Category: NHL

Maple Leafs vs. Oilers props Feb. 1: Back Knies and Draisaitl on Saturday

Maple Leafs vs. Oilers props

The Edmonton Oilers host the Toronto Maple Leafs in a must-see Hockey Night in Canada showdown.

The pregame narrative: Toronto’s offence is slumping, but two big names should be back in the lineup on Saturday. Look for Matthew Knies to produce in his return and Leon Draisaitl to continue firing pucks on net.

Check out my Maple Leafs vs. Oilers props for Feb. 1.

Maple Leafs vs. Oilers props

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Best bet: Knies to record a point (+100)

The only knock on Knies so far in his career is that he’s a tad injury-prone.

The talented young winger missed the last two games with a shoulder injury but is expected to play tonight, per Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

And when he’s in the lineup, he’s been rolling.

Knies has 18 goals and 31 points in 47 games and is already just four points off his career high. Fox projects Knies will slot back into the Maple Leafs’ top line alongside Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, which is great to see.

The 22-year-old had four points in his last three games before the injury and has shown up in some big spots so far.

On Jan. 4 he scored a hat-trick and added two assists against the Boston Bruins on Hockey Night. I expect another big performance against the Oilers.

Toronto and Edmonton tend to produce barn burners when they match up, so asking a first-liner to register a point seems very reasonable.

Key stat: Toronto and Edmonton have averaged 8.0 goals across their last five meetings.

Quick picks

Draisaitl over 2.5 shots (-182): This is a lot of juice to pay but I believe it’s worth it. Draisaitl has been unbelievable this year, leading the league in goals (37) and sitting second in points (76).

You can’t score without shooting the puck, and I expect Draisaitl to let it fly tonight.

The German winger has been cashing this wager with ease lately, going over 2.5 shots in 11 of 14 games in January.

That 78.5% hit rate far exceeds the 64..54% implied probability of this wager.

Draisaitl is coming off a 10-shot game against the Detroit Red Wings and has cleared this mark in six of his last seven games against Toronto.

Picks made at 10:10 a.m. ET on 02/01/2025.

Maple Leafs vs. Oilers props Feb. 1: Back Knies and Draisaitl on Saturday

Maple Leafs vs. Oilers props

The Edmonton Oilers host the Toronto Maple Leafs in a must-see Hockey Night in Canada showdown.

The pregame narrative: Toronto’s offence is slumping, but two big names should be back in the lineup on Saturday. Look for Matthew Knies to produce in his return and Leon Draisaitl to continue firing pucks on net.

Check out my Maple Leafs vs. Oilers props for Feb. 1.

Maple Leafs vs. Oilers props

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Best bet: Knies to record a point (+100)

The only knock on Knies so far in his career is that he’s a tad injury-prone.

The talented young winger missed the last two games with a shoulder injury but is expected to play tonight, per Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

And when he’s in the lineup, he’s been rolling.

Knies has 18 goals and 31 points in 47 games and is already just four points off his career high. Fox projects Knies will slot back into the Maple Leafs’ top line alongside Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, which is great to see.

The 22-year-old had four points in his last three games before the injury and has shown up in some big spots so far.

On Jan. 4 he scored a hat-trick and added two assists against the Boston Bruins on Hockey Night. I expect another big performance against the Oilers.

Toronto and Edmonton tend to produce barn burners when they match up, so asking a first-liner to register a point seems very reasonable.

Key stat: Toronto and Edmonton have averaged 8.0 goals across their last five meetings.

Quick picks

Draisaitl over 2.5 shots (-157): This is a lot of juice to pay but I believe it’s worth it. Draisaitl has been unbelievable this year, leading the league in goals (37) and sitting second in points (76).

You can’t score without shooting the puck, and I expect Draisaitl to let it fly tonight.

The German winger has been cashing this wager with ease lately, going over 2.5 shots in 11 of 14 games in January.

That 78.5% hit rate far exceeds the 61.09% implied probability of this wager.

Draisaitl is coming off a 10-shot game against the Detroit Red Wings and has cleared this mark in six of his last seven games against Toronto.

Picks made at 10:10 a.m. ET on 02/01/2025.

Best NHL prop bet Jan. 31: Back Nathan MacKinnon to produce on Friday night

NHL prop picks

I’ve chosen the star player for the Colorado Avalanche as my top NHL prop bet for Friday.

The pregame narrative: Nathan MacKinnon is eyeing a second-straight Hart Trophy and he gets a solid opportunity to rack up points against the St. Louis Blues.

Check out my best NHL prop bet for Jan. 31.

NHL prop bet

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Best bet: MacKinnon to score 2+ points (-115)

MacKinnon is a racehorse.

The reigning MVP, coming off a career-best 140-point season, is pacing the league in scoring again with 79 points in 52 games.

I was looking at MacKinnon to score at plus money, but he’s only cashed that bet 16 times (30.7%) this year. With a league-best 59 assists, I think this is a much stronger play.

He has multiple points in 23 games, including four of his last 10. MacKinnon falls under this number more often than not but gets a struggling St. Louis Blues team.

The Blues have lost four of their last five games while giving up 3.8 goals per night.

It’s unclear whether Jordan Binnington or Joel Hofer will start in goal for St. Louis, but neither has been great:

  • Binnington: 2.89 GAA (36th), .897 SV% (t-36th)
  • Hofer: 2.75 GAA (28th), .906 SV% (23rd)

The Blues also have the fourth-worst penalty kill in hockey (71.8%). This seems like a perfect spot for Colorado’s main man to step up.

Key stat: MacKinnon has 44 points in 26 home games.

Picks made at 11:25 a.m. ET on 01/31/2025.

NHL prop picks Jan. 31: Back Nathan MacKinnon, Tage Thompson on Friday night

NHL prop picks

I’ve got two prop bets from Friday’s four-game NHL slate.

The pregame narrative: Nathan MacKinnon is eyeing a second-straight Hart Trophy and has a great matchup to record multiple points. Elsewhere, Tage Thompson has an attainable shot total with juicy odds.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Jan. 31.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: MacKinnon to score 2+ points (-125)

MacKinnon is a racehorse.

The reigning MVP, coming off a career-best 140-point season, is pacing the league in scoring again with 79 points in 52 games.

I was looking at MacKinnon to score at plus money, but he’s only cashed that bet 16 times (30.7%) this year. With a league-best 59 assists, I think this is a much stronger play.

He has multiple points in 23 games, including four of his last 10. MacKinnon falls under this number more often than not but gets a struggling St. Louis Blues team.

The Blues have lost four of their last five games while giving up 3.8 goals per night.

It’s unclear whether Jordan Binnington or Joel Hofer will start in goal for St. Louis, but neither has been great:

  • Binnington: 2.89 GAA (36th), .897 SV% (t-36th)
  • Hofer: 2.75 GAA (28th), .906 SV% (23rd)

The Blues also have the fourth-worst penalty kill in hockey (71.8%). This seems like a perfect spot for Colorado’s main man to step up.

Key stat: MacKinnon has 44 points in 26 home games.

Quick picks

Thompson over 3.5 shots (+150): Thompson is on a roll, and some are beginning to question why he was left off Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The 6-foot-6 bulldozer has six goals in his last five games and has been firing the puck at will in January.

Thompson has 50 shots in January (4.16 per game) and has five-plus shots in three of his last four outings.

Truthfully, I’m a little confused to see him priced this generously.

The Buffalo Sabres head to Nashville to take on a Predators squad allowing the 11th-most shots per game (29.1).

Picks made at 11:25 a.m. ET on 01/31/2025.

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Canada vs. USA odds to win 4 Nations Face-Off final: Canadians slight underdogs vs. rival Americans

4 Nations Face-Off odds

Canada and the USA run it back in the final after their electric round-robin meeting this past Saturday.

The latest: The Americans beat the Canadians, 3-1, on Feb. 15 and now Canada gets a shot at redemption when it matters most. The U.S. opened as the slight favourite in this international rivalry game.

Check out our 4 Nations Face-Off odds as of Feb. 20.

