NHL Betting: Torrid Red Wings Top Capitals in Shootout

Henrik Zetterberg scored his 24th goal for the Red Wings. (AI Wire photo)

There may be no surer bet in pro sports these days than the Detroit Red Wings.

The Wings are 9-0-1 in their past 10 games following Monday night’s 4-3 shootout victory over the Washington Capitals at Joe Louis Arena.

The puckline, which almost always favors Detroit heavily, was an especially stingy -280 (meaning a winning hockey bet of $280 would net $100). The Capitals nearly pulled off a shocker, though, when they forced overtime with a goal late in the third period.

However, after a scoreless overtime, Dominik Hasek bested Olaf Kolzig in the shootout, lifting the Red Wings to victory. All three Detroit shooters – Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Jiri Hudler – scored on Kolzig.

Zetterberg also scored in regulation time, notching his 24th of the season. Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin netted his 24th as well.

The betting total went over 5.5 goals.

In the only other NHL action on Monday:

Colorado 4, Los Angeles 2: The Avalanche stormed into L.A. and scored three goals in the first period then hung on for the win. Colorado was a -135 favorite on the road. Ryan Smyth opened the scoring with his 11th goal of the season and Paul Stastny's marker stood up as the winner.

For NHL odds on Tuesday, skate with the Bodog Sportsbook.