NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (2/2)
We have a nice 10-game slate with plenty of betting options tonight. We’ve been on a roll lately, so let’s keep it going.
Monday’s NHL Best Bets & Picks
San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks
The philosophical question we can ask about this contest is: Are we chasing good offense or bad defense? The Blackhawks (21-25-9) are not good defensively, allowing 3.15 goals per game, but they also come up short on offense, only scoring 2.64 goals per contest. The Sharks (27-22-4) are actually WORSE defensively, allowing 3.43 goals per game, but they score 3.09 goals per game. It’s odd, then, that both teams have been strong plays to the UNDER in their last 10. Ah, hockey.
Last week, I said that Macklin Celebrini is reaching territory where I frequently bet him to get over 1.5 points against bad teams, and you can go that way for +132. I’m preferring to take a points parlay tonight between Chicago star Connor Bedard and Celebrini’s favorite sidekick, Will Smith.
Pick: Connor Bedard + Will Smith Point Parlay (+119)
Montreal Canadiens @ Minnesota Wild
In what should be a good matchup, the Canadiens (31-17-7) head to St. Paul to take on the Wild (32-14-10). Montreal is 6-3-1 in their last 10, including a shellacking of Colorado at home. Minnesota is also 6-3-1, including a shellacking of Edmonton on the road. The biggest difference between these two squads is their defensive capabilities: the Canadiens allow 3.24 goals per game, while the Wild are in the top 10 in goals against, allowing only 2.82 per game. However, Minnesota is a much better road team, as is Montreal, so let’s roll with the dogs in this one.
Pick: Montreal ML +119
New York Islanders @ Washington Capitals
In three matchups this season, these two teams have gone UNDER the 6.5 total. I don’t see any reason for this pattern to change at this point, so let’s hit this quick bet at decent odds to round out our Monday card.
Pick: UNDER 6.5 (-115)