After just 2 games last night, we have our first full slate of games for the 2022-23 NHL season. None of the teams in action tonight have played their first meaningful games, so we're about to find out a lot about the offseason moves. We've broken down how those new acquisitions should affect tonight's matchups and come up with the best 3 plays to piece together for an incredible payout. Before we dive in, be sure to check out our NHL picks for today's action.
Columbus Blue Jackets ML (+215) over Carolina Hurricanes
Let's get things started right off the bat with a nice upset. Looking at last year's record, this play may seem a bit surprising. However, the Blue Jackets look set to be a much better team and get off to a much better start. First and foremost, Patrik Laine will be healthy to start the season. He's been their best skater for quite some time and still recorded 56 points in his 56 games played last season.
However, he may not even be their best skater anymore. Columbus made arguably the biggest splash of the entire offseason by signing former-Flame Johnny Gaudreau. Those who follow regularly know how profitable he was for us last season and he should be again. He chose to go to the Jackets to be closer to home rather than go to a bigger market. He finished last season tied for the 2nd-most points in the NHL with 115, and was the top skater in terms of plus-minus. In other words, when he's on the ice, way more good things happen than bad. With the Hurricanes losing key skaters like Vincent Trocheck over the summer, Columbus can shock Carolina tonight.'