Let’s dive into the two best NHL bets for the five-game slate on Sunday, and be sure to check out the OddsShopper tool for more best bets and odds. In this post, the will focus on the best predictions for Jets-Kraken and Rangers-Blackhawks.
Best NHL Bets Today | Dec. 18
Jets-Kraken Prediction: Kraken Moneyline (-160, PointsBet)
Since Winnipeg is on the second half of a back-to-back, backup goaltender David Rittich is slated to start between the pipes. It has been a forgettable campaign for the backup netminder, who has a .893 save percentage through six starts. Based on his metrics, brighter days are unlikely for Rittich. If he qualified, Rittich would rank fourth-to-last among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at five-on-five.
Across the ice, goaltender Martin Jones is slated to get the start for Seattle. While Jones is not much better than Rittich, the defense should be able to help him out, as the Kraken rank 10th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at five-on-five.
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Seattle is more rested given that they have not played since Thursday, while there could be some tired legs on the Jets on the second half of a road back-to-back. In this game, the Kraken have the better goaltender and defense, while the offense is just slightly worse. Given the fact that they are at home against a team on a back-to-back, the Kraken should be able to take care of business.
Rangers-Blackhawks Prediction: Rangers -1.5 (+115, BetMGM)
These teams are trending in opposite directions, with the Rangers winning each of their last six games and the Blackhawks dropping six straight.
Chicago has now lost by two or more goals in 11 of its last 14 games, a trend that is likely to continue in this matchup. New York ranks 18th in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at five-on-five and 16th in xGA/60. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks rank just 32nd and 29th, respectively, in those two categories.
New York also boasts the goaltending advantage in this game, as reigning Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin is slated to get the start between the pipes. Through 23 starts, Shesterkin boasts a 15-4-4 record with a .917 save percentage and a 2.45 goals against average. Based on his metrics, regression should not be an issue, as Shesterkin ranks seventh among starting goaltenders in GSAx/60 at five-on-five.
In his lone career start against Chicago, Shesterkin stopped 37 of 40 pucks for a .925 save percentage en route to a 6-3 victory. In a game where the Rangers boast the better offense, defense and goaltender, a similar result should be in order on Sunday night.
