NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (3/15)
The second half of the NHL season is underway. There are a lot of teams in contention for the playoffs. We've seen that all some teams need to do is get in and make a huge run. Let's break down a couple of games and give you our best bets.
Saturday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tampa Bay Lightning (-180) at Boston Bruins (+150) | O/U 5.5 (-115/-105)
Tampa Bay has been hot and cold throughout the season. They recently were the hottest team in the league when they rattled off eight straight wins and averaged 4.25 goals per game. They have just one point in the last three games and scored only four goals.
Offensively, they are struggling to generate good shot opportunities, as they have under a 45% expected goal share in those three losses. Andrei Vasilevskiy should be back in the net after sitting the last game against Philadelphia after allowing seven goals in his two previous games.
The Bruins are having a down year, but they are still in playoff contention and are only two points out of the final Wild Card spot. They made a surprising and unpopular move when they traded long-time staple Brad Marchand to Florida.
The defense’s regression has been part of why the team has not played well, especially goalie Jeremy Swayman. Boston had to choose between Swayman and Linus Ullmark. So far, the decision has not gone well. The increased workload for Swayman has led to his worst numbers, allowing 2.98 goals per game and a .897 save percentage.
Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (-105)
Carolina Hurricanes (-175) at Philadelphia Flyers (+145) | O/U 5.5 (-122/+102)
The Hurricanes are on a great run, having won five straight games. This team has a balanced roster and can beat you on both sides of the ice.
During this run, the defense has been carrying the team, as they are second in goals allowed per game (1.40) and third in shots allowed per game (24.2) since March 2nd. That doesn't mean they can't score, as they are 10th in goals scored per game (3.20) and lead the league in expected goal percentage (55.72%).
The Flyers have been awful all year and have lost five of their last six. The offense fails to gain puck possession advantage, along with quality shots. That's why they are 23rd in goals scored per game (2.79). There isn't much help from the goaltending and they are allowing the fifth-most goals per game (3.34) and -26.5 goals saved above expected.
The Hurricanes should continue their winning streak.
Pick: Hurricanes 60-Minute Moneyline (-105)