NHL team total bets for Friday night

We took Thursday night off from overs and teams totals, but this Friday in the NHL seems to offer some solid value for goal-scoring.

I have a few leans on the slate, but I'm confident in two, loading them up as official one-unit plays.

Pittsburgh Penguins

I highlighted why I liked Pittsburgh (and the next team in this article) in my goal-scorer parlay of the night.

To recap: there appears to be positive scoring regression coming both for Pittsburgh goals on the road and Carolina's goals allowed at home.

The Penguins are averaging 3.3 goals per game in their past 10 games on the road, and in their last five on the road, they top the league with 3.99 expected goals per game.

Pittsburgh has been pummeling opposing goalies, with 40+ shots on goal (SOG) in three straight road games.

Where the Penguins do their damage is the power play. Their "Corsi For" ranking, which quantifies shots on net, shots blocked and shots missed, is eighth-highest in the league in the last 25 games.

Translation: they shoot a lot on the power play. Carolina is spending the second-most time in the NHL killing penalties, aligning nicely with this trend.

Carolina's expected goals are higher than what they are allowing at home, and with a backup goalie in net, I think Pittsburgh keeps the momentum rolling.

These teams met two weeks ago, with the Penguins scoring three goals.

I really like the Penguins value at Over 3.5 total goals (+185), but will opt for the safer option here.

Best Bet: Pittsburgh over 2.5 total goals in regulation (-130 DK)

Los Angeles Kings

This one feels more straightforward to me. The Kings are averaging 3.8 goals per game on the road in their last five and Columbus is letting in four goals per game at home in their past five.

Los Angeles is averaging 35.73 shots on net per game in their past 10 on the road while the Blue Jackets get peppered at home (37.1 shots per game L10).

I foresee a Kings clinic in this one with shots and plenty of goals.

Elvis Merzlikins has been confirmed as the Columbus goalie Friday, allowing 3.4 goals per game in his 33 starts this season.

Best Bet: Los Angeles over 3.5 total goals in regulation (+100 FD)

Good luck Friday night.