Top 3 NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (12/18)
This Sunday has an exciting slate of games, with a couple of teams playing well recently. We also have a matchup with some struggling teams that would love to come away with two points.
(All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook)
New York Rangers (-235) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (+190) | o/u 6 (-110/-110)
The Blackhawks have been awful, and you see some very big changes to their roster coming as they look to rebuild. They’ve lost 16 of their last 18 and are sitting in the bottom six on both sides of the ice.
The Rangers learned from their loss against the Blackhawks and have won every game since, including against the Golden Knights, Avalanche, and Devils.
The New York defensive unit is healthy and will dominate against Chicago, as they allow just 2.16 goals per game during their current six-game winning streak.
Pick: Rangers -1.5 (+115)
Winnipeg Jets (+115) vs. Seattle Kraken (-138) | o/u 6 (-120/-102)
The Kraken was not a very good offensive team last year, but that has changed, and their depth is impressive. They are currently top 10 in expected goals and expected goal differential. Unfortunately, after winning seven straight, they hit a snag and are coming off a rough 1-3 road trip.
The Jets are average on offense this season, but that’s not why they’re just one point behind the Stars in the Central. The defense has been stellar, with the third-best goals against above expected.
Seattle coming home and having two days off should have them refreshed and ready to go against the Jets, who are on the second leg of a back-to-back. They should have no problem holding off the Jets in their own zone and doing enough offensively to grab a win.
Pick: Kraken ML (-138)
Pittsburgh Penguins (-104) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (-115) | o/u 6.5 (+110/-134)
The Penguins have been rising as they come in, winning 11 of their last 12. Offensively Sidney Crosby has been great, coming away with a point in six of the previous seven games, and goalkeeper Tristian Jarry has won four straight, allowing 2.24 goals per game and a .923 save percentage.
The Hurricanes’ defensive unit has been excellent this year and is tops in expected goals against, and their aggressiveness has them second in share of takeaway. They have been very tough to beat at home and are currently 7-3-1.
The Pens have the defensive talent to stay competitive with the Canes, but they are way better on offense. Along with the rest advantage, they will take this road game.
Pick: Penguins ML (-104)
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