NHL Best Bets 12/12/2024

For the first time this season the NHL best bets article had a reverse sweep. Gostisbehere had a goal, but not an assist. Marner and the Leafs were asleep all game and Montour was indeed a trap. Time for a bounce back! Still the articles are now a 13-11 record over the last 8 articles! Let’s green this one out and build up that record.

We will be breaking down NHL best bets here at Betting News all season! Each article will look for VALUE, as in straights you can take to build up your bankroll or pieces you can use to beef up your parlays. All bets will be -135 or better odds. And while we will focus on NHL player props, there are times we will take sides and totals. So keep your eyes peeled here as we will drop these throughout the week.

And if you haven’t already be sure to check out some of my favorite futures and awards. So time to lace them up and get ready to ride with Betzky for my favorite NHL best bets for 12/12/2024!

1. Nathan MacKinnon 2+ Points +100 on BetOnline:

The Colorado Avalanche needed a spark, and they got just that with a successful road trip. Not only did they get some great goaltending performances but they also ended on a high note with a 6-2 win against the Penguins. In that game Nathan MacKinnon put up a whopping FIVE points. Tonight they will host the Utah Hockey Club.

MacKinnon has dominated this franchise before they moved to Utah. In 33 games against the Arizona Coyotes he has 13 goals and 25 assists. In the past 10 games against the Coyotes MacKinnon had 5 multi-point games and 15 points. In his first game against Utah he only managed to put up a point, but it was also a lopsided win.

Tonight at home MacKinnon has a chance to shine. He has always been more productive on home ice with a multi-point game in 70% of ALL home games last season, and 57% of home games this year. While Utah has been getting better goaltending as of late, they also allowed 4 in a shootout loss to the Wild. MacKinnon may ride the high of his 5 point game for another big night, making his points an NHL best bet.

Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

2. Aliaksei Protas Point +125 on BetOnline:

Sometimes you just need a big body in front of the net to rack up points. And Aliaksei Protas has become that for the Washington Capitals. He had unbeliavble chemistry playing with Ovechkin, and provides the Capitals with two large forward with him and Tom Wilson to give the opposition hell.

Protas has cooled down a bit since Ovechkin went out with injury. He only has a point in 5 of his last 10 games, but he does have 7 points in that span. He is also coming off three points in his last two games and gets a favorite target. Tonight the Capitals will face the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team Protas has a point in 6 of the last 8 games against and 9 points in those games.

Columbus are allowing the most goals against per game this season. They are averaging 3.9 goals against per game. Finally, Protas is better on the road, hitting in 62% of road games this season. At plus money, how can his point not be an NHL best bet tonight?

Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

3. Patrik Laine o2.5 SOG -120 on BetOnline:

This is a positive match up for a player who is known for his shot. Patrik Laine has been a 40+ goal scorer and this league and a known sniper. He has been riddled with injury, but has returned and played his first four games for the Montreal Canadiens and is helping make their top 6 deadly. Tonight he faces a leaky Pittsburgh Penguins team.

Laine has recorded four points in four games for the Canadiens and has a point in three of those games. but tonight we are focusing on his shots on goal (SOG). He has hit his SOG prop in two games and is averaging 5 shot attempts per game. His opponent the Penguins are allowing the 2nd most shots against in the league, making this a tasty matchup.

In fact, Laine has hit his SOG prop against the Penguins in 4 of his last 5 games against them. He has averaged 6.2 shot attempts in those games as well. With the Penguins averaging 32.5 shots against per game on the road, you have to love this plus matchup for Laine. Add it all up and his SOG look like a NHL best bet tonight.

Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

Interested in More Content?

More NHL Content on Betting News:

• NHL Betting Guide
• NHL Futures Best Bets – Atlantic Division
• NHL Futures Best Bets – Metro Division
• NHL Awards – Hart Trophy
• NHL Awards – Norris Trophy
• NHL Awards – Vezina Trophy