Friday’s NHL betting picks: Bet Sabres in Ted Nolan’s return

Check out today’s NHL Puck Luck, our three favorite hockey bets for Friday.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres (+110, 5)

It’s always interesting when the Leafs and Sabres get together, but tonight will be extra special with former Jack Adams award winner Ted Nolan returning behind the bench. Even though Nolan has been out of the NHL for 16 years, his reputation precedes him. Since he last coached the Sabres, Nolan has helped Latvia’s national team gain respectability and he’ll be counted on to do the same with Buffalo. It’s not going to be easy, but if there’s anyone who can get the most out of this talent-stricken group, it’s Nolan. If nothing else, the Sabres will play hard for him – especially tonight. If the Nolan sideshow wasn’t entertaining enough, Buffalo plans to have John Scott in the lineup to face the Leafs for the first time since his dust-up with Phil Kessel.

Pick: Buffalo Sabres

Montreal Canadiens at Columbus Blue Jackets (-105, 5)

This might be a spot where the Montreal Canadiens get caught looking ahead to Saturday’s showdown with the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre. Montreal has dropped five of its last six and plans to start backup goaltender Peter Budaj, saving Carey Price for Saturday. Budaj has been fine this season, but if the Habs hang him out to dry and allow 45 shots like they did against Tampa Bay earlier this week, it’s going to be a long night. Nice value here with a Blue Jackets club that has earned at least a point in each of its last three.

Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets

Philadelphia Flyers at Winnipeg Jets (-130, 5)

It looks as though the Flyers are finally starting to put everything together. They have won three straight games, including an impressive 2-1 victory over Pittsburgh and a 5-0 shutout of Ottawa. Claude Giroux (+379 to score tonight) has three points during the winning streak as the squad’s offence is generating more quality scoring chances. Meanwhile, all the Jets have done recently is beat the Red Wings twice, shut out the Predators 5-0 and drop the Sharks in overtime. This should be a good one.

Pick: Over 5 goals