NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (11/29)
Let's break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Saturday, November 29th.
Saturday's NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Montreal Canadiens (+210) at Colorado Avalanche (-258) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
The Canadiens are coming in on a three-game winning streak, but consistency has been a problem for them this season. Before this streak, they had a 0-4-1 run. The offense continues to set the tone, ranking third in scoring at 3.45 goals per game, with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki remaining a dangerous duo, combining for 49 points on the team’s first line. A problem that could prevent them from making a Stanley Cup run is goaltending. Montreal has alternated between Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes, but neither has shown success, with each having a sub-.900 save percentage.
You can't argue against the Avalanche being the best team in the league. They have just one loss in regulation this season, which was all the way back in October. They are currently on a 15-game points streak. Sometimes it is one side that carries a good team, but for Colorado, they dominate on both ends, leading the NHL with 4.09 points and 2.09 goals allowed per game. Their top line is one of the best, with each player ranking in the top five in plus/minus, and they dominate the top five when you factor in their top two defensemen. Nathan MacKinnon really wants that second Hart Trophy, as his 41 points are seven better than the next player.
The Habs’ struggle to defend the net will be tough against the Avs, who have many scoring options.
Pick: Avalanche -1.5 (+100)
Toronto Maple Leafs (-112) at Pittsburgh Penguins (-108) | O/U 5.5 (-135/+114)
The Maple Leafs are falling fast, and they need to right the ship, or it will be a long season. They are entering the game with a 2-6-1 record in their last nine games, and their 23 points this season are the second-lowest total in the Eastern Conference. For most of the season, goaltending was a problem. They were hoping the return of Joseph Woll would get them back on track. It hasn't worked out, as he's just 2-2-1. allowing three or more goals in five out of six games.
Some thought Pittsburgh wouldn't be competitive, and while it's still early in the season, they’re playing well above expectations. This is the second straight year the Penguins have the oldest roster in the league, which includes three of the top 10 oldest players (Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang). However, these veterans are still contributing, especially Crosby (25) and Malkin (24) topping the team in points.
The Leafs are in the middle of a six-game road trip, and it doesn't help that they are 2-7-0 on the road this season. The Pens have the best power-play conversion rate in the league, which could be bad for the Leafs’ defensive struggles.
Pick: Penguins Moneyline (-108)