A fresh NHL season is upon us, and it means optimism for all 32 fan bases. As the season progresses, we’ll see who the real contenders are, but it will be great to see what teams surprise us all. Let’s break down some key matchups today in the NHL.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Montreal Canadiens (-148) at Chicago Blackhawks (+124) | O/U 6.5 (+114/-135)
Let's look at a matchup in the Windy City, with the Blackhawks (0-1-1) set to host the Canadiens (1-1-0). The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET from the United Center in Chicago, IL.
Is this the year the Blackhawks become a contender? They only have one point through the first two games, but based on their performance to start the year, there's optimism. They lost by one to the defending champions right after putting up the championship banner and went to overtime with the Bruins in Boston. The problem in previous seasons was that Connor Bedard was the offense. While he has two points, four other players are tied with two, and Frank Nazar has three.
The Habs were a team that finally got a taste of the postseason last year. This is another squad that needs offensive support for its superstars. Nick Suzuki (89) and Cole Caufield (70) were the leaders in points, and while they each had 30 goals last year, no one else had more than 21. Ultimately, Sam Montembeault’s breakout season behind the net was a key part of their success.
Montembeault is known to be inconsistent, and being in front of their home crowd, the Blackhawks will have a ton of momentum to grab a win.
Pick: Blackhawks Moneyline (+124)
New York Rangers (-142) at Pittsburgh Penguins (+120) | O/U 6.5 (+114/-135)
These two teams are already meeting for the second time this season, as the Rangers (1-1-0) travel to Pittsburgh to battle the Penguins (2-0-0). This game is set to start at 7 p.m. ET at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.
It's Season 21 of Sid "Not So Much of a Kid" Crosby, but he has shown no signs of regression as he comes in with three straight seasons of 90+ points. However, thanks to a lack of offensive support and no goaltending, Pittsburgh finished last season with the fourth-fewest points in the Eastern Conference. Even with one of their best scorers Bryan Rust out, they've managed to score seven goals in two games, thanks to Evgeni Malkin’s league-leading five assists, and Justin Brazeau, tied for second with three goals. The biggest problem last year was the goaltender, and they didn't make a significant move to address it. They still have Tristan Jarry, who had a 3.12 GAA last year for the Pens, and signed long-time Canucks backup Arturs Silovs.
Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan will make his return to Pittsburgh for the first time. In the previous ten seasons, he coached the Penguins, winning two Stanley Cups. The Rangers are hoping he brings that same winning culture to New York, as they are two years removed from their Eastern Conference Final appearance, but failed to make the playoffs last year. Both their games this year featured shutouts. In their previous game, they blanked the Sabres, but in the first game of the year, they couldn't hit the back of the net against Pittsburgh.
The Blue Shirts could have better luck on offense, but Pittsburgh keep up in what could be a high-scoring game.
