NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (3/22)
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)
Philadelphia Flyers (+225) at Dallas Stars (-278) | O/U 5.5 (-115/-105)
It looks like the Flyers will miss the playoffs for the fifth straight year, their longest drought since 1990-1994. They have been on a brutal stretch, losing eight of their last nine and being outscored 35-13 during that span.
These trends are nothing new. Their offense ranks 26th in goals scored per game (2.70) and their Corsi and Fenwick rates are under 50%.
The goaltending isn't any better - 28th in goals per game (3.35). It's unfortunate because the blueline has been great, ranking seventh in shots allowed per game (26.7), but it becomes meaningless when the goaltending is last with a .883 save percentage.
The Stars could be fun to watch when the playoffs start. They made one of the more significant trades by acquiring Mikko Rantanen, who has back-to-back seasons of 100 points. He’s been impactful, with two goals and two assists in six games with Dallas.
The defense has been the aspect that has struggled in recent games. They are playing without two key defensemen - Nils Lundkvist is done for the season and Miro Heiskanen is likely to miss at least the first round of the playoffs. Over their last seven games, they have allowed 28.3 shots per game (24th), which has resulted in ranking 22nd in goals allowed per game (3.17).
This could help even a below-average Flyers offense put up some goals while the Stars’ offense supports the teams and pushes this game to the over.
Pick: Over 5.5 Goals (-115)
Florida Panthers (-110) at Washington Capitals (-110) | O/U 5.5 (-118/-102)
This would be the matchup to pay attention to because it could be a playoff preview.
The Capitals became the first team to clinch a playoff spot, but their aspirations are higher: Score the most points. It will be a tight race for the Presidents’ Trophy as they are tied with the Jets (100 points).
This team's overall focus is to win it all. However, until the playoffs begin, we're paying attention to Alex Ovechkin. He is on the brink of becoming the greatest scorer of all time, as he is six goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky for the most all time.
The defending champs' momentum has cooled since they snapped their six-game winning streak, losing three of their last five games.
The offense has been missing some key players, including Matthew Tkachuk. Brad Marchand has yet to make his Panthers debut. This could be why the offense has struggled in recent games and is scoring 1.80 goals per game in their last nine.
Although the odds are even, it is clear Washington is the better team at the moment. When the Panthers get healthy, they will be a force, but you can’t play short-handed against a team this good.
Pick: Capitals Moneyline (-110)