Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (1/15)
The NHL is in mid-form! Let’s highlight a few key games for today, Monday, Jan. 15.
Monday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Colorado Avalanche (-225) at Montreal Canadiens (+185) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
You could argue that the Avalanche have one of the best top units in the league. Nathan MacKinnon is second in the NHL with 69 points, Mikko Rantanen is ninth with 53, Valeri Nichushkin has 22 goals, and Cale Makar is fifth with 39 assists. The problem they run into is if they don’t get production from those guys, they have trouble getting contributions elsewhere because nobody else has even 25 points.
The Canadiens have some great young talent, and as this team progresses, they will get better. They’ve played some competitive games recently, their last four have been decided by one goal, which includes a win against the Rangers.
This will be the best offense they’ve faced in that span, so look for that one-goal streak to end and Avs get a puckline win.
Pick: Avalanche -1.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Kings (+124) at Carolina Hurricanes (-148) | O/U 6 (-122/+102)
It’s been a rough time for the Kings, who looked like the best team in the league for the early part of the season. They are coming in, losers of eight straight with only five points in that span. They’re not getting the production from the offense that has averaged 2.12 goals per game during the losing streak, and Cam Talbot started the season playing well, but the veteran has a 3.14 GAA in his last seven games.
Carolina is familiar with rough stretches, but they’ve snapped out of theirs and won seven of their last eight. This is one of the deepest rosters, with eight players having over 20 points and five having over ten goals. They dominate the puck possession with 55.43% expected goals, and that’s because they’re great on even strength but are third in power plays and eighth in penalty kills.
You want to believe at some point the Kings can snap this losing streak, but facing Carolina, a great team at home, is not the time.
Pick: Hurricanes 60-Minute Moneyline (-110)
New Jersey Devils (+145) at Boston Bruins (-175) | O/U 6 (-122/+102)
It’s been a challenging season for the Devils as they’ve dealt with many injuries, but they have stayed in contention throughout the season. They don’t currently have Timo Meier, Tomas Nosek, and Dougie Hamiton, and it could be a while before any of them return. This shows how deep the roster is because they have a 52.73% expected goals.
The Bruins look like one of the more dominant teams in the league again. Their five-game road trip wasn’t the best at 2-0-3, but you can’t be upset when you come away with a point in each game. Their defense is the key part of their game, as they’re allowing just 2.69 goals per game and are third in expected goals against. Linus Ulmark is listed as day-to-day, so Jeremy Swayman should get the start and, of the recently named All-Stars, has been the better of the two, allowing just 2.49 goals per game.
As expected, the Bruins are highly favored at home, but the Devils have shown they are not a team you can roll over on. They have shown they are strong on every line, and although Boston is a defensive powerhouse, New Jersey is capable of getting through it.
Pick: Devils Moneyline (+145)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:
- NFL Wild Card Touchdown Scorer Prop Bet Picks & Predictions
- NFL Wild Card PrizePicks Player Predictions
- NBA Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions
- College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions
- Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions
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