Sunday features an NHL slate with six games scattered throughout the day. Let’s dive into some of the best NHL bets for Sunday’s action, and be sure to check out the OddsShopper tool for more best bets and NHL odds.
Today’s NHL Odds and Best Bets
Jets at Kraken: Jets Under 2.5 (+120, DraftKings)
There is a Western Conference tilt tonight, with the Pacific Division’s Seattle Kraken hosting the Central Division’s Winnipeg Jets. Seattle has held opposing teams to two or fewer goals scored in four straight games, a trend that should continue on Sunday evening.
The Kraken’s sandpaper-style defense has given opposing teams problems all season, as they rank eighth in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at five-on-five. Backing up this strong defense is goaltender Martin Jones, who is slated to start between the pipes on Sunday.
Through 12 appearances in the crease this season, Jones is 7-4-1 with a .910 save percentage and 2.32 goals against average (GAA). Among starting goaltenders, he ranks ninth in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at five-on-five. This strong goaltending should continue against Winnipeg, a team that Jones has fared well against throughout his career. Across his last six starts against the Jets, Seattle’s netminder boasts a .915 save percentage and 2.33 GAA.
In the absence of winger Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg’s offense has been lackluster to start the campaign, as they rank just 28th in the league in goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) at five-on-five and 25th in finishing.
Capitals at Lightning: Lightning First Period Under 0.5 (+165, DraftKings)
After battling on Friday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning will not host the Washington Capitals on Sunday. The Caps won the first game 5-1 on home ice.
Another disappointing offensive performance could be in store for Tampa Bay, especially early on, as slow starts are becoming a theme for this group. Over their last five games, the Lightning have failed to score in the first period three times.
Meanwhile, the Capitals have held opponents scoreless in the first period in five straight games. A key reason for these strong displays from Washington has been the stellar play of goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who is slated to take the crease on Sunday night. Through 12 starts this season, Kuemper boasts a .920 save percentage and 2.35 GAA. Among starting goaltenders, he ranks eighth in GSAx/60 at five-on-five.
This strong play should continue against the Lightning. Over eight career regular-season appearances against them, Kuemper has a .926 save percentage and 2.15 GAA.
While the Capitals defense has done a decent job recently, it is only going to get better. John Carlson returned to the lineup on Friday, while Dmitry Orlov practiced on Saturday and should be good to go on Sunday.
