There are plenty of NHL teams in playoff contention. 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.
Sunday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Edmonton Oilers (-162) at New York Rangers (+136) | O/U 6.5 (-112/-108)
The Oilers are losing momentum as we get closer to the playoffs, going 6-9-1 in their last 16 games. Both sides of the puck are playing well, but even with the offense only scoring 2.81 goals per game, with the talent level, there's confidence they can overcome it.
The problem is the 3.62 goals allowed per game and the inconsistencies with Stuart Skinner. He's had these problems throughout his career and he was even benched during the playoffs last year. As great as the offense is, his goaltending could be a reason they fail to meet expectations again.
Despite all of the Rangers’ ups and downs, they remain in the hunt for the playoffs. It wasn't too long ago they went on a 4-15-0 run, and there were rumors of tensions in the locker room, but they still have a chance to get back on track.
The defense held them down last season, as they were seventh in goals allowed. Specifically, the special teams unit was one of the best in the league, as they were third on the power play and penalty kill. That power play percentage has drastically dropped, as they are 24th this season.
The Rangers’ defense has been much better recently. As long as they keep Edmonton from moving the puck to their defensive zone, their offense could do enough to win this game.
Pick: Rangers Moneyline (+136)
Winnipeg Jets (-180) at Seattle Kraken (+150) | O/U 5.5 (-118/-102)
The Jets will likely hold the top spot in the Western Conference with a 10-point lead, but they are currently tied with the Capitals for the Presidents’ Trophy. They are fantastic on both sides of the ice, as they are in the top three in points allowed and scored.
Connor Hellebuyck could enter rarefied air and become the seventh different goaltender to win the Hart Trophy. He's currently the second odds-on favorite at +120, so he has a chance.
The Kraken are having another underwhelming season and sit well out of contention in the Western Conference playoff race. The problem has been goaltending. This was their strongest aspect last season, but Joey Daccord can't match that breakthrough 2023-24 season and Philipp Grubauer is putting up the worst numbers of his career.
Pick: Jets 60-Minute Moneyline (-105)
