NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (1/18)
Let's break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Sunday, January 18th.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tampa Bay Lightning (-125) at Dallas Stars (+105) | O/U 6.5 (-135/+114)
The Lighting's winning streak ended at 11 games with a shootout loss to the Blues, but that still means they’ve acquired a point in 12 straight games. During this span, they have been dominating both ends of the ice, leading the league with 4.42 goals scored per game and ranking third with 2.33 goals allowed per game. This is the team whose core has seen its share of success. Players like Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Andrei Vasilevskiy have hoisted the Stanley Cup twice, and they know what it takes to remain contenders throughout a long season.
As hot as the Lightning are, the opposite can be said for the Stars. This team was a Presidents' Trophy contender, but over its last 11 games, it has a 2-5-4 record. The biggest problem is the lack of offensive production, scoring only 2.64 goals per game (25th) during that span, and they haven't even been productive on the man advantage, with only an 18.5% power-play rate. What's even more worrisome is that the usually dependable Jake Oettinger has not been a dependable goalie. Over his last six games, he has just a .874 SV% and 3.38 GAA.
This is a great chance for the Bolts to start a new winning streak.
Pick: Lightning Moneyline (-125)
Ottawa Senators (+114) at Detroit Red Wings (-135) | O/U 6.5 (-108/-112)
Ottawa is an excellent example of a one-dimensional team. They're good on offense, ranking 12th in goals per game and fifth in expected goal share at 53.4%, with a pair of players at 40 points (Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson). However, their goaltending is terrible. They have an excellent blue line, allowing the fewest high-danger shots (122), but rank 22nd in goals allowed (153). With Linus Ullmark injured, Leevi Merilainen has made six straight starts, including going back-to-back twice. He's allowed 3.33 goals per game in those six games, including six to Montreal on Saturday.
The Red Wings continue to play well and are tied with Tampa Bay for first place in the Atlantic Division. The top lines of their offense are crushing it, featuring two 20+ goal scorers (Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin), and Lucas Raymond is ninth with 38 assists. Goaltender John Gibson has been especially impacted by a rough start to the season. Since December 2nd, Gibson leads the league with a 2.06 GAA and a .929 SV% among goalies who have played at least 10 games.
Detroit already has a 5-3 win against Ottawa earlier this month and looks good to get another one.
Pick: Red Wings Moneyline (-135)