NHL Thursday best bets: Goals galore in Chicago?

Thanks to the Panthers and Flames, we had another 2-0 night with our best bets.

Let's dive into tonight's plays as we look to make it three perfect days in a row.

This game has fireworks written all over it. The Blackhawks and Blue Jackets are among the worst defensive teams in the league, whether you measure by shots, chances, or goals against. They've been disastrous of late as well.

Over the last 10 games, Chicago has allowed shot attempts at the highest rate in the NHL. Columbus isn't far behind, slotting 29th in that time.

Unsurprisingly, that insane shot volume has led to plenty of goals. The Blue Jackets have conceded 41 goals over the last 10, while the Blackhawks have allowed 37. Both rank bottom-six over that span.

Based on the goaltending matchup in this game, I'd expect the goals to continue flowing.

Elvis Merzlikins has been a disaster in 2022, owning an .891 save percentage since the calendar flipped.

On the other side, Arvid Soderblom will start for Chicago. He's a decent prospect but has struggled in limited NHL time, posting an .881 save percentage through his first couple of appearances. I don't see him holding up with the workload the Blackhawks put on their netminders.

I expect both teams to score their fair share in this one.

Bet: Over 6 (-120)

The Flyers are a complete disaster, winning just two of their last 10 games. And quite frankly, those results are deserved.

In part due to key injuries, they can't generate a lick of offense. They're averaging just 48.72 shot attempts per 60 at five-on-five over the last 10 games, good for 29th in the NHL. It's not like they're choosing quality over quantity, either, as they sit 27th in chances per 60. Philadelphia isn't generating shots or chances at a high clip.

The Flyers' defense also isn't good, and their goaltending is even worse when Martin Jones is between the pipes, which happens to be the case tonight. He has conceded at least three goals in seven of his last eight starts and owns an .890 save percentage since mid-November.

Although the Capitals have dealt with plenty of injuries and spun their wheels a little bit of late, they're still a good team - as they showed last time out in Nashville.

Look for them to pick up another win inside 60 minutes.

Bet: Capitals in regulation (-120)

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

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