Online sportsbooks have odds for every single Thursday matchup. However, we've settled on the four hockey games below. We believe they're the best value for your dollar and we'll explain how shortly.
 | Moneyline | Goal Total |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Canucks | +116 | Over 6 (-115) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | -128 | Under 6 (+104) |
| Edmonton Oilers | -183 | Over 6 (-113) |
| Arizona Coyotes | +165 | Under 6 (+103) |
| Colorado Avalanche | +102 | Over 6.5 (+104) |
| Florida Panthers | -112 | Under 6.5 (-115) |
| Calgary Flames | -129 | Over 5.5 (-110) |
| Detroit Red Wings | +117 | Under 5.5 (+100) |
Colorado Avalanche (+102) at Florida Panthers (-112)
We begin with a game that features two teams that began with high hopes for the season. At many bookmakers, the Avalanche were Stanley Cup favorites all preseason long. Florida, while perhaps not that high of expectations, made several offseason moves with the intention of ending its 25-year streak without a postseason series win.
It's been a slow beginning for Colorado, who have lost two in a row after a season-opening win. Honestly, we aren't sweating the so-so start. The Avalanche still has a stacked team from top-to-bottom and remains perennial Stanley Cup contenders.
The Panthers, though, they're certainly living up to their preseason hopes. The team has raced to a 3-0 start, outscoring foes 14-6 in those games. Florida's last time out on the ice was a convincing 4-1 win over the reigning champion Lightning on the road.
Vancouver Canucks (+116) at Chicago Blackhawks (-128)
Somehow, someway, Chicago is favored to win in this game. All this despite the Blackhawks being winless through four games and being outscored by nine goals in those defeats.
Chicago made a big splash over the offseason, bringing one big name after another to the roster — including Seth Jones, Jake McCabe, Tyler Johnson, Marc-Andre Fleury, Caleb Jones, among others. However, it will take some time for the new-look Blackhawks to gel on the ice, hence the early-season struggles that have probably already put head coach Jeremy Colliton on the hot seat.
Then again, Vancouver is off to a rocky start of its own. The Canucks also entered with modestly-high expectations, but have been undone by bad defensive play. The team is 1-3 so far, allowing 15 goals in that stretch!
Something's got to give in this matchup, right? In our opinion, Vancouver is the safer bet to make. While we're optimistic Chicago can turn things around in due time, that won't be the case on Thursday. Goaltender Fleury looks lost defending the net, which will continue versus the Canucks.
Over/Under 5.5 Goals: Calgary Flames at Detroit Red Wings
We have a sports theory: early in the regular season, scoring comes more easily. This applies not only to hockey, but football and basketball, too. Teams are still clicking with one another early on, plus very little film/data exists on opposing teams to build adequate defensive strategies around.
We have a tendency to hammer overs during this time of the year and this game is no different despite the modest 5.5 goal total. In particular, we expect the home team Red Wings to keep the scoreboard busy as they've done in two games so far with nine goals combined.
Over/Under 6 Goals: Edmonton Oilers at Arizona Coyotes
Out of the ten Thursday games, the Oilers are the second-biggest betting favorites of the night (only the Jets are favored by more against the Ducks). That line is warranted given how good Edmonton has looked after two games. They're undefeated and have shown a knack for getting inside the net with a whopping 11 goals scored!
Arizona, however, has looked quite the opposite. They're 0-3 and its defense has been absolutely shredded in that span. Get this, the Coyotes have allowed 17 goals in only three contests! 17!
To us, this mismatch signals a clear over in the point total coming Thursday. We expect the high-octane Oilers to put up at least five goals by themselves and Arizona, with the benefit of playing at home, will get some marginal offense in — just enough to go over six total goals.
How To Bet NHL Online In 2021
The NHL season is barely underway and with hockey games well into the summertime, you'll have plenty of opportunities to make money off the league during 2021-22. Well, you might as well get started now with our aforementioned picks. You can place your bets at one of the betting sites we've listed below.
These bookmakers have you covered all year long for NHL bets. Not only can you bet daily games here (spreads, moneyline, over/under), but there's also a wide selection of props and futures wagers available for the taking.
While you're at it, consider claiming a bonus offer for free money. Yes, you heard that right — free money, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The table below has details on current deals on the table via sign-up bonuses.