4 Nations Face-Off odds

Canada odds to win

After falling to the U.S., Canada played a must-win game against Finland and pulled through, 5-3.

Sidney Crosby is the oldest player at this tournament, yet he’s arguably been Canada’s best player in both wins, recording five points. That’s tied for the most with USA’s Zach Warenski.

Canada’s offence also features Connor McDavid (four points) and Nathan MacKinnon (three points), so it’s easy to maintain faith in the group despite being held to one goal in its loss to the Americans.

Goaltending is what had most fans worried entering the tournament and that remains the case heading into the final.

  • Connor Hellebuyck (USA): 2-0, 1.00 GAA, .957 SV%. Stopped 25/26 shots vs. Canada.
  • Jordan Binnington (CAN): 2-1, 2.60 GAA, .892 SV%. Stopped 20/22 shots vs. USA.

USA odds to win

The Americans blazed through the first two games of this tournament, beating Finland, 5-1, before winning the first meeting with Canada.

With its spot secured in the finals, the U.S. opted to start Jake Oettinger in its final game against Sweden. But he wasn’t the concern in the 2-1 loss.

Matthew Tkachuk, Auston Matthews and Charlie McAvoy were all missing from the lineup with injuries/injury management.

And then it was Brady Tkachuk who was removed from Monday’s game after slamming into the goal post but that was said to be precautionary by coach Mike Sullivan.

While McAvoy has been ruled out for the final, Sullivan stated that he’s “hopeful” to have the other guys back on Thursday in the postgame press conference.

Quinn Hughes will join Team USA in Boston and await a ruling about whether or not he can play. According to multiple reports, Team USA would need to have another injury or illness within the roster for Hughes to be eligible.

All of those players are important pieces of this roster so their statuses are worth monitoring in the days leading up to the final.

4 Nations Face-Off odds as of 1:25 p.m. ET on 02/18/2025.

NHL prop picks Jan. 30: Bet on Dorofeyev, Bedard and Vilardi on Thursday night

NHL prop picks

NHL fans are treated to a hefty ten-game slate on Thursday.

The pregame narrative: The Winnipeg Jets aim for their fifth-straight victory as they travel to Boston to take on the Bruins. I’m backing forward Gabriel Vilardi to record a point. Elsewhere, I have player prop picks on Connor Bedard and Pavel Dorofeyev.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Jan. 30.

NHL prop picks

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Embed: #108008

Best bet: Dorofeyev over 0.5 points (-159)

Dorofeyev failed to find the scoresheet when I took this bet last Friday, but I like him to bounce back in tonight’s matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Here is how the Blue Jackets rank in some categories:

  • T26th in goals allowed/game: 3.34
  • 26th in penalty kill: 74.8%
  • 27th high-danger chances/60: 12.6, per Natural Stat Trick

Dorofeyev played just 47 games last year, scoring 13 goals and 24 points. This season, in 51 games, he’s recorded 22 goals and 33 points.

The 24-year-old has made the most of his opportunity to be promoted to Vegas’ No. 1 power-play unit, where he’s potted 10 of his 22 goals. He leads the Knights in PP tallies.

Key stat: Dorofeyev has 12 points in his last nine games.

Quick picks

Vilardi over 0.5 points (-141): This Jets team has been buzzing lately with a scorching hot offence.

A big contributor has been Vilardi and his breakout season with Winnipeg.

The Kingston, Ont. native has already set a new career high in points, currently with 49, and is one goal shying from tying his previous record (23).

In just his second season with the Jets, Vilardi’s been promoted to the top forward line playing alongside Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele.

Vilardi also plays on the first unit of the league’s No. 1 ranked power play, operating at a 32.6% success rate. He leads the Jets in PP goals with 11.

The former L.A. King has eight points in his last four games.

Bedard over 0.5 points (-132): The Blackhawks are finally starting to come around offensively over the past few weeks.

They scored 17 goals over their last five games, averaging 3.40 goals per game — compared to their 2.62 season average.

Bedard has been leading the charge with 18 points in the last 17 games with a shooting percentage of 18.4% over that stretch.

The former first-overall pick was held off the scoresheet in the last meeting between these teams on Jan. 20, setting up a classic revenge spot.

