Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (3/18)
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 DraftKings Sportsbook)
Washington Capitals (+114) at Calgary Flames (-135) | O/U 6 (-115/-105)
The Capitals have not looked like a team that should be in playoff contention, but they've steadily improved since the break and sit just one point out of the final Wild Card spot. Charles Lindgren has been their best goaltender, as his 12.3 goals saved above expected and 2.05 wins above replacement are 11th. The offense was awful for most of the season, but they are steadily getting better. They are averaging 3.46 goals over their last 15, compared to the 2.43 going in this stretch.
The Flames have also been a team whose inconsistencies will likely cost them the playoffs. They seemed to realize that and traded away a few players, including Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Elias Lindholm. Goalie Jacob Markstrom is out, and with Dan Vladar having back-to-back awful performances, the rookie Dustin Wolf has filled in and played well. He's coming off back-to-back great performances against Vegas and Montreal, allowing three total goals and carrying a .955 save percentage.
While the Caps’ goals per game look good, they've been just slightly over a 50% expected goal share, while the Flames are under. A few books are 5.5, but here we found 6, so there's mostly a risk of pushing in what should be a low-scoring game.
Pick: Under 6 Total Goals (-115)
Buffalo Sabres (-102) at Seattle Kraken (-118) | O/U 5.5 (-112/-108)
You look at Seattle's defense, and they are one of the best. They are eighth in goals allowed, fourth in save percentages of shots on goal, and are allowing the fewest high-danger shots. Unfortunately, they have no resemblance to an offense, as they're 28th in goals scored and 21st in expected goals.
For as many outstanding forwards as the Sabres have, they haven't been offensive-centric teams. They could have seen some of those players out with injuries, but Zach Benson and newly acquired Bowen Byram have been their two best playmakers over their last few games. The defense is keeping them in contention; they're allowing 28.8 shots per game, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been great between the pipes with 2.40 and a .915 save percentage.
The Kraken are slightly favored as the home, but the Sabres have been the better looking recently. Seattle has dropped four straight and has scored six goals in that time. They face another tough defense and Buffalo have players that can push the puck.
Pick: Sabres Moneyline (-102)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday: