NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (1/10)
Let's break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Saturday, January 10th.
Saturday's NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Detroit Red Wings (+120) at Montreal Canadiens (-142) | O/U 6.5 (+102/-122)
The Atlantic Division is a close race, with Montreal and Detroit tied at 56 points.
After a rough patch a few weeks back, it looks like the Canadiens are heading in the right direction. The team has always been great on offense, but they are now showing a balanced approach. The goaltending was brutal for a brief period, including sending Sam Montembeault to the minors, but it's been significantly better in recent weeks. The 3.11 goals allowed per game this season don't look great, but they are trending in the right direction, as their 2.27 goals allowed per game since December 18th ranks fourth.
The Red Wings are also improving, which has helped them return to playoff contention. They are similar to the Canadiens in that while the offense has a lot of talent, it's been the goaltending that has anchored this team. Since December 6th, they are fourth in goals allowed per game (2.53) and third in penalty kill rate (84.4%). John Gibson has been a brick wall in net in that span, as he leads the league with 10 wins in that time with a .930 save percentage.
These are rivals, and each wants to gain the advantage in the division. This game will be physical, and with the talent between the pipes, there will not be much scoring.
Pick: Under 6.5 Goals (-122)
Florida Panthers (+100) at Ottawa Senators (-120) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
The Panthers have faced many hurdles to reach their current position. They are missing two players who have been key to their recent championships. Matthew Tkachuk has yet to play after suffering a torn abductor and sports hernia during last year's playoffs, but he's traveling with the team, so his return could be imminent. Aleksander Barkov, who led the team with 51 assists, tore his ACL early in training camp and will miss the entire regular season. We've seen this team struggle at times, including now, as they are 1-3-1 in their last five game.
The Senators’ season started promising, but it has quickly taken a turn for the worse, and they are sitting in last place in the Atlantic. The offense does so well at generating scoring opportunities, ranking fifth in expected goal share (52.7%) and seventh in power-play rate (23.7%),
Unfortunately, the goaltending has been poor. They are last this season in save percentage (.872) and 27th in goals allowed per game (3.27). Among the 87 goalies who have played at least once this season, Linus Ullmark ranks last with a -18.3 goals saved above expected, and Leevi Merilainen is 85th at -13.3.
This is a great opportunity for Florida to secure a much-needed win, as the offense could perform well against one of the weakest defenses.
Pick: Panthers Moneyline (+100)