Christmas Feasting Isn’t Over For NHL Favorites
After a four-day Christmas break, the NHL returns tonight. But despite the calorie-filled off time, the feast isn’t quite finished for NHL favorites.
With fresh legs around the league tonight, each team will be playing closer to their full potential. That should widen the gap between good and bad teams, thereby pointing to some value on the favorite.
Sure enough, dating back to 2005, moneyline favorites have been quite profitable on the first game back from Christmas break.
| Year* | Record | Units Won |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6-4 | +0.6 |
| 2015 | 7-6 | -1.8 |
| 2014 | 8-2 | +3.9 |
| 2013 | 6-3 | +1.2 |
| 2011 | 7-3 | +1.1 |
| 2010 | 6-5 | -1.1 |
| 2009 | 9-4 | +2.5 |
| 2008 | 3-6 | -3.9 |
| 2007 | 9-0 | +6.7 |
| 2006 | 9-3 | +2.8 |
| 2005 | 8-4 | +1.0 |
| Overall | 78-40 | +13.0 |
*2012 not listed due to lockout
It’s rare that I’ll find myself laying the chalk in any sport given that favorites are almost always the public side, but that doesn’t mean I won’t look for any excuse to do so. With 13 units won on this day over the past 11 seasons (11% ROI), let’s hope these teams continue the trend tonight:
- Bruins -200 vs. Senators
- Devils -175 vs. Red Wings
- Islanders -175 vs. Sabres
- Avalanche -156 vs. Coyotes
- Penguins -150 vs. Blue Jackets
- Hurricanes -140 vs. Canadiens
- Ducks -135 vs. Knights
- Jets -130 vs. Oilers
- Blues -120 vs. Predators
Check the latest lines and percentages on our Free NHL Odds page.
Photo by Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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