NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (3/8)
As we begin the second half of the NHL season, there are a lot of teams in contention for the playoffs. We’ve seen that all some teams need to do is get in and make a huge run. Let’s break down a couple of games and give you the best bets.
Saturday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Dallas Stars (-105) at Edmonton Oilers (-115) | O/U 6.5 (-112/-108)
The Stars had one of the more notable trades at the deadline. They bolstered that already talented offense and picked up Mikko Rantanen, who is coming off back-to-back 100 point seasons. Putting him on the first line with Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson and you have 79 goals between them.
What makes them a potential title contender is their excellent defense. They are seventh in goals against above expected (-20.49) because of that blue line and Jake Oettinger, who is having another incredible season, allowing 2.63 goals per game.
That will be a challenge for the reigning Campbell Bowl champions, as the Oilers are already in a tough conference. They also bring a potent offense, as they are ninth in goals allowed per game. Connor McDavid has already won multiple Hart Trophies, but it finally might be time for Leon Draisaitl, who's leading the league in goals (48) and is the favorite to win the Trophy.
Imagine the Hart Trophy winner coming from someone on the second line because that's where Draisaitl plays, because this forward unit is deep with McDavid, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are dominating on the first line with.
This will be an exciting matchup with offensive firepower each team brings. Even with both teams having excellent offenses, we should expect a lot of scoring.
Pick: Over 6.5 (-112)
Buffalo Sabres (+230) at Florida Panthers (-285) | O/U 6.5 (+105/-125)
The Panthers probably made the most shocking trade of the deadline. Brad Marchand spent 16 years and played 1,090 games (4th all time) for the Bruins, and with the team failing to contend, he was shipped off to the hated division rival in South Beach. This was a needed move as Florida needed someone to replace Matthew Tkachuk, who will miss the remainder of the regular season. Marchand is a proven veteran with plenty of playoff experience and could play a large role for a team that is eighth in goals allowed (3.25).
The Sabres were quiet during the deadline. They have the fewest points in the Eastern Conference, so it isn't like they would have tried to improve this roster, but they didn't try to unload any players. They had a decent start to the year, but then went on a 0-10-3 run and never recovered. That offense is scoring 3.18 goals per game, but they have been inconsistent, and you can't be when the goaltending has been bad and allowing 3.49 goals per game.
Pick: Panthers -1.5 (-108)
