Let’s break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Sunday, January 25th.
Sunday’s NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Pittsburgh Penguins (-148) at Vancouver Canucks (+124) | O/U 6.5 (+105/-125)
The Penguins have stretches when they look like a contender and others when they struggle. From what we’re seeing, the team is finally getting everything and is efficient on both sides of the ice.
Since December 28th, their 22 points are the second-most in the league. They are scoring four goals per game, which is no surprise, but what is finally coming around is the goaltending. It has been a big turnaround for goalie Stuart Skinner. When they acquired the former Oilers goaltender, he struggled early, allowing four goals per game and posting an .831 save percentage. However, over his last seven games, he's allowed 1.57 goals per game with a .933 save percentage.
While the Penguins are ascending, the Canucks are plummeting. They have been on an abysmal stretch, going 2-12-2, scoring 2.19 goals (30th) and allowing 4.38 goals per game (32nd). There is some talent in Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, but injuries and a lack of support have hurt this team. As a result, the Canucks have begun to unload some players.
The Pens should stay hot and maintain the advantage over a team struggling to win.
Pick: Penguins Moneyline (-148)
Vegas Golden Knights (-135) at Ottawa Senators (+105) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
Ottawa is the prime example of a one-dimensional team. This is one of the most efficient offenses in the league, as they are fifth in expected goal share at 53% and sixth in goals above expected at 8.01; however, their goaltending is why this team has the second-fewest points in the Eastern Conference. They have an excellent blue line, allowing the third-fewest high-danger shots (140), but rank 28th in goals allowed per game (3.38). Leevi Merilainen was recently sent down to the minors. With Linus Ullmark still on injured reserve (IR), journeyman James Reimer and the inexperienced Hunter Shepard, who has six career NHL appearances, are rotating between the pipes.
The Golden Knights are getting back on track after a terrible stretch. They are currently on an 8-2-0 streak after a 1-5-3 run. Injuries played a huge role in their struggle, but now that the team is getting healthy, we're seeing their full potential. The offense has been on a great run, scoring at least four goals in seven of its last 10 games. Mark Stone has mainly carried this team, as he is on a franchise-best 14-point streak and has a league-leading 23 points during that span.
Vegas and Ottawa each play a lot of high-scoring games because they trust in their offensive talent, so we could see a lot of goals in this matchup.
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (+100)
