Category: NHL

Penguins vs. Kings picks and odds Jan. 20: Bet on Fiala and the Kings on Monday night

Penguins vs. Kings picks

The NHL’s nine-game MLK Day slate closes out with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.

The pregame narrative: The Kings return home for the first time since Jan. 4 as they look to keep pace in the Pacific Division. I’m backing Los Angeles to get the win and put up goals against the Penguins’ awful defence. Additionally, I have a play on Kevin Fiala’s shots on goal prop.

Check out my Penguins vs. Kings picks for Jan. 20.

Penguins vs. Kings picks

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Embed: #106796

Best bet: Fiala over 2.5 shots (-150)

You’re going to sense a common theme throughout this article, and it’s that the Penguins haven’t been able to stop a beach ball this season.

One of the many causes of this has been the quantity — and quality — of shots they allow per game.

According to Natural Stat Trick, Pittsburgh allows the sixth-most scoring chances per 60 (29.4).

Fiala has tallied three-plus shots in five straight games, which includes a 10-shot outburst against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.

The 2014 first-round draftee is having a down year in terms of points. After three straight seasons hitting the 70-point mark, he’s on pace for just 50 this year.

With three points and 13 shots in his last two games, though, this could be the start of a turnaround Fiala’s been looking for.

Key stat: Pittsburgh ranks 29th in shots allowed/game (31.1).

Quick picks

Kings 60-min moneyline (-112): Los Angeles’ defence is elite and is far superior to Pittsburgh’s offence. Plus, the Kings can score in bunches.

The Kings rank highly in every defensive category:

  • 2nd in goals (2.42/game)
  • 1st in shots (24.7/game)
  • 5th in penalty kill percentage (83.2%)
  • 2nd in high-danger chances (9.87/game)

The Kings have also been dominant at home this season.

  • Home: 14-2-1, +25 goal differential
  • Away: 11-11-4, -2 goal differential

Pittsburgh has lost four of its last five games, with the only win coming against the last-place Buffalo Sabres.

Kings over 3.5 goals (+110): I’m choosing this play over the regular game total because I simply don’t trust the Penguins’ offence versus the Kings.

Both Pittsburgh goaltenders have been dreadful this season. Alex Nedeljkovic and Joel Blomqvist collectively allow the most goals per game (3.65), and have the fifth-lowest save percentage (.891).

In the Pens’ past eight games, they’ve allowed over 3.5 goals six times.

I expect the trend to continue tonight in an extremely tough road environment.

Picks made at 11:10 a.m. ET on 01/20/2025.

NHL prop picks Jan. 20: Fade Sidney Crosby vs. Kings

NHL prop picks

There are nine NHL games on Monday, and I’ve got three prop picks to share.

The pregame narrative: The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their disappointing season out west against one of the league’s elite defensive teams. Because of that, I’m fading Sidney Crosby. Tomas Hertl and Seth Jarvis have my attention elsewhere in the prop markets.

Check out my NHL prop picks for Jan. 20.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Embed: #106769

Best bet: Hertl to score 1+ points (-141)

The Vegas Golden Knights are on a three-game skid, but that doesn’t mean Hertl has been bad. In fact, he’s been great.

  • Hertl has six points in the past three games — and 10 points over his last seven.

The St. Louis Blues are also a below-average defensive team, leaving much to be desired. They allow 3.0 goals per game and have the NHL’s sixth-worst penalty kill (73.9%).

That all works in favour of Hertl, who plays on the Knight’s first power-play unit. Vegas converts on the PP at a 26.6% rate.

Key stat: Hertl has four power-play points in his last five games.

Quick picks

Crosby under 0.5 points (+138): I wouldn’t fade Crosby on most nights but this is probably the toughest matchup for any player.

The Los Angeles Kings allow the second-fewest goals (2.42) and fewest shots (24.7) per game.

And their defence has been playing even better to start 2025. Since Jan. 1, L.A. has conceded just 10 goals in eight contests.

That’s even more impressive when considering five of those games were played on the road.

L.A. is back at home, where it owns a 14-2-1 record and has allowed only 33 goals (1.9/game).

Crosby has 49 points in 48 games this season but failed to record a point in three of his last five.

Jarvis over 2.5 shots (+125): Jarvis is very active in the opposition’s zone, tallying 104 shots through 39 games.

That equates to an average of 2.6 shots per game, and he and the Carolina Hurricanes have the matchup to do damage on Monday.

The Chicago Blackhawks allow the fifth-most shots against (30.8/game). They also average 8.7 penalty minutes per game, meaning Jarvis could see extended power-play minutes.

