NHL expert picks today: Friday's best bets include Avalanche vs. Blackhawks play [3/20/2026]

Blackhawks +1.5 (+115)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 51.6%
• Matchup: Avalanche vs. Blackhawks (8:30PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on Blackhawks +1.5 at +115 odds. A 51.6% probability produces an edge of 5.1%, making this the strongest play for today's NHL slate.

Blackhawks ML (+275)

• Edge: 3.5%
• Probability: 30.2%
• Matchup: Avalanche vs. Blackhawks (8:30PM ET, Friday)

Blackhawks ML carries a 3.5% edge and a probability of 30.2% at +275 odds, according to our model.

Maple Leafs ML (+185)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 38.5%
• Matchup: Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Maple Leafs ML at +185 odds shows a 3.4% edge, supported by a 38.5% probability in simulations.

Maple Leafs +1.5 (-130)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 59.9%
• Matchup: Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs (7:00PM ET, Friday)

A 3.4% edge and 59.9% probability make Maple Leafs +1.5 vs. Hurricanes at a value play in the Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs matchup, per our model.

Ducks vs. Mammoth under 6.5 goals (+105)

• Edge: 3.0%
• Probability: 51.8%
• Matchup: Ducks vs. Mammoth (10:00PM ET, Friday)

Ducks vs. Mammoth under 6.5 goals at +105 odds presents a 3.0% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 51.8%.

NHL best bets summary: Friday, 3/20/2026

As of 6:39PM ET, here are our top NHL bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Avalanche vs. Blackhawks	Blackhawks +1.5	+115 @ BetMGM	5.1%	51.6%
Avalanche vs. Blackhawks	Blackhawks ML	+275 @ BetMGM	3.5%	30.2%
Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs	Maple Leafs ML	+185 @ BetMGM	3.4%	38.5%
Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs	Maple Leafs +1.5	-130 @ BetMGM	3.4%	59.9%
Ducks vs. Mammoth	Under 6.5 Goals	+105 @ BetMGM	3.0%	51.8%

List of upcoming NHL games to bet on [3/20/2026]

• Hurricanes vs. Maple Leafs (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Devils vs. Capitals (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Avalanche vs. Blackhawks (8:30PM ET, Friday)
• Panthers vs. Flames (9:00PM ET, Friday)
• Ducks vs. Mammoth (10:00PM ET, Friday)
• Jets vs. Penguins (1:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Golden Knights vs. Predators (2:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Sabres vs. Kings (4:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Stars vs. Wild (4:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Flyers vs. Sharks (4:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Kraken vs. Blue Jackets (5:00PM ET, Saturday)

NHL insights for smarter bets

Discover how Dimers analyzes NHL games and how you can use data-driven insights to sharpen your betting approach.

Conclusion

Our NHL best bets are locked and loaded for March 20, 2026, featuring plays such as Blackhawks +1.5 and Blackhawks ML. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate NHL insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

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