Let’s break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Sunday, March 15th.
Sunday’s NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Nashville Predators (+154) at Edmonton Oilers (-185) | O/U 6.5 (-120/+100)
For the Oilers to have the opportunity to get back into the Stanley Cup Finals for a third straight year, they need to first get into the playoffs.
Nothing is secure, and there are multiple scenarios for seeding; they are currently third in the Pacific Division with 73 points, but only two points behind the Ducks for first place. However, the San Jose Sharks are only four points behind, and the Los Angeles Kings are only five points behind.
Realistically, the Oilers could finish the season in first place in their division or out of the playoffs entirely.
While this is one of the best offenses in their league, ranking fourth in goals scored (3.51), the goaltending has struggled, ranking 27th in goals allowed (3.40).
The Predators are two points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the final Wild Card spot, so every game is important.
This team has lacked consistency throughout the season and has difficulty winning consecutive games. Much of that is on their defense: the blue line is allowing 29.3 shots per game (22nd), and the goaltending hasn't helped; they are tied with the Oilers in goals allowed.
Nashville goalie Juuse Saros is having his worst season, with career-worst numbers in goals-against average (3.15) and save percentage (.898).
The Oilers have a large advantage on the offensive, and that's what could drive them to a win.
Pick: Oilers 60-Minutes Moneyline (-115)
San Jose Sharks (+170) at Ottawa Senators (-205) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)
After finishing with the fewest points in the previous two seasons, the Sharks are fighting for a playoff spot. They are playing well at the right time, going 5-1-2 in their last seven, and their win on Saturday against Montreal put them in the last Wild Card spot.
We are seeing Macklin Celebrini become a superstar, and in his second year, he is fifth in the league with 91 points. He was the key player in Saturday's 4-2 victory against the Canadiens, scoring two goals, and has recorded a point in eight consecutive games.
The Senators are also playing well at the right time. For most of the season, Ottawa has been hovering around .500, but they are surging recently. Since January 25, they are 10-2-2 and those 22 points are third during that time.
The biggest turnaround is from the goaltending. Linus Ullmark dealt with injuries and struggled most of the season, but in his last nine games, he has allowed 2.22 goals per game and posted a .905 save percentage.
It could be James Reimer in net for the Senators with Ullmark playing Saturday, but he's also been outstanding recently, allowing two or fewer goals in two of his last three games, including a win against the Avalanche.
Pick: Senators 60-Minute Moneyline (-135)
