Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (2/5)
There are just two games on the schedule as the NHL returns from the break. Let's analyze these matchups and give you the best bets.
Monday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
New York Islanders (+146) at Toronto Maple Leafs (-176) | O/U 6.5 (-110/-110)
Even with the coaching change for the Islanders, it still hasn't helped the team and they went into the All-Star Break just 1-5-2 in their last eight. The reason for Patrick Roy coming in is because they hoped the Hall of Fame goaltender would propel this defense, and while they haven't resulted in wins yet, he's just four games in, and all four of the games have been decided by one goal.
The Maple Leafs went into their break, winning three straight after going 1-4-1 in their previous six. Toronto's offensive capabilities are well known. They have the firepower that has them scoring 3.45 goals per game, but the re-emergence of Ilya Samsonov has been crucial. He's struggled for most of the season, but he's won his last three games, has a .960 save percentage, and one shutout.
The last two games have been 4-3 in favor of the Isles, but they were each played in Belmont. With the game in Toronto and New York being 8-11-5 on the road, look for the Leafs to grab the win.
Pick: Maple Leafs 60-Minute Moneyline (-125)
Colorado Avalanche (-106) at New York Rangers (-113) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Avalanche are riding high as they went into the break with three wins and sit in first in the Central. No one is better at the moment than Nathan MacKinnon, who is the NHL First Star in back-to-back months as he posted 26 points in 12 games. The top lines are fantastic with Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar and Valeri Nichushkin, but the depth is something they don't have and might need to address before the trade deadline.
The Rangers got a dominant win over Ottawa in the last game, but they've struggled down the stretch after a great start to the season. They've been a letdown on both sides of the ice, with the offense scoring two or fewer goals in seven of their last ten, but additionally, we’re seeing regression from Igor Shesterkin. Considered one of the best goaltenders in the world, his save percentage is .899, and he's allowed 13 goals in his last four.
The Avs are coming in as a slight underdog at MSG, but they are the better team right now.
Pick: Avalanche Moneyline (-106)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday: