Let’s dive into the best NHL bets for the two games Sunday, and be sure to check out the OddsShopper tool for more best bets and odds.
Best NHL Bets and Odds
Panthers at Blue Jackets: Over 6.5 (-120, DraftKings)
The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Florida Panthers with each team on a back to back. There have been seven or more total goals scored in each of Florida’s past three games, including a 5-4 shootout loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday, and in each of Columbus’ past five, including a 6-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, two trends that should continue Sunday.
Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky will start for the Panthers. He is 4-4-1 with an .895 SV% and 3.46 GAA. Bobrovsky ranks just 25th in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5v5.
Goalie Daniil Tarasov is projected to start for the Blue Jackets. He is 1-3-0 with an .893 SV% and 3.57 GAA. If he qualified, Tarasov would rank fourth-worst in GSAx/60 at 5v5.
Columbus defensemen Zach Werenski, Jake Bean and Adam Boqvist are on injured reserve, and the depleted defense has allowed four or more goals in four straight games.
At 5v5 this season, the Blue Jackets rank fourth-worst in the NHL in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). That is going to be a big problem against Florida, which is third in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5v5.
Penguins at Blackhawks: Penguins Score First Goal (-150, DraftKings)
The Chicago Blackhawks host the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second game Sunday. These teams are trending in opposite directions: The Penguins have won four of their past six games, and the Blackhawks have lost five of their past six.
Slow starts have been an issue for Chicago, with the opponent scoring first in four straight games, including a 6-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday. Pittsburgh has scored the opening goal in seven of its past 10 games, including a 3-0 win against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.
These trends should continue because the Blackhawks offense has been terrible. At 5v5 this season, Chicago ranks second-worst in the NHL in xGF/60.
Goalie Casey DeSmith is likely to start for Pittsburgh; he has a .910 SV% and 2.86 GAA.
The Penguins have scored the first goal in three of his past five starts, and are better than their 8-7-3 record. At 5v5, Pittsburgh ranks fifth xGF/60 and 13th in xGA/60.
Those rankings are higher than Chicago, which ranks 31st and 25th, respectively. Back the superior team to score first in this contest.
