Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (3/3)
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)
Pittsburgh Penguins (+160) at Edmonton Oilers (-192) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
As the trade deadline approaches, you wonder what the fate of the Penguins will be. Their longtime core players are getting old, but they're still effective, but the depth has not come through. It doesn't help that some of the key players like Jake Guentzel, who many believe could be traded, is on the IR, along with Bryan Rust.
The Oilers are coming into this game with three straight wins, the most since their 16-game streak. The offense has been solid through that run, with nine total goals, but Stuart Skinner has been phenomenal, winning three straight with a .949 save percentage. Stuart went on Saturday so that it will be Calvin Pickard in the cage, and he's been a great backup with 2.53 goals allowed per game in 11 appearances.
A healthy Edmonton offense will be too difficult for a depleted and already below-average Pittsburgh offense to keep up with.
Pick: Oilers 60-Minute Moneyline (-125)
New Jersey Devils (+110) at Los Angeles Kings (-130) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Kings have been better than they were before the firing of Todd McLellan, but they're on a small skid, losing three of their last four. What has continued to be efficient is their defense, as they are third on shots on goal allowed, fifth in expected goals allowed per 60, and are coming off allowing one goal to an excellent Vancouver team. They need to remain efficient on that side of the ice because the offense hasn't been good, and now they'll be missing Adrian Kempe.
The Devils have an incredible roster, but they've had problems winning all season. They have been on a brutal run for almost two months by going 9-12-2 in their 23 games, and they've won consecutive games just once in that span. They are still a highly impressive offense by being fifth in expected goals per 60, but the goaltending has been awful, as they're allowing 3.64 goals per game and are -17.2 goals saved above expected.
We've got a strength vs. strength matchup of the Devils' offense and the Kings’ defense. This is a game where we should see the Devils put up some goals, but the Kings, even without Adrian Kempe, should get through this awful Devils goaltending.
Pick: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-105)
Winnipeg Jets (-135) at Buffalo Sabres (+114) | O/U 6 (-122/+102)
We are finally getting the Sabres team we expected. They are coming in, winning five of their last six with victories against Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Vegas. They're getting the offensive support, scoring three or more goals in four of those five wins, but Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been great between the pipes and is recently 7-2-0 with a .928 save percentage. Unfortunately, he played Saturday, so he won't be in the lineup.
The good news is neither will be Connor Hellebuyck for the Jets, as he has been the best goalie in the league and the Vezina Trophy favorite. They do not have an overly dominant offense, but they do have some solid playmakers, with four players having over 40 points and seven with double-digit goals.
While Laurent Brossoit has been a great backup goalie for Winnipeg, there's been no one for Buffalo to be confident in besides Luukkonen. The Sabres offense isn't as good as last year, and it won't have the firepower to beat Winnipeg.
Pick: Jets Moneyline (-135)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday: