NHL Thursday best bets: Hurricanes to rebound in Boston

There are only seven games tonight, which is a little tame for a Thursday. What we lose in volume, we make up for in quality, as there are three contests featuring high-end playoff sides.

We'll attack a couple of them with our best bets and look to rebound from an 0-2 Wednesday.

Even losing two in a row, the Carolina Hurricanes remain one of the hottest teams in hockey. They're on a 7-2-1 run and have been full value for it, controlling better than 57% of the expected goals at five-on-five in that time. Only the Calgary Flames have fared better.

The Boston Bruins have played respectable hockey, but they've been a tier below the Hurricanes. Their share of the expected goals sits at 52% over the last 10 games, slotting them 13th in the NHL.

Carolina figures to have a clear edge at five-on-five, and that's without even factoring in the absences of Patrice Bergeron (injury) and Brad Marchand (suspension). Boston is a top-heavy team at the best of times, so those losses will certainly sting. The Bruins now don't have the star power or depth to match up against this Hurricanes team.

If Carolina can't control the run of play for some reason, it can feel comfortable relying on Frederik Andersen. He's performed shockingly well this season. The 32-year-old has posted a .927 save percentage and ranks second - behind Igor Shesterkin - in goals saved above expected.

I see edges all across the board for the Hurricanes. Look for them to rebound in Boston.

Bet: Hurricanes (-140)

I don't think the Tampa Bay Lightning should be plus money in this contest.

They are 7-2-1 over the last 10 games and, across all game situations, have controlled nearly 59% of the high-danger chances. Those are impressive numbers, especially considering superstar winger Nikita Kucherov wasn't in the lineup for several of those contests.

It just so happens the Lightning get their best player back tonight, while the Colorado Avalanche will be without theirs in Nathan MacKinnon.

Even without MacKinnon, the Avalanche are a handful. But I think this Lightning side is better.

The numbers certainly suggest as much. Colorado's share of the Grade A chances is actually below 50% over the last 10 contests. Sure, the Avalanche have the firepower to win games while hovering around even in the chance department. However, that's a more difficult task when their opponent is also loaded with elite players, as well as a top-tier netminder.

I see the Lightning having an edge in chances in this game. Considering they can match Colorado's high-end talent - and have a much better goaltender - I see them claiming two points in this titanic clash.

Bet: Lightning (+100)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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