Picks made at 11:25 a.m. ET on 01/20/2025.

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Maple Leafs props vs. Wild Jan. 29: Back Matthews, McMann, and fade Marner

Maple Leafs props

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: Two teams in playoff position square off at Scotiabank Arena, sitting even with 62 points apiece. Bet on Auston Matthews to score a goal and Bobby McMann to record a point. I also have a fade prop on Mitch Marner’s shot total.

Check out my Maple Leafs props vs. Wild for Jan. 29.

Maple Leafs props vs. Wild

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Best bet: Marner under 2.5 shots (-150)

Marner is on pace to smash his single-season points record (99), which he set two seasons ago.

The Markham, Ontario native already has 68 points through 50 games, including 23 multi-point games.

The majority of his points come via assist, which makes sense given that he skates alongside one of the NHL’s best goalscorers.

Marner’s shooting percentage (12.8%) is his lowest mark since the COVID season, and his total shot attempts have regressed.

The Wild are a good team that pose a tough matchup for a Leafs squad that has lost back-to-back games.

Key stat: Marner has gone under 2.5 shots in nine of his last 10 games.

Quick picks

McMann over 0.5 points (-130): McMann is in the midst of a breakout season, providing a nice spark for the Maple Leafs’ offence.

He’s two goals and three points away from passing both totals from his rookie year.

Toronto head coach Craig Berube recognizes McMann’s skill and has promoted the sophomore to the No. 1 power-play unit, which operates at 21.6% success rate.

McMann’s average ice time is up nearly three minutes from last season. That’s what happens when you skate on the top line with Matthews and Marner.

The Alberta native has five points in his last five games.

Matthews anytime goalscorer (-120): Matthews has missed some time this season with two separate stints on the injured list.

He has 20 goals in 35 games this year and is on pace for 46 over an 82-game stretch. That’s not exactly the type of production we’re used to seeing from the three-time Rocket Richard winner.

This month, Matthews has returned to full form.

The sharpshooting centre has nine goals and 15 points in his last 11 games with a whopping 26.5% shooting percentage.

Matthews snapped his five-game goal streak on Saturday against Ottawa, but I believe he starts up a fresh one tonight.

Picks made at 1:50 p.m. ET on 01/29/2025.

Maple Leafs props vs. Wild Jan. 29: Back Matthews, McMann, and fade Marner

Maple Leafs props

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: Two teams in playoff position square off at Scotiabank Arena, sitting even with 62 points apiece. Bet on Auston Matthews to score a goal and Bobby McMann to record a point. I also have a fade prop on Mitch Marner’s shot total.

Check out my Maple Leafs props vs. Wild for Jan. 29.

Maple Leafs props vs. Wild

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Best bet: Marner under 2.5 shots (-157)

Marner is on pace to smash his single-season points record (99), which he set two seasons ago.

The Markham, Ontario native already has 68 points through 50 games, including 23 multi-point games.

The majority of his points come via assist, which makes sense given that he skates alongside one of the NHL’s best goalscorers.

Marner’s shooting percentage (12.8%) is his lowest mark since the COVID season, and his total shot attempts have regressed.

The Wild are a good team that pose a tough matchup for a Leafs squad that has lost back-to-back games.

Key stat: Marner has gone under 2.5 shots in nine of his last 10 games.

Quick picks

McMann over 0.5 points (-136): McMann is in the midst of a breakout season, providing a nice spark for the Maple Leafs’ offence.

He’s two goals and three points away from passing both totals from his rookie year.

Toronto head coach Craig Berube recognizes McMann’s skill and has promoted the sophomore to the No. 1 power-play unit, which operates at 21.6% success rate.

McMann’s average ice time is up nearly three minutes from last season. That’s what happens when you skate on the top line with Matthews and Marner.

The Alberta native has five points in his last five games.

Matthews anytime goalscorer (-110): Matthews has missed some time this season with two separate stints on the injured list.

He has 20 goals in 35 games this year and is on pace for 46 over an 82-game stretch. That’s not exactly the type of production we’re used to seeing from the three-time Rocket Richard winner.

This month, Matthews has returned to full form.

The sharpshooting centre has nine goals and 15 points in his last 11 games with a whopping 26.5% shooting percentage.

Matthews snapped his five-game goal streak on Saturday against Ottawa, but I believe he starts up a fresh one tonight.

Picks made at 1:50 p.m. ET on 01/29/2025.

Canucks vs. Predators prop picks Jan. 29: Back Filip Forsberg to stay hot, Boeser to find score sheet

Canucks vs. Predators prop picks

The Vancouver Canucks visit the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: Two red-hot skaters are featured in my prop picks for this marquee Western Conference matchup. Filip Forsberg has been on a tear and I like him to score tonight at plus money. For the Canucks, I’ll back Brock Boeser to get on the score sheet.

Check out my Canucks vs. Predators prop picks for Jan. 29.

Canucks vs. Predators prop picks

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Embed: #107839

Best bet: Forsberg anytime goalscorer (+133)

What a month it’s been for Forsberg, who has 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) in 10 games since the calendar flipped to 2025.

He leads the Predators in goals (18) and points (49) and is attempting to will Nashville into playoff position.

And so far so good, as Nashville is 7-3-0 in January. Forsberg and the Predators have another good matchup on Wednesday. Vancouver allows 3.1 goals per game.

Last season, he finished sixth in the NHL with 48 goals, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down during this current heater.

Key stat: Forsberg has scored a goal in six of the last seven games.

Quick picks

Boeser to score 1+ points (-134): Amid the swirling trade rumours, Boeser is certainly making an effort to increase his value. He is on a five-game point streak, with a goal and five assists.

The winger is coming off a career year in which he recorded 73 points in 81 games. But he hasn’t taken the step many expected this season and has just 33 points in 42 games.

Boeser can still reach the 70-point mark if he can maintain this level of play down the stretch, though.

The Predators are an enticing matchup, ranking in the bottom 10 for goals allowed (3.2) and shots allowed (29.2) per game.

Boser plays on the first line and first unit of a power play that converts at a 22.6% rate.

Picks made at 12:20 p.m. ET on 01/29/2025.

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NHL prop picks Jan. 29: Bet on Marchessault, Hayton and Bennett on Wednesday

NHL prop picks

Five games are on tap in the NHL on Wednesday night.

The pregame narrative: The Utah Hockey Club hope to avoid a three-game skid when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins. I’m backing Barrett Hayton to pick up a point against a struggling defence. I also have player props on Jonathan Marchessault and Sam Bennett.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Jan. 28.

NHL prop picks

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Best bet: Hayton over 0.5 points (+125)

I’m fading Pittsburgh’s defence and goaltending more than anything with this pick.

It’s been a rough season for the Pens as they rank towards the bottom in most defensive categories.

  • 31st in goals allowed/game: 3.6
  • 29th in shots allowed/game: 30.9
  • Fourth-most high-danger goals against per 60: 1.65, according to Natural Stat Trick

After a sluggish start to the season, Hayton has picked up his game since the new year with 10 points in 12 games.

These teams met on Nov. 23, where Utah came out on top in a 6-1 bloodbath.

Key stat: Hayton has recorded six points in the last four games.

Quick picks

Bennett over 2.5 shots (+100): Bennett’s Panthers take on the Los Angeles Kings in a tough matchup. Los Angeles has been one of the more dominant teams on the defensive side this season.

Normally, this would be a classic fade spot, however, Bennett’s play has been encouraging lately so I’m backing him.

He’s cleared this mark in seven straight contests and eight of his last 10.

The Panthers also rank third in the NHL in shots on goal per game (31.1).

Marchessault over 2.5 shots (-163): I’m riding another hot hand known for shooting a ton.

Marchessault is one of only 10 players who have recorded 2,000 shots on goal since the 2016-17 NHL season, per Statmuse.

Despite the lack of offence this season, Nashville still shoots the fifth-most in the league (30.2 shots/game).

The former Golden Knight has cleared this mark in five straight games and eight of the last nine.

Picks made at 11:30 a.m. ET on 01/29/2025.