Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (2/18)
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.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
New York Rangers (-150) at New York Islanders (+125) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)
The Rangers went through a bit of a funk going into the break, but they have emerged winning six straight. We saw Igor Shesterkin go through a rough patch, which led to Jonathan Quick getting three consecutive starts, but in his last game, Shesterkin recorded his first shutout of the season. They've played some tight games during this stretch, but this offense has done its part with Chris Kreider having four goals in five games, Jimmy Vesey having three, and guys on the deeper lines like Will Cuyle and Jonny Brodzinski having two a piece in that span.
Have the Islanders looked better since Patrick Roy took over as coach? They've been competitive in every game, but it hasn't resulted in a lot of winning. They are 3-3-2 in Roy's tenure and are quickly fading from contention.
Playing this game outdoors shouldn't hinder the Rangers who should easily beat a struggling team.
Pick: Rangers 60-Minute Moneyline (+105)
Los Angeles Kings (+100) at Pittsburgh Penguins (-122) | O/U 6.5 (-104/-118)
The Kings are regaining steam after what looked like a collapse, which resulted in a coaching change. They are 4-1-0 in the last five and have beaten Edmonton, New Jersey, and Boston. The defense remains strong, allowing 2.65 goals per game, just over 28 shots a game, and having the best penalty kill.
The Penguins will face some adversity as the team's assist leader, Jake Guentzel, who is also second in points, went on injured reserve. Time will tell how much it impacts an offense that's only scoring 2.90 goals per game. The defense has been their best attribute, and they also allow just 2.65 goals per game.
Two excellent defensive teams that have hit the Under in four of their last five. This should be a low-scoring game, especially with the Pens losing one of their best forwards.
Pick: Under 6.5 Total Goals (-118)
Arizona Coyotes (+195) at Colorado Avalanche (-240) | O/U 6.5 (-110/-110)
The Coyotes looked like they were in a good position with a great start earlier in the season. This team has a long history of inadequacies, and that could continue as they've gone 4-12-2 over their last 18. What had supported them in the early part of the season was their goaltending, but that has fallen off; Connor Ingram struggled and is dealing with an injury and Karel Vejmelka, who will be in the net on Sunday, has a 1-6-0 record, 4.52 GAA, and .872 save percentage recently.
The Avalanche are also having some goalie trouble. Alexandar Georgiev has just a .897 save percentage in 45 games this year, but he's been even worse recently with a .884 save percentage and 3.73 GAA in his last three games. Thankfully, they have one of the best top lines in the league including three players with over 60 points, led by Nathan MacKinnon, whose 89 is second in the NHL.
The Avs just finished a brutal East Coast trip, going 1-4-1. This is a great chance to get back into the win column against a below-average team.
Pick: Avalanche -1.5 (+100)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday: