Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (2/25)
We are now in the second half of the season. Let's analyze today's matchups and give you the best bets.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tampa Bay Lightning (+110) at New Jersey Devils (-135) | O/U 6.5 (-135/+114)
The Lightning ended their three-game losing streak with a win against the Islanders. This team can get back into contention, especially with that offense. They're seventh in points scored per game with 3.338, and they have Nikita Kucherov, whose 98 points lead the league.
The Devils also snapped their own losing streak with a win over the Canadiens. They're not far offensively from their opponents at 3.32 goals and are fifth in expected goals at even strength. No one of significance is injured, which hasn't been the case for most of the season; Jack Hughes missed some time, and the same with Nico Hischier and Timo Meier. They are all healthy, so hopefully, it will propel this team.
Both are coming in on the second of back-to-back games, and will both be playing with their backup goalies. Two top ten offenses with struggling defenses, so look for this to be a high-scoring game.
Pick: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-135)
Philadelphia Flyers (+140) at Pittsburgh Penguins (-166) | O/U 6 (+100/-120)
The window is closing for this era of the Penguins. Last year, they missed the playoffs for the first time in 17 years, and it looks as though it could happen again as they dropped down in the standings and are 5-6-4 in their last 15. Even with their offensive stars, they're still scoring under three goals per game, and they recently lost Jake Guentzel, who is second on the team in both points and goals.
The Flyers have the same goals scored and are slightly worse in goals allowed but have more points and a playoff spot. They have been streaky the last month, and they need that defense to step up because they're beginning to allow high-danger opportunities to their opponents.
Both teams are struggling with their records, but the Penguins are the better-looking team right now. The Flyers are beginning to lose their defensive edge and will start a backup on the road. This large overall moneyline doesn't have the juice, but the 60-minute line works.
Pick: Penguins 60-Minute Moneyline (-105)
Carolina Hurricanes (-155) at Buffalo Sabres (+130) | O/U 6 (-115/-105)
The Hurricanes had a four-game winning streak snapped last night with a loss against the Stars. They are one the more balanced teams in the league as they are in the top ten in goals scored and allowed and third in expected goals. It will be Spencer Martin between the pipes, who was claimed off waivers a month ago and has won all three games with the Hurricanes.
This was supposed to be the year for the Sabres, as they came up slightly short last year, but they have fallen well below expectations. They have been very streaky throughout the season, which could have to do with injuries. Some of their best players, like Alex Tuch, Jeff Skinner, and Tage Thompson, have missed time this season. This could be why the offense is struggling, scoring 2.91 goals on the year.
This is the type of game the Canes need to get back on track after suffering a loss.
Pick: Hurricanes 60-Minute Moneyline (+105)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday: