NHL Betting Guide: Friday 4/14/23

Friday is the end of the NHL's regular season. Our treat to look forward to is four backup goaltenders, three teams without motivation, and a hefty road favorite.

Still, we need a ceremonial last bet of the season. Where can we find one?

Note: Lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. All NHL betting odds and totals come from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets

Over 7.5 (+142)

These were two of the best eight clubs to bet overs with this season. Can we get one more for old times' sake?

The math says it's possible at numbers even higher than this lofty mark. Buffalo and Columbus have allowed the sixth-most and most expected goals per 60 minutes, respectively, since March 1st. It's been a defense-optional beginning to spring for them, and it's probably why they're going home.

The Sabres have also posted the 12th-most expected goals per 60 in that same period (3.18). They're a legitimate shootout threat while the Jackets generally just get rolled.

Goaltending has also been an issue that won't be resolved in this one. Buffalo's Devon Levi (2.61 GSAx) is their best option at this stage -- but not a good one. Jon Gillies (-0.93 GSAx) is the latest AHL-caliber netminder that's getting a turn as Columbus hunts down Connor Bedard.

Games where neither squad had standing-related motivation to win averaged 7.7 total goals yesterday. This number is actually quite fair given the juice and the current skill level of the NHL.