Carolina averages 31.8 shots and is expected to have a lot of puck possession as the -300 betting favourite.

That should provide plenty of opportunity for Jarvis to blast shots from anywhere in the offensive zone.

Picks made at 9:30 a.m. ET on 01/20/2025.

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Red Wings vs. Stars prop picks Jan. 19: Bet on Johnston, Stankoven to beat shot props

Red Wings vs. Stars prop picks

The Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars close out Sunday’s three-game NHL slate.

The pregame narrative: Both Dallas and Detroit are rolling with seven and eight wins, respectively, over their last 10 outings. I’m looking for a pair of Stars to shine, however, by taking the over on Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven’s shot props.

Check out my Red Wings vs. Stars prop picks for Jan. 19.

Red Wings vs. Stars prop picks

Best Bet: Johnston over 2.5 shots on goal (-130)

Dallas epitomizes what a balanced lineup should look like.

The Stars have three forward lines that can deliver meaningful contributions nightly. Their first unit is the most dangerous, however, and Johnston is at the centre of it all.

The talented forward paces his team in ice time per game (19:23) and is third on the squad in points (35).

Most importantly, however, Johnston leads the team in shots with 120.

He’s putting a healthy number of shots on goal in recent outings. Johnston has 38 shots across his last 14 games (2.71 per game), topping this total seven times.

The matchup is another factor that favours Johnston’s over. Detroit is struggling to limit opposing teams’ shot totals and with Johnston logging plenty of ice time, he should be able to take advantage.

Key stat: The Red Wings are allowing the eighth-most shots per game (29.2) this season.

Quick pick

Stankoven over 2.5 shots on goal (-108): Stankoven isn’t too far behind Johnston in the shots department.

The young winger has 119 shots this season, sitting one behind Johnston for the team lead.

He’s been chucking plenty of pucks on goal over the last month of the campaign. He has 41 shots in 14 contests (2.92) during this stretch, beating this number in eight contests since Dec. 20.

Like Johnston, the matchup also works in Stankoven’s favour.

Stankoven is the only player on the Stars averaging over 10 shots per 60 (10.63) this season, according to Natural Stat Trick. He’s poised for a strong performance and to top this mark.

Picks made at 2:07 p.m. ET on 01/19/2025.

Red Wings vs. Stars prop picks Jan. 19: Bet on Johnston, Stankoven to beat shot props

Red Wings vs. Stars prop picks

The Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars close out Sunday’s three-game NHL slate.

The pregame narrative: Both Dallas and Detroit are rolling with seven and eight wins, respectively, over their last 10 outings. I’m looking for a pair of Stars to shine, however, by taking the over on Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven’s shot props.

Check out my Red Wings vs. Stars prop picks for Jan. 19.

Red Wings vs. Stars prop picks

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Embed: #106717

Best Bet: Johnston over 2.5 shots on goal (-114)

Dallas epitomizes what a balanced lineup should look like.

The Stars have three forward lines that can deliver meaningful contributions nightly. Their first unit is the most dangerous, however, and Johnston is at the centre of it all.

The talented forward paces his team in ice time per game (19:23) and is third on the squad in points (35).

Most importantly, however, Johnston leads the team in shots with 120.

He’s putting a healthy number of shots on goal in recent outings. Johnston has 38 shots across his last 14 games (2.71 per game), topping this total seven times.

The matchup is another factor that favours Johnston’s over. Detroit is struggling to limit opposing teams’ shot totals and with Johnston logging plenty of ice time, he should be able to take advantage.

Key stat: The Red Wings are allowing the eighth-most shots per game (29.2) this season.

Quick pick

Stankoven over 2.5 shots on goal (+105): Stankoven isn’t too far behind Johnston in the shots department.

The young winger has 119 shots this season, sitting one behind Johnston for the team lead.

He’s been chucking plenty of pucks on goal over the last month of the campaign. He has 41 shots in 14 contests (2.92) during this stretch, beating this number in eight contests since Dec. 20.

Like Johnston, the matchup also works in Stankoven’s favour.

Stankoven is the only player on the Stars averaging over 10 shots per 60 (10.63) this season, according to Natural Stat Trick. He’s poised for a strong performance and to top this mark.

Picks made at 2:07 p.m. ET on 01/19/2025.

Rangers vs. Canadiens prop picks Jan. 19: Bet on Caufield to top shot prop

Rangers vs. Canadiens prop picks

An Original Six showdown between the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens highlights Sunday’s small NHL slate.

