NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (1/19)
Hockey season is in full swing. There are only three matchups today. Let's look at the best games to target.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Detroit Red Wings (+180) at Dallas Stars (-220) | O/U 5.5 (-134/+110)
Thanks to a coaching change, the Red Wings are playing the best they have all season. They are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games, which includes a win over defending Stanley Cup champions the Florida Panthers. They have a fantastic offense that needed to start contributing. Dylan Larkin who could have another 30-goal season and Lucas Raymond continues the momentum from his breakout 2023-24 season, leading the team with 50 points.
The Stars have been a tough defense all season, allowing the third-fewest goals per game (2.46) and shots allowed (24.6). The defense has been great at full strength. What's made them exceptional is their league-leading penalty kill (85.6%). The offense has been underwhelming for most of the season, but it is getting better, averaging 3.36 goals per game in their last 11.
We'll see the backup goalies today - Alex Lyon and Casey DeSmith. They have both played very well in their limited roles, but this could be a game where the offense is featured.
Pick: Over 5.5 Goals (-134)
New York Rangers (-118) at Montreal Canadiens (-102) | O/U 6.5 (+108/-132)
It's been a turbulent season for the Rangers filled with trouble on and off the ice. They had a long stretch where they were terrible and went 4-15-0 with a -34 goal differential.
We're seeing some improvement lately as they are 4-0-1 in their last five. The defense has been fantastic with Igor Shesterkin appearing in all five and allowing 10 goals while the penalty kill is 86.6%.
The Canadiens made their ascension a few weeks ago. It looked like another disappointing season for the Habs, but something clicked and they have gone 12-2-1 recently. Both sides of the ice have improved with 3.66 goals scored per game in that span thanks to their speed and ability to spread the puck. Sam Montembeault played last night in the net, so it will be Jakub Dobes tonight. He's been the better goaltender as of late, allowing just four goals in the first four appearances of his career, including one shutout.
With both teams being able to shut down their opponent on even strength and special teams, we could see a low-scoring game
Pick: Under 6.5 Goals (-132)