NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (1/24)
Let's break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Saturday, January 24th.
Saturday's NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Montreal Canadiens (-105) at Boston Bruins (-115) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Canadiens are on a great run, going 6-2-2 over their last 10 games, looking like a playoff contender. The top lines are dominating during this stretch when you see that Cole Caufield (five goals, five assists), Nick Suzuki (two goals, 10 assists) and Juraj Slafkovsky (five goals, five assists) are carrying this offense. Montreal ranks seventh in goals scored per game (3.70) since January 4th.
Their biggest problem continues to be goaltending inconsistency. Sam Montembeault has already been sent down to the minors for struggling earlier this year, and he hasn't been better recently, allowing 3.20 goals per game with a .890 save percentage over his last five games.
The Bruins are one of the hottest teams in hockey, as their 18 points since December 31st are the second-most in the league. The offense has been dominant, and it's thanks to star David Pastrnak. His ability to move the puck is helping, as he has 16 assists in his last 11 games, with Marat Khusnutdinov and Fraser Minten having six goals each in that span.
Another reason they could return to the playoffs after missing them last season is the revival of Jeremy Swayman. He finished with a career-worst 3.12 goals allowed per game last season, but it’s improved to 2.88 this season. Over his previous four games, Swayman been even better, allowing 2.50 goals per game with a .913 save percentage.
The Habs’ goaltending issues could be trouble against a Bruins offense playing very well.
Pick: Bruins Moneyline (-115)
Tampa Bay Lightning (-125) at Columbus Blue Jackets (+105) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Lightning have been on a hot streak in recent weeks, recording points in 15 straight games, which has helped them accumulate the most points in the Eastern Conference (68). This veteran group of forwards has them as the only team in the league averaging over four goals per game since December 20th. Nikita Kucherov has been the best skater in that time, as his 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) lead the league.
The Blue Jackets are on a nice run recently, going 5-1-0 in their last six games. However, it hasn't been against the most competitive teams, with wins over Utah, Calgary and a struggling Dallas. They are not efficient on offense; it's a concern when a defenseman leads your team in points (Zach Werenski with 53 points). They desperately need their forwards to step up.
Despite playing the night before, the Bolts could grab another big win.
Pick: Lightning Moneyline (-125)