The pregame narrative: Cole Caufield is coming off a ridiculous shooting performance and I expect him to keep that energy up on Sunday. Additionally, I’m taking the over on Mike Matheson’s shot total while fading Chris Kreider’s points prop.

Check out my Rangers vs. Canadiens prop picks for Jan. 19.

Rangers vs. Canadiens prop picks

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Best Bet: Caufield over 3.5 shots on goal (+130)

Caufield didn’t score a goal in Montreal’s 7-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying.

The Canadiens winger totaled 10 shots in the losing effort. It was the first double-digit shot effort of his career and tied for the seventh-most shots in a single game this season.

Sunday’s matchup presents another excellent opportunity for Caufield to rack up the shots.

The Habs battle a New York team struggling to keep opposing teams’ shot totals down. The Rangers are allowing the third-most shots against per game (31.1) this campaign.

The plus-money odds attached to this wager are what pique my interest. Caufield has cashed this prop in five of his last 10 outings, giving us a little value with the over.

Expect him to pepper the Rangers, who are playing their second game in as many nights.

Key stat: Caufield is averaging 4.5 shots per game across eight games in January.

Quick pick

Matheson over 2.5 shots (+150): Again, the plus-money odds have me eyeing another Canadiens shot prop.

Matheson isn’t afraid to let it fly from the point. He’s 35th among blueliners in shots (85) and third among all Montreal skaters.

His most recent effort against New York demonstrates how this is a solid matchup. The two-way defenceman recorded four shots in a win on November 30.

Matheson is averaging 2.6 shots per game in January. He’s worth backing against New York’s leaky defence at this price.

Kreider to not score 1+ points (-114): Kreider is heating up but there’s good reason to fade him.

The winger has four points in his last six games, but his season-long totals show there’s reason to bet against him.

Kreider has 16 points — 14 goals — across 37 games.

He has failed to register a point in 23 games this campaign, cashing this wager in 62% of his outings. That’s significantly higher than the 53.27% implied odds suggest.

The Canadiens have been a difficult matchup for Kreider this year. He has zero points in two contests against them this season.

Picks made at 12:22 p.m. ET on 01/19/2025.

Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props Jan 18: Odds and predictions for Penguins vs. Capitals

Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props

Enjoy it while you can, as Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin take the ice against each other again tonight.

The pregame narrative: Ovechkin is barreling toward Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record with the NHL-leading Washington Capitals. Crosby, meanwhile, is having another solid year as his Pittsburgh Penguins fight for a wild-card spot.

Check out our Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props, odds and predictions for Jan. 18.

Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props

Crosby props and best bet

Crosby prop marketsBetting odds
Over 0.5 points-225
Under 0.5 points+155
To record a power-play point+190
To score+200
Over 2.5 shots-120
Under 2.5 shots-118

NHL odds as of 3:3.55 p.m. ET on 01/18/2024.

Best Bet: Under 0.5 points (+155)

Crosby is playing at just over a point-per-game pace this year with 48 points in 47 matchups. Even at 37 years old, you have to wonder where the Penguins would be without their captain leading the way.

But I’m looking to fade Sid tonight.

Pittsburgh has lost seven of its last nine games while averaging just 2.6 goals per game. His linemates, Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, aren’t exactly elite.

But you know what is elite? Washington’s goaltending.

Tonight, the Capitals are rolling with Vezina contender Logan Thompson.

He’s 20-2-3 with a 2.13 GAA (third in NHL) and .924 SV% (T-third in NHL).

Crosby has been held pointless in three of his last four games.

Ovechkin props and best bet

Ovechkin prop marketsBetting odds
Over 0.5 points-225
Under 0.5 points+155
To record a power-play point+130
To score+115
Over 3.5 shots+105
Under 3.5 shots-150

NHL odds as of 3:55 p.m. ET on 01/18/2024.

Best Bet: Ovechkin over 3.5 shots (+105)

Pittsburgh’s defence and goaltending have been awful this season and I expect Ovechkin to get plenty of chances.

The Pens are allowing the sixth-most chances (61.42) and fourth-most shots (30.69) against per 60, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Ovechkin is 4-7 against this mark since returning from an injury on Dec. 28. But he’s also landed on exactly three shots five different times.

He’s consistently right around this number and gets a good enough matchup where I think he’ll go over the top.

Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props Jan 18: Odds and predictions for Penguins vs. Capitals

Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props

Enjoy it while you can, as Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin take the ice against each other again tonight.

The pregame narrative: Ovechkin is barreling toward Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record with the NHL-leading Washington Capitals. Crosby, meanwhile, is having another solid year as his Pittsburgh Penguins fight for a wild-card spot.

