Some nights will go well, and some nights, the goaltending will melt down completely and what looked like a solid under bet crashes without warning. That’s why betting on hockey can be troublesome at times: one bad night from the netminder and your bet goes down in flames.
However, Wednesday is another day, and we’ve got a full slate of action on tap. Here are my best bets for October 13.
UNITED STATES WIN TO NIL, -105
The USMNT is coming off an ugly performance in Panama, and they should be ready to bounce back against Costa Rica in this matchup. The Ticos are fading fast and look like they might be one of the weaker squads in the Octagonal this time around, and the Americans need a big performance after how poor they looked at Panama. The USMNT has won four of its past five against the Ticos, and all four wins were via shutout. I’m backing a repeat here.
CANADA WIN TO NIL, +105
These teams haven’t met since 2014, and Canada is a much different side than it was back then. Panama have been the surprise of the Octagonal so far, but the Canaleros are not a great side away from Panama City. Canada have played well at home and even snatched a point against Mexico at the Azteca, and a shutout win would put the Reds in the driver’s seat for a spot in the 2022 World Cup. Canada should take three points here against a Panama side that likely isn’t ready for this road test.
MAPLE LEAFS ML, -175
Without Carey Price there to stop the Buds’ attack, it’s difficult to see the Canadiens hanging with Toronto. The Leafs have had the whole offseason to think about how they let a 3-1 lead get away against Montreal, and the reason was Price. Look for Toronto to take out some frustration here and get the year off to a big start, as the Leafs still have plenty of firepower available even without Auston Matthews on the ice.
RANGERS-CAPITALS O6, -115
The over has hit in three of the past four matchups between New York and Washington, and there’s no indication that will slow anytime soon. The Rangers have focused on building up their attack and toughness this offseason, and I think they’re strong enough to stand up to the Capitals in this one. These teams averaged a combined 6.5 goals per game last season, and I think six is a reasonable target.
