The 2022-23 NHL season officially starts on Friday, October 7. The San Jose Sharks and the Nashville Predators square off Friday and Saturday in the Global Series in Prague, Czech Republic. Below is my plan of attack on betting these two back-to-back games:
Opening lines at many sportsbooks were released several weeks ago, with Nashville billed as the favorite, priced at a consensus number of about -170 to -175. San Jose listed at an opening price of around +150 to +155. The total for the game listed mostly at 5.5, juiced to the over.
At the start of this week, there was considerable line movement towards Nashville, who reached around -200, with San Jose listed at around +170. A few sportsbooks have adjusted their line for the total up to 6, juiced to the under.
For me, I am looking for an opportunity to grab San Jose on the moneyline in one of these two games. If I can get San Jose in the opener at around +180, I might be willing to put down a small wager. I tend to stay away from betting against the line movement, but on neutral ice for a season opener, +180 for this Sharks team is likely worth a shot.
James Reimer has been confirmed as the starter in goal for San Jose for the first game, and Juuse Saros is listed as the likely starter for Nashville. As it stands right now, I will be staying off a side. However, I will be looking to grab the under 6 if I can get it at a price of -110 or shorter. I can see this game ending 3-2 in favor of Nashville, and if I can get an edge on a consensus line at 6, I will be looking that way.
For the second game, I will be looking to take San Jose on the moneyline. On a back-to-back, we could potentially see a goalie matchup between Kaapo Kahkonen and Kevin Lankinen. I believe this matchup favors San Jose. I will need confirmation, but if this is the matchup, I will be on San Jose at a price of +150 or better. Nashville is not shy about playing Saros on back-to-back days, so there is a chance we could see that. If that is the case, I will try to get San Jose closer to the +170 range if possible.
Follow along at my twitter page. I will be sharing occasional bets throughout the season in real time. My progress on all my bets will be tracked at Betstamp. Best of luck on your action this season.
Best bets:
- Game 1: Under 6, -110 or better
- Game 2, San Jose moneyline, +150 or better (with Lankinen confirmed)