Let’s break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Saturday, December 6th.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Colorado Avalanche (-170) at New York Rangers (+142) | O/U 6.5 (+114/-135)
You can’t argue with the Avalanche being the best team in the league, as they have just two regulation losses this season. When examining some of these excellent teams, occasionally one side is better, but Colorado dominates on both ends, leading the league with 4.04 goals per game and 2.19 goals allowed per contest.
Their top line and defense pairing is top-tier, featuring the league’s top four players in plus/minus rating. That includes Nathan MacKinnon, who really wants that second Hart Trophy, as his 46 points are six points better than the next player, and he's recorded two or more points in four of his last five games.
Have the Rangers finally figured it out? This team struggled early in the season with a 10-11-2 record, but they are now 5-1-0 in their last six games. Their biggest problem this season has been the offense, but it might finally be coming alive: Their 3.50 goals per game rank ninth since November 24th.
The Blue Shirts are just 3-8-1 at home, but have recently won two out of three in Madison Square Garden. The Avalanche’s point streak finally ended, and they are in danger of facing a second straight loss, as New York plays well on both sides of the ice.
Pick: Rangers Moneyline (+142)
Montreal Canadiens (+114) at Toronto Maple Leafs (-135) | O/U 6.5 (-110/-110)
The Maple Leafs have the offensive talent, as they are currently third with 3.48 goals per game, but the defense has been horrendous. On November 22nd, they were last, allowing 3.73 goals per game, but things are beginning to turn around. They've allowed just 1.80 goals per game in their previous five. The recent success has a lot to do with the return of goalie Joseph Woll, who's been between the pipes in three of the Leafs' last four victories.
Consistency has been a weak point for the Canadiens this season. They have won three out of their last five games, but previously went 0-4-1. The offense continues to be their strength, ranking sixth with 3.31 goals per game. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki are a dangerous duo, combining for 60 points this season on the team's first line. The Habs just need better goaltending to become a true playoff contender. Montreal is alternating between Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes, but neither has played well, with each posting a sub-.900 save percentage.
That could make it difficult to contain a high-power offense with so many scoring options.
Pick: Maple Leafs Moneyline (-135)
