings Sportsbook)

The Islanders boast a stout defense, and the Kraken have been improving in that area lately.

The Kraken have produced an NHL-best two xGA/60 at five-on-five since the break. The Islanders are right with them at 2.13 xGA/60.

The Under has hit during seven of the last 10 games for both squads. That includes three straight for Seattle and four of six for New York.

These low-scoring outfits will also play at an even slower pace while on the second half of back-to-back games. - Gilbert

Flames-Coyotes Over 5.5 (-122 via FanDuel)

The Flames scored three goals over 3:37 late in the third period to win and help the Over on 5.5 goals cash Tuesday night in Dallas. Calgary has been playing higher-scoring hockey since the schedule pause, and 10 of the team's 13 games have hit a total of six-plus goals.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Coyotes' offense has been surprisingly effective recently, and the club just earned a shocking 3-2 shootout win in Colorado. The Coyotes have been averaging 6.16 goals per 60 minutes in all situations since the schedule pause, despite producing five goals or fewer in their past three games.

The Flames should drive the play in this matchup and help the Over hit. – Cullen

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