NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (3/10)
There are a lot of teams in contention for the NHL playoffs. We’ve seen that all some teams need to do is get in and make a huge run. Let’s break down a couple of today’s games and give you our best bets.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Edmonton Oilers (-192) at Buffalo Sabres (+160) | O/U 5.5 (-122/+102)
The reigning Western Conference champions are getting back on track by winning three of their last four after losing five straight. The defense struggled during that previous losing streak, allowing 5.20 goals per game. Even the Oilers’ highly talented offense couldn't help, but they will need to be the driving force if they finally want to hoist the Stanley Cup.
They have the potential with Leon Draisaitl, who is the current Hart Trophy favorite, as his 48 goals lead the league. Add that to an already Hart Trophy-winning Connor McDavid, along with Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and this will be a difficult offense to contain during the playoffs.
The Sabres currently have the fewest points in the Eastern Conference, after another season where they failed to achieve expectations. They had a decent start to the year, but then went on a 0-10-3 run and never recovered. They are on another current winless run (0-5-1). The offense is scoring a respectable 3.18 goals per game, but they have been inconsistent, and you can’t be when the goaltending has been bad, allowing 3.50 goals per game.
This could be a tougher game than the odds indicate. The Sabres have the offensive capabilities to keep up with the Oilers, which could make this a high-scoring matchup.
Pick: Over 5.5 Goals (-122)
Chicago Blackhawks (+410) at Colorado Avalanche (-550) | O/U 6.5 (-110/-110)
The Avalanche were one of the busiest teams during the season in terms of shaping this roster. They made trades to improve from the start of the season, including replacing both goalies and trading Mikko Rantanen to the Hurricanes for Martin Necas.
All their moves are helping because they have won five straight and moved into third place in the Central Division.
The Blackhawks currently have the second-fewest points in the league and have a chance to get the first overall pick. Connor Bedard was their last first-round pick and he continues to improve as he leads the team in points (52) and assists (35). Unfortunately, neither ranks in the top 40, as the team lacks depth and opponents can focus on stopping Bedard.
The Avalanche's offense has been fantastic with back-to-back games scoring seven goals. They now face a Blackhawks team allowing 3.47 goals per game (29th).
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (-110)