NHL schedule-makers seem to have spread things out much more evenly, at least for this week. That means we have a solid 6-game slate to work with. We’ve got some great clashes between Eastern Conference teams and a high-flying affair up in Edmonton. It was a strong weekend overall, but let’s start our new week with a mega payout to cover your wagers for the days to come. We’ve pieced together our 3 favorite plays for tonight’s action on the ice, so let’s check them out. Before we dive in, be sure to check out our NHL picks for today’s action.
We’re getting things started with what is set to be quite a mismatch. The Golden Knights have been atop the entire Western Conference throughout the season, while the Blue Jackets have been at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. We’re expecting those ranks to hold true in tonight’s matchup. Vegas was upset in stunning fashion on Saturday night, and should be licking their chops in this bounce-back spot.
The Jackets have allowed the 2nd-most shots per game, which has led to allowing the most goals per game. That mark doesn’t get any better at home either. Columbus is still allowing over 4 goals per game in their own arena. With the way Jack Eichel has been shooting the puck, expect a big night from him. Despite their recent loss, Vegas is still allowing the 5th-fewest goals per game, which does not bode well for a Jackets team that scores less than 3 goals per game. This may be one of the more popular plays of the day, but the Knights should still become the first team in the west to win 17 games.
Let’s pivot to a total for our second play. Nearly every fan would agree that the Devils have been the surprise story of the NHL so far this season. They were recently on a 13-game winning streak and although that was snapped, they’ve won each of their last 2 games since then. They’ve done so by holding the opposition to just a single goal in each of those contests. The most recent was against the Washington Capitals and Alex Ovechkin, who is looking to become the most prolific goalscorer in NHL history. After those performances, the Devils are allowing just 2.18 goals per game, the best mark in the league.
Being on the road in Madison Square Garden shouldn’t cause any issues either. New Jersey is allowing just 2.1 goals per game on the road. As for the Rangers, they just held Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers scoreless into the 3rd period in their last outing. While they collapsed in the end, that should not be expected again from reigning Vezina Trophy holder Igor Shesterkin. New York is still allowing just 2.77 goals per game, the 7th-fewest in the NHL. There’s exciting talent on the ice among both teams, but the goaltenders should come up big tonight.
The Stars should have us shining bright to close out our mega parlay. Much like our first play, these are 2 teams coming off of opposite performances. Dallas had a tough time on the road against the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. However, they still remain above the Avs and the rest of the teams in the Central Division. That includes the Blues, despite their recent win. It was a miraculous one at that.
St. Louis was down 4-1 in the third period to the Florida Panthers and stormed back to force overtime and win 5-4. As impressive as that is, Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger is not one to allow that type of collapse. It also doesn’t hurt that Jason Robertson and the rest of Dallas have a great matchup. The Blues’ goaltending has not been near as stout without Vile Husso in net. They’re allowing the 6th-most goals per game overall and at home. St. Louis has also been the streakiest team in the NHL, having already had an 8-game losing streak. They didn’t face Dallas in that stretch, but this first meeting should go the way of the road team.
Get our expert’s best NHL player props for today’s action
Pickswise is the home of free NHL Picks and NHL Predictions. Check back for our daily NHL Best Bets, including our favorite NHL Prop Bets.
