NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (12/8)
We have a slate of seven exciting games in the NHL on Sunday. We’ll break the slate down and give you our best NHL bets.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Columbus Blue Jackets (+154) at Winnipeg Jets (-185) | O/U 6 (-112/-108)
The Jets began as the hottest team in the league, winning 15 of their first 16 games. However, they have cooled significantly since, going 5-7-0 in their last 12.
At one point, they were the league’s best offense, peaking at 4.21 goals per game. However, they have scored more than one goal in just four of their last eight games, and their 3.63 goals per game are fifth.
The Blue Jackets are playing much better than anticipated but are going through a rough stretch by losing three straight. The offense is holding it down as they're eighth in goals (3.38), have three players with 20+ points and have eight players with six goals. The only concern is they're outplaying their potential when you look at their 49.7% expected goal rate (19th).
The goaltending has been horrible from the start, as they're 30th in goals allowed per game (3.65). The blue line has been good, allowing 28 shots on goal, but the netminders are 29th in save percentage on shots on goal (.894).
The Jets are on the second leg of a back-to-back, so they'll send out Eric Comrie to tend goal. We've seen the offense look better in the last two games and could put up some goals, but we should expect Columbus to respond, so look toward the over.
Pick: Over 6 Goals (-112)
Tampa Bay Lighting (-105) at Vancouver Canucks (-115) | O/U 6 (-110/-110)
The Lightning have had some struggles the last few weeks, as they are 6-6-2 in their last 14. Their offense has been excellent throughout this run, averaging 3.92 goals per game and a 52.7% Corsi rate.
Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has not played like a Vezina Trophy winner. In his last five games, he has a 3.20 GAA and a .881 save percentage.
The Canucks have started well enough, and their 32 points are third in the Pacific Division. The offense has been fine, scoring 3.32 goals per game (ninth), but they need to improve their defense.
Help is finally coming, as Thatcher Demko is making his season debut. Demko was a big part of the team's success last year. When he went down in the first round of the playoffs you knew they weren't going to go far and the highly talented Oilers’ offense was able to end their season.
That is not how Demko wants to start the season going up against the Bolts’ offense.
Pick: Lightning Moneyline (-105)