Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Sunday (3/10)
We are now in the second half of the season. Let's analyze today's matchups and give you the best bets.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Edmonton Oilers (-148) at Pittsburgh Penguins (+124) | O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)
The Penguins' selling off some of their players shows they're throwing in the towel for the season. They got rid of a few pieces at the trade deadline, including Jake Guentzal. It was a smart move, as they got a lot of picks back for a player they probably weren't re-signing. The offense has been pitiful, and over their last 20, they are averaging 2.63 goals per game, have been shut out twice in their previous five, and are coming off a one-goal performance against Boston.
The Oilers hit a snag after losing their 16-game losing streak, they did just have a five-game winning streak, but now have lost back-to-back. Calvin Pickard was between the pipes for the last matchup and will be there again; in that previous game, he saved 22-of-23 en route to an easy 6-1 win.
It doesn't matter if each is playing a back-to-back; the Penguins' offense is non-existent, and although Edmonton has taken two upsets recently, they'll rebound in this one.
Pick: Oilers Moneyline (-148)
Nashville Predators (+124) at Minnesota Wild (-148) | O/U 6 (+105/-125)
Nashville is having a better season than most expected, and that's why they became buyers at the trade deadline. They're playing very well, going 10-0-1 in their last 11, dominating the puck with a 55% expected goal share.
We'll see how that plays out against a great Minnesota defense, with the blue line being especially tough, allowing the fewest high danger shots. This will likely be Marc-Andre Fleury's night in the cage, and it's the smart move because Filip Gustavsson allowed six goals against the Preds in the last matchup. The veteran continues to put on a legendary career, and lately, he's shutting down offenses with a .921 save percentage in his last nine appearances.
Juuse Saros vs. Fleury is a goaltending matchup to be excited about. The Predators are in the second leg of a back-to-back and now have a tough defensive matchup, so look for Minnesota to grab a win.
Pick: Wild Moneyline (-148)
Calgary Flames (+170) at Carolina Hurricanes (-205) | O/U 6 (-125/-105)
The Hurricanes made a statement during the trade deadline; they are ready to win. They made several trades, the biggest being for Penguins star Jake Guentzel. Canes fans shouldn't get too excited just yet because he is on Long-Term Injured Reserve, but he is projected to return soon. Carolina picked the huge playmaker in what is already a very good roster, as they have ten players with double-digit goals.
The Flames sit near the middle of most metrics, but that has been due to a rough start to the season. They have steadily improved and are getting contributions from their stars; the offense has been stellar over their last ten games, with Nazeem Kadri having 11 points (6G 5A), Yegor Sharangovich has 10 (6G 4A), and Blake Coleman has five goals. Goalie Jacob Markstrom has also been good lately, with a 2.83 GAA and .900 save percentage over his last six, but that's largely due to the offensive support.
Carolina is a heavy favorite, but this game could be close with the way Calgary’s offense has played. Look to eye the over six with the small risk to push.
Pick: Over 6 Total Goals (-125)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Sunday: