Let’s break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Saturday, January 31st.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Rangers (+170) at Pittsburgh Penguins (-205) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
The Penguins have completely flipped their season around and look like a playoff contender. Since December 28th, they have been one of the better teams in the league, with the second-most points (26), and are one of just two teams averaging over four goals per game. The most significant turnaround comes from their goaltending; it was a major weakness at the beginning of the year, and they even traded for Stuart Skinner.
The former Oilers goalie had a rough start for the Penguins, allowing seven goals in his first two games, but he has quickly turned it around, allowing 1.72 goals per game in his last seven contests.
The Rangers may not be able to save their season. This is a squad that had high expectations, especially with bringing in former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, but it's been a disaster of a season. Sullivan was supposed to help a long-struggling offense, but they are 27th in goals per game (2.62).
The Penguins could be in line for a big win against their former coach.
Pick: Penguins 60-Minute Moneyline (-130)
Toronto Maple Leafs (-155) at Vancouver Canucks (+130) | O/U 6.5 (-112/-108)
The Maple Leafs could be considered the biggest disappointment of the season. They are on a brutal run, going 1-6-2 in their last nine games, with the defense continually disappointing. They are 30th in goals allowed per game (3.46), but are around average in save percentage (.897), which is due to struggles on the blue line, which is allowing the most shots per game (31.6).
The Canucks are also struggling. They have been on an abysmal stretch, going 2-12-2, scoring 2.19 goals (30th) and allowing 4.38 goals per game (32nd). There is some talent in Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, but injuries and a lack of support have hurt this team. As a result, the Canucks have begun to unload some players. The defense is allowing opponents to get great shot opportunities, as they are allowing a league-high four high-danger shots per game. That is one of the reasons why they are allowing the most goals per game in the NHL.
With both teams having below-average defenses, this could be a game with a lot of goals.
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (-112)
