NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (1/3)
Let’s break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Saturday, January 3rd.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Pittsburgh Penguins (+120) at Detroit Red Wings (-142) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
Even though they dropped the last matchup to Pittsburgh, Detroit is playing very well. They've had rough patches, but they’re coming in at 10-3-1, and those 21 points are the second-most in that span. They have talented skaters like Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin, but it's the goaltending that has carried the team recently.
John Gibson struggled to start the season, allowing 3.40 goals per game in his first 13 appearances. He's turned it around, allowing 2.01 goals per game with a .930 save percentage in his last nine.
The Penguins have had a season full of ups and downs. Recently, they went on a 0-4-4 run, allowing a league-worst 4.25 goals per game during that stretch. While the goaltending is still not at its sharpest, having allowed seven goals in their last three games, they are carried by their offense, which has scored 16 goals.
The goaltending could be a concern throughout the season. They recently traded for Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, and even with allowing one goal in the last game, he's still allowed 3.36 goals per game in four appearances since joining the team.
Gibson didn't start in the last matchup against Pittsburgh on Thursday, but could be in net for this one. He could keep these Penguins quiet, and the Red Wings’ offense may play well against a struggling Penguins defense.
Pick: Red Wings Moneyline (-142)
Minnesota Wild (+110) at Los Angeles Kings (-130) | O/U 5.5 (-120/+100)
Minnesota has recently played better and is becoming a contender in the Western Conference. Since December 8th, their 22 points lead the league, and they have picked up points in 12 of their last 13 games. Both sides of the ice are playing well; Minnesota and Colorado are only two teams in the top five for goals allowed and scored since December 8th.
The Kings seem to hit a wall every year and go on extended losing streaks. That time might be now, as they are 2-6-2 in their last 10 games and are out of a playoff position. They've never had a strong offense, and currently rank second-to-last in goals scored per game (2.59). The defense usually carries them; however, they have allowed three goals per game in their last 10.
Pick: Wild Moneyline (+110)