Let's break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Sunday, February 1st.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Vegas Golden Knights (-120) at Anaheim Ducks (+100) | O/U 6.5 (-120/+100)
The Golden Knights are struggling for consistency, going 1-3-2 in their last six games. It recently felt like they were turning things around when they won seven in a row, but their goaltending is starting to let them down again, allowing 18 total goals in the last four games. There is still a lot of offensive talent to lean on with three 20+ goal scorers, and they are fourth in expected goal share (53.8%).
The Ducks are also having a season filled with ups and downs. Over the last few weeks, they had a seven-game winning streak, preceded by a nine-game losing streak. They have just lost back-to-back games, including being shut out by the Canucks, who are allowing a league-worst 3.61 goals per game.
The success of Anaheim depends on the performance of No. 1 goalie Lukas Dostal. He has recently been one of the top goaltenders in the league. Over his last seven games, he's allowed three or fewer goals in each, with the Ducks winning six of those games. In the preceding eight games, Dostal allowed four or more goals in six games, all ending in losses.
Both games between these two this season have ended with a 4-3 Ducks overtime win. We could see another game reach the over.
Pick: Over 6,5 Goals (-120)
Boston Bruins (+185) at Tampa Bay Lightning (-225) | O/U 5.5 (-130/+110)
The Lightning are on an unbelievable run, making them a championship contender. Since December 20th, they are 16-1-1, with a league-high 33 points during that span. In those 18 games, they scored 4.06 goals per game and allowed 2.22 goals per game. This is a team whose core has experienced its share of success. Players like Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Andrei Vasilevskiy have won the Stanley Cup twice. They understand what it takes to stay competitive throughout a long season.
The Bruins are also starting to look like a contender. Since December 31st, they are tied with the Lightning with 25 points and are second in goals per game (4.13). The offense has been strong, and it’s all thanks to star David Pastrnak. His puck-handling ability is contributing mightily, as his 47 assists are sixth in the league. Those assists have played a part in Boston having eight players with 11+ goals.
Another reason they could return to the playoffs after missing them last season is Jeremy Swayman’s resurgence. He finished last season with a career-worst 3.12 goals allowed per game, but that number has improved to 2.88 this season. Over his previous four games, Swayman has been even better, allowing 2.87 goals per game with a .904 save percentage.
Even with this game having the special circumstances of being played outside at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, we could still see each team's prominent offenses as the focal point of this game.
Pick: Over 5.5 Goals (-130)