Check out our Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props, odds and predictions for Jan. 18.

Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props

Crosby props and best bet

Click linked odds to add selection to your betslip. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

Crosby prop marketsBetting odds
Over 0.5 points-215
Under 0.5 points+163
To record 2+ points+230
To record 3+ points+800
To record a power-play point+210
To score+200
To score 2+ goals+1,300
To score 3+ goals+7,000
Over 2.5 shots-118
Under 2.5 shots-110

NHL odds as of 3:05 p.m. ET on 01/18/2024.

Best Bet: Under 0.5 points (+163)

Crosby is playing at just over a point-per-game pace this year with 48 points in 47 matchups. Even at 37 years old, you have to wonder where the Penguins would be without their captain leading the way.

But I’m looking to fade Sid tonight.

Pittsburgh has lost seven of its last nine games while averaging just 2.6 goals per game. His linemates, Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, aren’t exactly elite.

But you know what is elite? Washington’s goaltending.

Tonight, the Capitals are rolling with Vezina contender Logan Thompson.

He’s 20-2-3 with a 2.13 GAA (third in NHL) and .924 SV% (T-third in NHL).

Crosby has been held pointless in three of his last four games.

Ovechkin props and best bet

Ovechkin prop marketsBetting odds
Over 0.5 points-200
Under 0.5 points+163
To record 2+ points+250
To record 3+ points+900
To record a power-play point+150
To score+112
To score 2+ goals+650
To score 3+ goals+3,000
Over 3.5 shots+115
Under 3.5 shots-150

NHL odds as of 3:05 p.m. ET on 01/18/2024.

Best Bet: Ovechkin over 3.5 shots (+115)

Pittsburgh’s defence and goaltending have been awful this season and I expect Ovechkin to get plenty of chances.

The Pens are allowing the sixth-most chances (61.42) and fourth-most shots (30.69) against per 60, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Ovechkin is 4-7 against this mark since returning from an injury on Dec. 28. But he’s also landed on exactly three shots five different times.

He’s consistently right around this number and gets a good enough matchup where I think he’ll go over the top.

Oilers vs. Canucks prop picks Jan. 18: Fade J.T. Miller amid disastrous skid

Oilers vs. Canucks prop picks

An eventful Hockey Day in Canada concludes with a marquee West Coast clash between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks.

The pregame narrative: Plenty of attention will be on J.T. Miller, the Canucks’ embattled centre who recently drew the ire of his head coach. I’m fading Miller on Saturday night and looking for Leon Draisaitl to cash the over on his shots prop.

Check out my Oilers vs. Canucks prop picks for Jan. 18.

Oilers vs. Canucks prop picks

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Best bet: Miller under 0.5 points (-112)

The vibes aren’t particularly high for the Canucks right now, as they sit outside the playoff picture with less than half the season to play.

And on the individual player level, the vibes have probably never been lower for Miller.

In Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, Miller had a rough night in which he left his team out to dry multiple times. As a result, he got an earful from head coach Rick Tocchet.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1880134217142575292

After the game, Tocchet had this to say about Miller: “It seems like every time he’s on the ice, something bad happens.”

Hurtful, but not as far from the truth as you might think. It’s been a brutal five-game stretch for the veteran centre:

  • 0 points
  • -5 rating
  • 10 shotes
  • 15:56 average ice time

Miller has skated fewer than 15 minutes in three straight games. He’d only done that twice previously this season.

Either for a playoff push or a trade chip, the Canucks would certainly love to get Miller going. But I don’t see it happening tonight.

Edmonton is an exceptionally responsible team on the defensive side, ranking fourth in chances allowed per 60 and third in expected goals allowed per 60 (according to Natural Stat Trick).

Key stat: Dating back to last year’s playoff matchup, Miller has one point and a -4 rating in his past five games against the Oilers.

Quick pick

Draisaitl over 2.5 shots (-150): As long as Draisaitl’s shots prop is set at 2.5, I’m going to have to at least glance at the over.

He’s on a superb run right now, cashing this bet in seven of his past eight games — averaging 3.9 shots in that span.

On the season, Draisaitl has gone over 2.5 shots in 29 of 45 games (64.4%).

The Canucks allow the eighth-fewest shots per 60, but I’m not deterred by the matchup.

In 12 games against Vancouver since the start of last year (playoffs included), Draisaitl has averaged 3.6 shots and hit this over nine times.

Picks made at 12:30 p.m. ET on 01/18/2025.

