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NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (3/6)

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We have a great slate of games tonight on the ice as a new week gets going. We'll feature three in our best bets, with each team poised to make a playoff run.

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Monday:

Today's Best NHL Bets

(All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Edmonton Oilers (-154) vs. Buffalo Sabres (+128) | O/U 7 (-138/+112)

The Oilers should make the playoffs, but where they'll finish the season is unknown, with the top Western Conference teams bunched together. They went out during the trade deadline and made improvements bringing in defenseman Mattias Ekholm and forward Nick Bjugstad.

They've been one of the better teams offensively, but they've picked it up recently, and it allowed them to jump to the top-scoring offense. They need that offense to play at their best every night because they can't rely on the defense that’s 30th in Goals Against Above Expected.

The Sabres were one of those teams that they climbed over on offense and are now in third. Buffalo is 6-6-1 over their last 13, and if you look at the scores, there's one thing they need to win games.

It's offense. Edmonton doesn't play well on defense, but Buffalo has been worse and is 25th in goals allowed per game.

This game will have the top three scoring offenses, the bottom ten scoring defenses, a pair of 40-goal scorers, and one 50-goal scorer. Take the over and enjoy the show.

Pick: Over 7 (-138)

Washington Capitals (+130) vs. Los Angeles Kings (-156) | O/U 6.5 (-104/-118)

The big news from the Kings is that they traded away their long-time goalie and Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick to the Blue Jackets. In return, they bolstered the defense by acquiring defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.

The Kings have been one of the better two-way hockey teams in the league. The offense provides plenty of firepower, the blue line is excellent at disrupting offenses, and as a result, they're ninth Expected Goal Differential.

The problem all season had been the inconsistent goaltending, hence why they felt necessary to deal Quick. Korpisalo was excellent in his debut, saving 24-of-26, and we could see him move into that start role.

You could categorize the Capitals as sellers during the deadline, but they haven't played like it recently by winning three of four. They've been getting excellent contributions from their first and third lines, with T.J. Oshie having five goals and Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson having three in the last five games.

The Kings are still a far better team with a better recent history. Plus, Washington has struggled in LA, losing eight of their last 11.

Pick: Kings 60 min. ML (-104)

Calgary Flames (+112) vs. Dallas Stars (-134) | O/U 6 (-102/-120)

Calgary is flaming out in the final stretch of the season. The team has dropped five straight, all against top-ten defenses, and they’ve struggled to score.

The offense was supposed to be one of the league's best after the offseason moves, but they are just 20th in goals scored per game.

Last week, the Stars looked like they would give up the lead in the Central, but they've re-gained momentum, winning four of five, including against division rival Colorado.

The offense struggled during that losing streak but has now scored 16 points in their last three games.

Dallas has had one of the best defenses throughout the season, with Jake Oettinger being one of the top goalkeepers by being top five in goals allowed and save percentage. They should hold down a Calgary offense that already looks like they’ve packed it in.

Pick: Stars ML (-134)

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