NHL Thursday best bets: Cancel the fireworks

It's Thursday and you know what that means: a jam-packed hockey schedule. We have 10 games on tonight's slate, which means there's plenty of value on the board.

It's not sides, but rather totals, that stand out to me most. Let's dive into a couple of my favorites.

The Carolina Hurricanes enter this game playing arguably their best defensive hockey of the season. At five-on-five, they have conceded just 2.17 expected goals and 9.11 high-danger chances per 60 over the last 10 games. Both totals rank them top-five in the NHL.

Scoring on the Hurricanes would be difficult with even average goaltending. The problem for opposing teams is they're getting much, much, better than that.

Frederik Andersen ranks second to Igor Shesterkin in save percentage and goals saved above expected this season. He didn't start hot and cool off, either - he's sustained his remarkably good numbers. Andersen has appeared in 13 games since the beginning of February, posting a .925 save percentage while stopping 6.5 more shots than expected.

The Dallas Stars have scored more goals - and generated chances at a higher clip - of late but they've generally been a one-line team all season. I don't think they're going to do a lot of damage vs. Andersen and the Hurricanes.

While the loss of Miro Heiskanen is problematic, Jake Oettinger should be able to keep Carolina's offense from blowing up. He owns a .919 save percentage since Feb. 1 and ranks fourth among all goaltenders in high-danger save percentage during that time.

These teams have met once this season and the game featured five goals. I expect a similar result this time around.

Bet: Under 6 (-120)

This game is eerily similar to the one I just previewed. The Minnesota Wild are playing stifling defense right now; they prevent shot attempts, scoring chances, and expected goals at a better rate than every team in the NHL over the last 10 games.

They're giving opposing teams nothing, which is a recipe for low goal totals; especially with Cam Talbot seemingly turning a corner.

On the flip side, the Vancouver Canucks are creating opportunities at a below average rate over the last 10 games. They also find themselves in the latter half of a road back-to-back that started with a game against the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche. I don't think they have enough raw talent - or energy - to break down Minnesota's suffocating defense with any regularity.

Although Thatcher Demko has slowed down a little of late, he's been one of the league's best netminders this season. He ranks just outside the top 10 in goals saved above expectation, slotting a spot below Jacob Markstrom.

He should be able to keep Minnesota's offense from blowing up, setting up what should be a low-scoring affair.

Bet: Under 6 (-115)

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

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