Let's break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Sunday, November 9th.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Carolina Hurricanes (-130) at Toronto Maple Leafs (+110) | O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
The Hurricanes are coming in having won three of their last four games. They are getting healthy at the right time, after dealing with injuries across the lineup. With a full roster, they are offensively stellar, ranking fourth in goals (3.62) and seventh in expected goal share (52.7%). What makes this team a contender every season is their balanced approach, and they also possess one of the top defenses, especially on the road, with a 2.69 GAA, which ranks seventh.
After a rough start to the season, the Maple Leafs are finally getting back in form, having won five of their last seven games. They possess the offensive talent to be one of the top teams, ranking fifth in goals per game (3.67). Their offense has been excellent, scoring four or more goals in five of their seven games. Their problem is that the goaltending has been brutal, as they are 29th in goals allowed (3.57).
These are two offenses that can score. The Leafs’ elite offense should be able to score against a good Carolina defense, and the Hurricanes should have no problem lighting the lamp against a below-average Toronto defense.
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (-105)
Chicago Blackhawks (+154) at Detroit Red Wings (-185) | O/U 6.5 (+114/-135)
The Blackhawks have struggled to find consistency this season, but they are still playing better than they did last season at 7-5-3. They are coming in winning two straight and have scored nine goals in that span. That offense has been helped by their star Connor Bedard, who is second in the league with 22 points and has a seven-game point streak. The goaltender has been superb, and the addition of Spencer Knight during last year's trade deadline has brought great results. He's been one of the top netminders this season as he leads the league in goals saved above expected (13.3) and is second in save percentage (.926).
Inconsistencies hurt the Red Wings last season, and it appears to be happening again. There is talent on this team, and we saw it recently during a three-game stretch against the Blues (twice) and the Kings, where they scored 15 goals. However, they are now coming off a two-game stretch where they scored just one goal. We're seeing that they falter against elite goaltending: They excelled against St. Louis, which ranks last in goals allowed, and struggled against New York, which allows the fewest goals per game (2.33).
This trend suggests that Detroit may struggle against one of the best goaltenders in the league, so look for the Blackhawks to pick up the road upset.
Pick: Blackhawks Moneyline (+154)
