Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (3/11)
We are now in the second half of the season. Let’s analyze today’s matchups and give you the best bets. And for our top NHL Player Props, check out our NHL Prop Bet Cheat Sheet.
Monday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
New Jersey Devils (+128) at New York Rangers (-154) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Devils made a coaching change a week ago, but so far it hasn’t helped because they are 1-2-0 under Travis Green, but those losses came to Florida and Carolina. What has hurt Jersey all season is the goaltending, and they went out and made significant changes; they traded Vitek Vanecek (3.18 GAA) and sent Akira Schmid (3.15 GAA) down to the AHL. They brought in Kaapo Kahkonen (3.82 GAA) from the Sharks and Jake Allen (3.65 GAA) from the Canadiens; as you see, neither is better, so it could be Nico Daws as the new starter.
The Rangers made some moves themselves at the deadline, grabbing Alexander Wennberg and Jack Roslovic to add some depth to the forward unit. They already have some great offensive players, but while they are one of the better special teams in the league, at even strength, they’re only getting 48% of the expected goal share.
The Blueshirts are playing back-to-back, so don’t be shocked if Jonathan Quick starts tonight, with Carolina coming in tomorrow. The Devils still have an incredible offense, and the questions surrounding the goaltending will make this a high-scoring game.
Pick: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-105)
New York Islanders (+128) at Los Angeles Kings (-154) | O/U 5.5 (-128/+104)
It didn’t feel like too long ago when we left the Islanders for dead, as getting Patrick Roy to coach didn’t help much. That has changed as they are coming into this game winners of six straight. We knew all of their offense would come from the top lines, and they have provided a lot of the firepower lately: Brock Nelson, Bo Hornet, Kyle Palmeri, and Mathew Brazil combined for 15 goals in the last five.
Those weren’t all great defensive matchups, but that isn’t the case here. The Kings are one of the toughest defenses in the league and are third in goals allowed per game, the same in shots allowed, and fifth in high-danger shots allowed. Cam Talbot has been in net for six straight, but you don’t pull a goaltender on a heater, and he has a .940 save percentage in his last eight.
While the Isles’ offense has been phenomenal recently, this is the best defense they’ll see during this winning streak. They saved Ilya Sorokin for this one, and he’s won five straight with a .921 save percentage. You have to love the under with plus odds.
Pick: Under 5.5 Total Goals (+104)
St. Louis Blues (+188) at Boston Bruins (-203) | O/U 5.5 (-120/-102)
The Blues’ offense has been awful for the whole season, and you’re seeing it during their losing streak. They’ve dropped the last three, scoring three goals in that span and averaging just 23.6 shots per game. Jordan Binnington has lost back-to-back decisions, allowing eight goals, and while the surface numbers are good, he tends to get streaky and have long regressive runs.
The Bruins are getting points, and that’s what matters. They’ve come away with a point in 12-of-14 games, and while it hasn’t always resulted in a win, it’s kept them near the top of the Eastern Conference. It should be Jeremy Swayman between the pipes, and he’s been a better goalie for Boston with a 2.45 GAA and a .922 save percentage.
It’s hard to imagine a Blues offense that’s been so bad lately getting production off him.
Pick: Bruins -1.5 (+112)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday: