Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (2/19)
We are now in the second half of the season, as the NHL returned from the All-Star break earlier this week. Let's analyze today's matchups and give you the best bets.
Monday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Vegas Golden Knights (-265) at San Jose Sharks (+215) | O/U 5.5 (-124/+102)
The Golden Knights are missing some key players, and it has impacted the offensive output recently. They lost back-to-back games, scoring just four goals as Jack Eichel, Shea Theodore, and William Carrier are all out with injuries. The team has been average throughout the season in almost every aspect of their game, both at even strength and special teams. The big reason they're contending for a playoff spot is because of Adin Hill, whose 3.16 Wins Above Replacement is third in the league. This is the first leg of a back-to-back, so don't be surprised if Logan Thompson gets the nod against the worst team in the league.
Nothing about the Sharks season looks good, as they sit at or near the bottom in almost every statistical category. To make matters worse, their points leader Tomas Hertl is out for likely the remainder of the season after having knee surgery.
The last game was a close one, with Vegas winning in a shootout, but in the two before that, they outscored them 9-1.
Pick: Golden Knights -1.5 (-104)
Dallas Stars (+100) at Boston Bruins (-120) | O/U 5.5 (-128/+104)
The Stars continue proving why they are one of the more talented teams as the season rolls. The offense is phenomenal, as they lead the league in scoring and sixth in expected goals in all situations. The defense had missteps, but they've bounced back, especially Jake Oettinger. He's coming in 10-1-1 in his last 12 games and has allowed two or fewer goals in six of his last seven.
The Bruins will have Linus Ullmark between the pipes. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner has not had lights-out numbers like last year, but you can't be mad at a 16-6-4 record, 2.72 GAA, and a .914 save percentage. He is coming off a terrible start when he lost to the Kings in overtime, allowing five goals.
The Bruins are favored because they're at home, but they've lost four straight at TD Garden, and Dallas is 17-6-4 on the road. Currently, the Stars are the better playing team, have a far better offense, and will have the better goalie.
Pick: Stars Moneyline (+100)
Chicago Blackhawks (+330) at Carolina Hurricanes (-420) | O/U 5.5 (-120/-102)
If you looked at the preview of Chicago's last game against the Senators, you knew they were a good bet as a home underdog; they snapped an eight-game losing streak with a win. Connor Bedard's return has instantly made an impact, and he has two goals and assists in the two games since his return.
That was against the struggling Senators; this is the Hurricanes, who are 7-2-0 in their last nine. Will their recent schedule impact them, as they'll be playing their third game in four nights? The good news is it will be rookie Pyotr Kochetkov in the cage, and he's been great all season with a 2.46 GAA and has allowed six goals in his last four games.
There is no value in taking the Canes on the moneyline or the puck line, but even at a 5.5 Over/Under, this could be a low-scoring game, and the Under has the best value.
Pick: Under 5.5 Total Goals (-102)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday: