NHL Goal In the First Ten Minutes (GIFT) bets are quickly growing in popularity. Let me help you handicap this market for tonight's games around the NHL, starting with the Blackhawks vs Red Wings where Detroit has seen a goal in the first ten minutes nine times in its last 10 games.
See our GIFT picks below for today's NHL games!
GIFT Pick Today: Blackhawks vs Red Wings (-175)
Blackhawks vs Red Wings Odds - 7:00 pm ET @ Little Caesars Arena
The Red Wings hold the third-best GIFT efficiency in the league with a 26-14 record (65%). They've also hit a GIFT bet in nine of their last ten games, including the last time they played where Dylan Larkin scored at 8:30 of the first to get Detroit started on a fifth straight win.
Larkin and teammate Alex DeBrincat have been vital to Detroit's success on GIFT bets combining for seven goals in the first 10 minutes this season.
That Detroit duo should find success early against Chicago which holds the worst first-period defense since December 17, allowing 16 P1 goals in 10 games and has allowed a goal in the first 10 minutes three times over its last four games.
We should see a goal in the first 10 minutes tonight in the Motor City.
GIFT Pick Today: Kings vs Jets (+120)
Kings vs Jets Odds - 8:00 pm ET @ Canada Life Center
We've got two of the stingiest first-period defenses in the league matching up tonight with the Kings vs Jets. Winnipeg has allowed only four first-period goals in its last 10 games with only one of those four goals scored in the opening 10 minutes.
Vezina favorite Connor Hellebuyck is getting the start for Winnipeg tonight. The American shot-stopped has been outstanding of late averaging a 0.928 save percentage and 1.98 goals against average.
When on the road, the Kings' first-period defense is about containing and limiting their opponents. The tactic that's worked well with only five goals against in P1, three of those goals came in the opening ten minutes.
The Kings' commitment to low-event hockey extends beyond their defensive play and affects their offensive play. Their P1 offense has scored nearly as many goals as they've allowed with seven goals in their last 10 road games.
So take UNDER 0.5 goals in the first 10 minutes for Kings vs Jets at +120 from bet365.
