Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (2/26)
We are now in the second half of the season. Let's analyze today's matchups and give you the best bets.
Monday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Kings (+130) at Edmonton Oilers (-155) | O/U 6.5 (-120/+100)
The Oilers have hit a rough patch since returning from the All-Star break. They didn't get their 17th straight win, and it might have taken the wind out of their sails because they have been 4-5-1 since the break. The offense still contributes and has the best-expected goal percentage in the league, but the defense has regressed. They have a .888 save percentage in the last ten games.
It seems the Kings and Oilers have switched places in the last two weeks. Los Angeles was going through tough times before the break, but they made a coaching change, which has benefited them by propelling them to 6-2-0 since. They are not scoring a ton of points, but they haven't needed it with how great the defense is as they still possess the second-best expected goals share at even strength. Whether it's David Rittich or Cam Talbot, both are excellent choices between the pipes, as Talbot saved 24-of-26 against Edmonton this year, and Rittich posted a shutout.
The Oilers are coming in as a large favorite, but it's hard to show confidence with how each team is playing. LA had a 4-0 shutout in the last matchup, and the defense is playing up to par.
Pick: Kings Moneyline (+130)
New York Islanders (+145) at Dallas Stars (-175) | O/U 6 (-122/+102)
It wasn't too long ago when we were calling the Stars one of the more balanced teams in the league. Offensively, they haven't shown up recently, as they've scored four goals in the last three games and are 1-2-2 in their previous five. The metrics show they're still one of the best, and there are no injuries, so this looks like just a slump.
It's been noted how several teams made coaching changes, and it has been a positive move, but that's not the case for the Islanders. Patrick Roy's takeover has not been successful, as they're 4-5-3, and he was supposed to improve the defense, but they've allowed four or more goals in five of the last six.
The Jake Oettinger vs. Ilya Sorokin matchup at goalie will be the highlight of this game. Even with the Dallas offense being subpar right now, you can trust them at home against the Isles, who are looking lost.
Pick: Stars 60-Minute Moneyline (-110)
Ottawa Senators (-118) at Washington Capitals (-102) | O/U 6.5 (-102/-118)
It's so hard to figure out the Capitals. The offense has been atrocious, as they're 30th in goals per game, and it's been an unusually terrible year for Alex Ovechkin, as he has just 16 goals in 53 games. The defense is only average; Charles Lindgren and Darcy Kuemper have been splitting games. After Lindgren starting three straight, it could be Kuemper’s turn on Monday.
The Senators have no problem scoring, as their 3.35 goals per game is eighth. They have eight players with 30 points or more, and their top forwards are on fire; over the last ten games; Mathieu Joseph and Josh Norris both have seven points, Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto both have eight, and Brady Tkachuk has nine.
Their problem with Ottawa has been they can't defend. The Senators won this last matchup 6-1, and they could easily put a high score, but the Caps can do their share as well.
Pick: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-102)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday: