Hockey season is in full swing. There are a few intriguing matchups today, so let’s look at the best games to target.
Sunday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Ottawa Senators (+120) at Minnesota Wild (-142) | O/U 5.5 (-125/+105)
The Wild have some talent but need upgrades if they want to be a contender. The blueline is allowing nearly 29 shots on goal per game, but they likely have goalie Filip Gustavsson, who's having a phenomenal year as he's sixth in goals saved, expected (11.5), and has a 2.26 GAA.
The offense had been great to start the season, but they recently struggled with four goals in four games, losing all four. Kirill Kaprizov is their only consistent forward, but he needs a better-supporting cast. He always might now play as he deals with an injury.
The offensive power of the Senators will test that defense. They are generating a 51% expected goal share at full strength, and they are led by Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, and Drake Batherson, each with over 30 points. They also have multiple lines with scorers, including Josh Norris with 13 goals and Adam Gauette at the fourth line with 13 goals.
This will be a challenge for Minnesota, even with that talented goaltending. Ottawa can generate shots on almost every shift, and even if Kaprizov plays, the Senators could win.
Pick: Senators Moneyline (+120)
Montreal Canadiens (+220) at Tampa Bay Lightning (-270) | O/U 6.5 (-118/-102)
The Lightning are playing so well right now as they come in 8-2-0 in their last ten. Not only are they winning, but they are dominating with all eight wins by multiple goals; they’ve scored four or more goals in seven and have allowed two or fewer goals in six.
That top line has been stellar. Between Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point, and Nikita Kucherov, they have 56 points (22G, 34A) in their last 11 games, which included providing three goals and five assists in Saturday's win against the Rangers.
They will go against the Canadiens, who are 24th in goals allowed per game (2.94) and last in shots generated (24.8). They are coming off a massive upset over the Panthers, as they faced they were able to get four goals on 25 shots. Hopefully, They could generate more offense as they are lucked out and won't see Andrei Vasilevskiy.
It will still be difficult to contain an offense that's been one of the best recently, but the Habs could put up some goals and help hit this over.