Oilers vs. Canucks prop picks Jan. 18: Fade J.T. Miller amid disastrous skid

Oilers vs. Canucks prop picks

An eventful Hockey Day in Canada concludes with a marquee West Coast clash between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks.

The pregame narrative: Plenty of attention will be on J.T. Miller, the Canucks’ embattled centre who recently drew the ire of his head coach. I’m fading Miller on Saturday night and looking for Leon Draisaitl to cash the over on his shots prop.

Check out my Oilers vs. Canucks prop picks for Jan. 18.

Oilers vs. Canucks prop picks

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Embed: #106650

Best bet: Miller under 0.5 points (-103)

The vibes aren’t particularly high for the Canucks right now, as they sit outside the playoff picture with less than half the season to play.

And on the individual player level, the vibes have probably never been lower for Miller.

In Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, Miller had a rough night in which he left his team out to dry multiple times. As a result, he got an earful from head coach Rick Tocchet.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1880134217142575292

After the game, Tocchet had this to say about Miller: “It seems like every time he’s on the ice, something bad happens.”

Hurtful, but not as far from the truth as you might think. It’s been a brutal five-game stretch for the veteran centre:

  • 0 points
  • -5 rating
  • 10 shotes
  • 15:56 average ice time

Miller has skated fewer than 15 minutes in three straight games. He’d only done that twice previously this season.

Either for a playoff push or a trade chip, the Canucks would certainly love to get Miller going. But I don’t see it happening tonight.

Edmonton is an exceptionally responsible team on the defensive side, ranking fourth in chances allowed per 60 and third in expected goals allowed per 60 (according to Natural Stat Trick).

Key stat: Dating back to last year’s playoff matchup, Miller has one point and a -4 rating in his past five games against the Oilers.

Quick pick

Draisaitl over 2.5 shots (-125): As long as Draisaitl’s shots prop is set at 2.5, I’m going to have to at least glance at the over.

He’s on a superb run right now, cashing this bet in seven of his past eight games — averaging 3.9 shots in that span.

On the season, Draisaitl has gone over 2.5 shots in 29 of 45 games (64.4%).

The Canucks allow the eighth-fewest shots per 60, but I’m not deterred by the matchup.

In 12 games against Vancouver since the start of last year (playoffs included), Draisaitl has averaged 3.6 shots and hit this over nine times.

Picks made at 12:10 p.m. ET on 01/18/2025.

Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens predictions Jan. 18: Bet on Toronto, Matthews on Hockey Night in Canada

Maple Leafs picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens re-ignite their rivalry on Hockey Night in Canada.

The pregame narrative: This is uncharted territory for both teams. For the first time in a long time, Montreal is legitimately threatening for a playoff spot. Toronto, meanwhile, is leading the Atlantic Division. I’m taking the Maple Leafs to win and am backing Auston Matthews to score.

Check out my Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens predictions for Jan. 18.

Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens predictions

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Best Bet: Maple Leafs moneyline (-143)

I have to give Montreal its flowers before explaining why I’m backing Toronto.

Martin St. Louis’ squad has won eight of its last 10 games, beating teams like the Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars.

During this stretch, it’s given up just 2.0 goals per game.

However, this is a matchup Toronto has dominated recently. The Leafs have won six of their last seven games against the Canadiens, with the only outlier being a 1-0 loss on opening night this season.

In that game, Sam Montembeault turned away 48 shots in a career performance.

It’s unclear who will start in goal for Montreal tonight with a back-to-back against the New York Rangers on deck tomorrow.

I believe it will be Montembeault since rookie Jakub Dobes played on Thursday night. Dobes has been spectacular while Montembeault owns an .888 SV% this month. Still, it’s something to keep an eye on.

Either way, Toronto has been one of the best teams in the NHL this season. I trust its large body of work over Montreal’s recent form.

Key stat: The Maple Leafs are 28-16-2 and have won five of their last six road games.

Quick picks

Matthews to score (-120): We might never know what’s been wrong with Matthews this season. But what I do know is he’s been firing on all cylinders since returning to the lineup on Jan. 4.

  • 6 G, 5 A in 7 GP
  • Scored in 5/7 games

Toronto’s captain is coming off a heroic two-goal performance against the New Jersey Devils, scoring a pair of game-tying goals to force overtime.

Matthews had over 21 minutes of ice time and fired five shots on goal, which is an encouraging sign based on his previous injury history.

Assuming he’s fully healthy — which to some may be a leap — we’re getting a guy who scored 69 goals last season at a fair price.

Matthews is on a 58-goal pace this month, so I’m willing to make that leap.

NHL picks made at 10:16 a.m. ET on 01/18/25.