Let’s break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Sunday, January 11.
Sunday’s NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Pittsburgh Penguins (-122) at Boston Bruins (+102) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
The Penguins have had a season full of ups and downs. Recently, they went on a 1-5-4 run, allowing a league-worst 4.30 goals per game during that stretch. They have turned it around recently, going 6-1-0, and their goaltending is seventh (2.63). They recently traded for Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, and after allowing 4.00 goals per game and a .831 save percentage in his first three games, he's allowed just one goal in his last three with a .957 save percentage. If the goaltending can pull its weight with this talented offense, they can get back into playoff contention.
The Bruins are another team that has had trouble with consistency this season. They could be getting back on track with a 4-1-0 record coming off a 0-4-2 stretch. They have an impressive offense, ranking 12th with 3.16 goals per game, but during this recent five-game run, it's been especially excellent, with four or more goals in four of those games, including scoring ten in their last game against the Rangers.
We could see the speed of the offense on both sides take center stage, resulting in a high-scoring matchup.
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (+100)
Vegas Golden Knights (-170) at San Jose Sharks (+142) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)
The Golden Knights are on a horrific run, with a record of 3-5-3 over their last 11 games. Their biggest problem is injuries, as they haven't had their best players: Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and Adin Hill are either currently out or have missed time. When a team consistently has a different lineup, it's difficult to build chemistry, especially when it's your top players who set the tone. However, through all of this, they are tied with Edmonton for the lead in the Pacific.
The Sharks are just a point behind the Golden Knights, so a win today could move them into first. They are on a great run, winning six of their last seven, with the offense carrying this team, scoring 4.43 goals per game. They need every bit of this offense because the goaltending has been brutal, allowing 3.71 goals per game and an 81% penalty kill.
All three matchups have gone over, and due to each team having talented offensive players and bad goaltending.
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (-115)
