Let's break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Sunday, December 21st.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Toronto Maple Leafs (+170) at Dallas Stars (-205) | O/U 6.5 (+114/-135)
It's another season in which the Stars have one of the league’s best rosters. Their balanced approach to every game is why they have the second-most points (53) and are one of two teams that rank in the top five in goals scored and allowed. Last year’s trade deadline pickup of Mikko Rantanen is continually paying off as he's fifth in the league with 48 points. They also have five players with at least 30 points.
It’s been a rough season for the Maple Leafs as they've failed to find consistency. This is one of the league’s better offensive lineups, ranking 10th in goals scored per game(3.18), but goaltending struggles will keep this team from success. They come into this game 23rd in goals allowed per game (3.29), frequently seeing the team contend on offense but not on defense. Toronto has lost two of its last three games despite scoring three or more goals twice.
Toronto's defense could struggle against the Stars, who have so many scoring options.
Pick: Stars 60-Minute Moneyline (-135)
Colorado Avalanche (-162) at Minnesota Wild (+136) | O/U 6.5 (+110/-130)
We've got two of the hottest teams coming into this matchup.
We are seeing a massive turnaround in Minnesota after a rough start to the season. After beginning the year with a 3-6-3 record, they have gone 19-3-2 since November 1st, the league’s best record during that span. The offense has been average this season, so it's the defense that has carried this team, with a league-best 1.79 goals allowed and third-best penalty kill (86.7%). Primary goalie Filip Gustavsson contained Edmonton's third-best offense to two goals in a win on Saturday. However, you could argue Jesper Wallstedt is better, as his 1.96 GAA and .936 save percentage lead the league.
Colorado continues to prove they are the best team in the league. They have lost just two games in regulation. With 57 points through 34 games, the Avalanche are on pace to tie Boston’s record of 135 points (set in the 2022-2023 season). A lot of great teams are strong on one side, but it's challenging to find a weakness because the Avalanche lead the league in goals allowed per game (2.21) and are the only team averaging four goals a game.
This could be a fun matchup to watch with two teams playing well at the moment. Wallstedt has a tough task ahead of him, stopping this Avs team, but he's done well against other top offenses. On the other side, Mackenzie Blackwood is eighth in goals allowed per game (2.26). Both teams could fight for points in this game.
Pick: Under 6.5 Goals (-130)
