NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (11/17)

Hockey season is in full swing and things are already exciting to start the NHL season. There are a few intriguing matchups early on, so let’s look at the games to target.

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Sunday’s NHL Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Washington Capitals (+114) at Vegas Golden Knights (-135) | O/U 6.5 (-122/+102)

Vegas has been a tough team to beat at home (8-1-0), with only one top Eastern Conference team (Carolina) getting a win. Good luck stopping this offense, which is second in goals scored per game (4.12).

They have eight players with double-digit points and two with over 20 (Jack Eichel and Mark Stone). Most of these guys have more assists than goals. They can spread the puck, and all their line combinations have someone who can score.

The Capitals were barely a playoff team last season; that could be different this year. They have an offense with stellar playmakers as four players have five or more goals. That includes Alex Ovechkin, who is having a renaissance year with 20 points and six in his last five games.

One spot where Washington should be able to hold down Vegas is on the power play. The Golden Knights are second in power play percentage (38.4%), but the Capitals are fourth in penalty kills (85.7%). That's how Washington could come away with a win.

Pick: Capitals Moneyline (+114)

St. Louis Blues (+250) at Carolina Hurricanes (-310) | O/U 6 (-112/-108)

The Hurricanes are one of the hottest teams in the NHL, winning eight of their last 10 games. They are fantastic in every part of the game. Their offense scores 4.00 goals per game (fourth) and allows 2.67 per game (seventh). Their special teams have also been tremendous, as they are in the top 10 on the power play and the penalty kill.

The Blues have hit a bit of a slide with three points in their last five games. The offense continues to bring no inspiration, as they are 26th in expected goal percentage (45.9%) and 22nd in Corsi (46.9%). Jordan Kyrou had a fantastic first three games, grabbing six points, but then got cold; he's been better, with a point in six of the last seven games.

This should be a comfortable win for Carolina.

Pick: Carolina -1.5 (-115)