NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (12/2)
Hockey season is in full swing and things are already exciting to start the NHL season. Let’s target a couple of games and give you our best bets for Monday, December 2nd.
Monday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Dallas Stars (-142) at Utah Hockey Club (+120) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Stars continue to play some fantastic hockey, as they are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. This includes avenging their previous loss to Winnipeg on Sunday.
What makes this team talented is their offensive depth. Seven players have at least five goals; four have at least nine. This is one of those lineups that can run with different combinations and always have someone who can score. They attack the net with a 52% expected goal rate (ninth).
At the beginning of the year, we thought the move to Utah helped the team as they won their first three games, but they are 7-10-4 since
The offense has struggled, with a 48.1% expected goal percentage (25th). There is a lot of talent, including Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, Logan Cooley and Jack McBain, but they don't string along strong offensive performances.
With Connor Ingram on injured reserve (IR), Karel Vejmelka has been getting the starting duties. Vejmelka may not give up that starting goalie job, as he's seventh with a 2.41 GAA and eighth with a .917 save percentage.
This feels like a trap game with the Stars on the road with their backup goalie. Utah’s defense could keep them in this game and grab a much-needed two points.
Pick: Hockey Club Moneyline (+120)
New Jersey Devils (-130) at New York Rangers (+110) | O/U 6.5 (-108/-112)
The Metropolitan looks like the toughest NHL division, as each team has at least 24 points. The Devils are in second with 34 points, one behind the Capitals, who they just lost to. They look like one of the toughest offenses to hold down, as they are second in expected goal percentage (57.0%) and lead in high-danger shots per game (4.8).
Two things hurt this team last year: Injuries and goaltending. They fixed the goaltending with the tandem of Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen. It has worked out well, as they are sixth in goals allowed per game (2.78).
The Rangers were the Presidents’ Trophy winners last season, but they cannot go on five-game pointless streaks if they want to be contenders. This team was known for how strong their defense and goaltenders were, but it's been their weak point this season. They are allowing a brutal 32.9 shots on goal per game. Starting goalie Igor Shesterkin has struggled with a .889 save percentage and a 3.50 GAA over his last eight games.
Now, he has to face one of the better offensive units. That will be tough for him, as he isn't getting any relief from his defense.
Pick: Devils Moneyline (-130)