As the National Hockey League (NHL) skates through the 2023–2024 season, the intensity on the ice reaches a fever pitch by March. This crucial month often serves as the turning point for teams vying for playoff positions. From the surprising upsets to the expected powerhouses maintaining their dominance, the road to the playoffs will leave bettors at the edge of their seats.
That’s why fans and bettors alike are keenly observing the odds, looking for outcomes that could predict the outcome of this high-stakes month in the NHL.
Enter CasinoOnlineCA, a team of experts that provides comprehensive analysis, predictions, and betting guides. For this article, our team of sports betting experts has carried out rigorous research into the top teams’ past performance and analyzed their odds across betting platforms. Having done that, we have published up-to-date expert betting odds for the NHL’s most anticipated March ‘24 matches. Read on for the key takeaways.
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
The rivalry between these two titans began in 1924 when the Boston Bruins joined the NHL and became the league’s first American team. This set the stage for a cross-border rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens, one of the NHL’s founding teams and a symbol of Canadian hockey excellence.
Over the years, these two competitive teams have faced off in countless regular season games and have met in the playoffs more than any other two teams in NHL history. Their playoff encounters are nothing short of spectacular, with more than 30 series that have often determined the path to the Stanley Cup.
Team Performance
Boston Bruins won against Montreal Canadiens on Jan 21, 2024, at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. They’re set to match up again on March 15, 2024.
Here is a table of the performance of both teams in the last five games of the NHL Eastern Conference.
| Team | Rank | Last 5 Games | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | #1 | WLWWL | 71 |
| Montreal Canadiens | #13 | LLWLW | 50 |
The Bruins’ Danton Heinen stands out, with 3 goals out of 5 shots and 13 minutes spent on the ice. Meanwhile, the Canadiens’ Sean Monahan is noteworthy, with 3 assists and 17 minutes spent on the ice.
Betting Odds
Based on the current standing in the season and key player contributions, experts from CasinoOnlineCA, led by sports betting expert James Segrest, believe that the Boston Bruins have the upper hand.
“The Bruins are hailed as this season’s odds favourite, with a record of 23-15,” shares James. “They have emerged as the winner twice out of three games with odds lower than -296, which indicates a winning chance of 74.7%,” he points out.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens emerged victorious in 16 out of 41 games. They were hailed as the underdogs of this season. Winning a game with odds of +238 or more this season, the Canadiens have a 29.6% of winning a game with the Bruins.
| Team | Odds | Predicted Score | Favourite / Underdog | Goals Per Game | Faceoff Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | 1.33 | 4.12 | 53–14 | 3.8 | 74.7% |
| Montreal Canadiens | 3.40 | 2.47 | 20–38 | 2.6 | 29.6% |
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins rivalry is one of the most electrifying matchups in the NHL, fueled by intense games and the presence of some of the league’s brightest stars. Central to this rivalry are two of hockey’s greatest players: Alexander Ovechkin of the Capitals and Sidney Crosby of the Penguins. The latter is predicted to be part of the 2024 NHL All-Star Game Rosters.
The individual rivalry between Ovechkin and Crosby has had a profound impact on the NHL, elevating the profile of the league and attracting fans worldwide. Their meetings, especially in the playoffs, are highly anticipated events that showcase the best of hockey.
Team Performance
The Capitals and the Penguins are set to go head-to-head at the PPG Paints Arena on March 8, 2024.
Here’s the performance of both teams in the last five games of the NHL Eastern Conference.
| Team | Rank | Last 5 Games | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | #12 | LLLLL | 51 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | #10 | LLLWW | 53 |
Top players include Sidney Crosby of the Penguins, who has 51 points in his arsenal, and Dylan Strome and Alexander Ovechkin of the Capitals, both with 33 points in total.
Betting Odds
Despite having potential, the Capitals need to be more offensive after showing only an average of 2.29 goals per game. In the last four games they played, they only scored five goals.
On the other hand, the Penguins made a comeback with their recent performances. Their offensive output has increased noticeably, averaging 3 goals per game.
Given the dynamics of their recent seasons and assuming both teams are healthy and performing to their potential, this game is expected to be closely contested. In this head-to-head match, the Penguins are favoured at -177, while the Capitals are the underdogs at +147.
| Team | Odds | Predicted Score | Favourite / Underdog | Goals Per Game | Faceoff Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | 2.60 | 3.58 | 15–31 | 3.2 | 50.3% |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 1.53 | 3.42 | 27–19 | 3.2 | 52.3% |
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Florida Panthers
Both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers are not just content with making the playoffs; they are in it to win it. The Golden Knights, with their experience and strategic play, and the Panthers, with their dynamic offence and improved defence, are equipped to make deep runs.
For the Golden Knights, the key to playoff success will likely hinge on their ability to maintain their offensive production while getting stellar goaltending. For the Panthers, their challenge will be to ensure their high-flying offence can break through the playoff-calibre defences they’ll face while keeping their net secure.
Team Performance
The table below outlines the performance of both teams in the last five games of the season.
| Team | Rank | Last 5 Games | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Panthers | #6 | WWWLW | 66 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | #7 | WWLWW | 66 |
The top players in these teams include Matthew Tkachuk, with 3 points (1 goal and 2 assists) and 20 minutes spent on the ice, and Pavel Dorofeyev, with 1 goal and 14 minutes spent on the ice.
Betting Odds
The Florida Panthers have had a good run this season so far, winning 14 out of 22 games. They’re considered the favourites in this head-to-head match. In 19 games with odds lesser than -125, the Panthers have secured 11 wins. This means that they have a 55.6% chance of winning against the Knights.
Meanwhile, the underdog in eight games of the season, the Golden Knights showcase a success rate of 62.5% with five upset wins.
| Team | Odds | Predicted Score | Favourite / Underdog | Goals Per Game | Faceoff Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegas Golden Knights | 2.00 | 3.65 | 33-15 | 3.3 | 62.5% |
| Florida Panthers | 1.83 | 3.41 | 29-23 | 3.5 | 55.6% |
Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers
The rivalry between the Flames and the Oilers officially began in 1980 when the Flames moved from Atlanta to Calgary, but the seeds were planted earlier with the Oilers’ entry into the NHL in 1979 as part of the league’s merger with the World Hockey Association (WHA). This set the stage for a provincial rivalry that quickly became one of the most passionate in the NHL.
Team Performance
These teams have a match on Feb 25, 2024, at Rogers Place.
Check out the table below for the standing of both teams in the NHL West Conference.
| Team | Rank | Last 5 Games | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Flames | #10 | LLWWW | 53 |
| Edmonton Oilers | #6 | WWWWL | 59 |
The top players from both teams are MacKenzie Weegar and Zach Hyman, both garnering 1 point so far.
Betting Odds
With so many sports enthusiasts turning to online betting, knowing the odds gives you an advantage. That said, the matchup between the Flames and Oilers is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams eager to assert their dominance in the province and gain crucial points in the standings.
Out of 35 games the Oilers have played this season, they won 23 as the favourites. With 16 wins out of 22 games with odds lesser than -158, the Oilers have a 61.2% chance of winning.
Meanwhile, as the underdogs in 23 games of this season, the Flames have secured 10 upset wins. The Flames have a 42.9% chance of winning this face-off.
| Team | Odds | Predicted Score | Favourite / Underdog | Goals Per Game | Faceoff Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Flames | 2.55 | 3.32 | 12–16 | 3.2 | 42.9% |
| Edmonton Oilers | 1.54 | 3.56 | 26–13 | 3.5 | 61.2% |
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Meeting first on October 19, 1967, the rivalry between the Flyers and the Penguins, often referred to as the “Battle of Pennsylvania,” is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in the NHL.
This intrastate rivalry encapsulates more than just hockey; it represents a deep-seated regional pride, contrasting cultures, and a history of memorable, often heated, encounters on the ice. The significance of this rivalry extends beyond the players and teams involved, embedding itself into the very identity of fans and communities across Pennsylvania.
Team Performance
The Flyers and the Penguins are set to meet again, for the 352nd time, on Feb 25, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena.
Here’s the standing of both teams so far in the NHL Eastern Conference.
| Team | Rank | Last 5 Games | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Flyers | #6 | LLLWW | 60 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | #10 | LLLWW | 53 |
The top players to watch out for are Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins, with 2 points (1 goal and 1 assist) and over 16 minutes spent on the ice, and Owen Tippett, with 1 point and over 14 minutes spent on the ice.
Betting Odds
Anticipating a game filled with intensity and moments of brilliance from both sides, a 4–3 victory for the Pittsburgh Penguins seems plausible.
The Flyers have been the underdog in 29 games this season, 14 of which they won. Their current success rate is 48.3%. With the odds of +104 or more in 25 games, the Flyers have a 49% chance of winning against the Penguins.
On the other side, the Penguins have been the favourite in 22 games, winning nine and having an 8-10 record in games with odds lesser than -124. This gives the Penguins a 55.4% chance of winning this face-off.
| Team | Odds | Predicted Score | Favourite / Underdog | Goals Per Game | Faceoff Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Flyers | 2.05 | 3.37 | 15-35 | 2.7 | 49% |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 1.80 | 3.64 | 27-19 | 3.2 | 55.4% |
Conclusion
The upcoming NHL matchups, particularly the intense rivalries and high-stakes games, are set to electrify fans and potentially shake up the standings. As these clashes unfold, their outcomes could significantly impact the playoff race. For those seeking deeper insights and betting odds, CasinoOnlineCA offers comprehensive analyses to enhance your viewing and betting experience.
