It has been a wonky scheduling week in the NHL, but following a slim two-game slate on Wednesday, the league returns with a jam-packed 13-game docket tonight. I've got you covered from a sports betting angle, as I've narrowed in on a trio of best bets from the seemingly endless betting board. Here are my top NHL picks and bets for Thursday, March 26th.
Top NHL Picks & Predictions: Thursday (3/26)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Chicago Blackhawks (+142) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (-170) | 5.5 (-122/+102)
The Flyers (34-24-12) had their three-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday, losing a 3-2 home contest against the Blue Jackets. They'll attempt to rebound this evening when they host the Blackhawks (27-31-13), who shocked the Islanders with a 4-3 victory last time out. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA.
There will be some young, up-and-coming talent on the ice in this game, but I ultimately expect to see this contest finish under the 5.5-goal total. For starters, the under is 6-1 in Philadelphia's last seven games, as well as 9-1 in their last 10 at home. The under is also 6-2 in Chicago's last eight overall, and 8-2 in their last 10 road games.
These have been two of the worst offensive teams in the NHL over the last 10 games. During the 10-game stretch, the Blackhawks are 29th in goals per 60 minutes (2.36) and 30th in high-danger shots on goal (26), while the Flyers are 30th (2.31) and 24th (29), respectively. Philadelphia also brings in the worst power-play unit in the league at 14.78 percent, and Chicago's man advantage group isn't much better in 22nd place (18.14 percent).
Defensively, the Flyers are sixth in team GAA (2.41) over the last 10 games. So, while there will be plenty of budding prospects on the ice, we should also see two excited, veteran goaltenders looking to turn away their lowly opponents. Let's take the +102 payout that comes with the under in this 2010 Stanley Cup rematch.
Bet: Under 5.5 Goals (+102)
Columbus Blue Jackets (-102) vs. Montreal Canadiens (-118) | 6.5 (-108/-112)
The Eastern Conference playoff race is intense right now, and this matchup between the Blue Jackets (38-22-11) and the Canadiens (39-21-10) will have huge ramifications on how the standings shake out. This game gets underway at 7:00 p.m. ET from the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC.
The stakes will be high in this game, which would typically have me leaning towards more of a defensive-minded game. However, these teams have been so reliant on their offenses this season that I think we'll see each team reach the three-goal mark. I'm jumping on the over.
These are a pair of top-10 offenses over the last 10 games. Montreal is netting 3.54 goals per 60 minutes (sixth), while Columbus is right behind them in 10th place at 3.33 G/60. The Habs are third in high-danger shots on goal offensively (43) during the 10-game stretch, while the Jackets are eighth (38).
On the defensive end, the Canadiens have conceded the most high-danger shots on goal (49) over the last 10 games. Neither team has been too sound when it comes to penalty-killing either. Montreal is 27th at 76.26 percent, while Columbus is 23rd at 77.95 percent. When you factor in the pure goalscoring ability of guys like Cole Caufield (44 goals) and Juraj Slafkovsky (28 goals), but combine it with their questionable defense on the opposite end, I do think we'll reach the 3-3 threshold in this game. Let's take the over.
Bet: Over 6.5 Goals (-108)
San Jose Sharks (+120) vs. St. Louis Blues (-142) | 6.5 (+105/-125)
The Sharks (32-31-6) have dropped five straight games, creating a seven-point gap between them and the Predators for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. The Blues (29-30-11) are only a point behind the Sharks, so this conference clash should be an entertaining one. Puck drop is slated for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO.
The Sharks have been horrendous defensively this season, which is why I think we're seeing a total of 6.5 goals in this game. However, over the last 10 games specifically, San Jose has actually allowed the ninth-fewest high-danger shots on goal (30). They'll take on a St. Louis offense that's 22nd in goals per 60 minutes (2.74) over the last 10 games, while sitting 28th overall on the power play (16.57 percent) this season.
Considering an elevated total of 6.5 goals and St. Louis' mediocre offense, I think this is a good spot to play an under. As for the Blues, they've been unreal defensively recently. They're first in both team GAA (1.57) and save percentage (.944) over the last 10 games. This has led to the under cashing in six consecutive St. Louis games.
With a matchup against a San Jose offense that's averaging only 2.2 goals per game during its five-game slide, we should see St. Louis put the clamps on once again. Give me the under.
Bet: Under 6.5 Goals (-125)
