NHL Thursday best bets: Predators to pounce on undermanned Senators

We have a juicy 10-game slate to look forward to Thursday night. Believe it or not, there's plenty of value in backing a pair of 40-win teams against bottom-dwellers.

The Hurricanes have dropped consecutive games, including a 4-2 defeat to these Sabres just a couple of days ago. Carolina rarely gets stuck in lengthy losing streaks, and I don't think that'll start now. Unfortunately, there isn't much value in backing the Canes for the entire game.

That means we're going to get creative and back the Hurricanes to win the opening period. With the Rangers hot on their tails, I think they know the importance of this game and will come out strong to get back on track.

If Buffalo's opening periods to date are any indication, Carolina's early efforts should be fruitful. The Sabres have conceded 76 goals in the first period this season, which is more than all but the Canadiens, Blue Jackets, and Devils.

The Sabres have also struggled offensively out of the gate. They've netted just 52 first-period goals, tying them with the Blackhawks for 26th. This hardly feels like the spot for a breakout, as no team has conceded fewer goals in the opening period than Carolina.

Given Carolina's first-period excellence, Buffalo's struggles, and the importance of this game, I expect the Hurricanes to come out and get an early lead on home soil.

Bet: Hurricanes 1st period -0.5 (-105)

The Senators have played very mediocre hockey of late. They've won five of the last 10 games and controlled just 49% of the expected goals at five-on-five during that span. Those are OK numbers, but nothing to write home about.

While the Predators haven't posted great underlying numbers of late either - especially on the road - this is a get-right spot for them.

As mentioned, this Ottawa team is nothing to be scared of, especially with its current injury situation. Tim Stutzle's status for tonight is in serious question following a knee injury suffered against Montreal on Tuesday. Drake Batherson is doubtful for the game as well.

Ottawa is a very top-heavy team. They go as their top players go, so these absences will be devastating. Stutzle is playing the best hockey of his career, having picked up 16 points over his last 16 games, while Batherson has developed into a very good top-line winger.

Suffice to say, the Senators will heavily miss those two players. Nashville's playoff spot is by no means secure. The Preds need all the points they can get and need to take advantage of this opportunity.

I don't think Nashville will blow Ottawa out of the rink, but they should take care of business within 60 minutes.

Bet: Predators in regulation (-110)

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

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