Top NHL Picks and Predictions Today (3 Moneyline Bets for Thursday, March 3rd)
We took a step back last night, going 1-2 with my NHL picks. But we're still profitable for the week, sitting at 5-3-1 (+1.07 units).
Let's get back on the winning side of things with tonight's pick.
All odds listed are via WynnBET Sportsbook.
Hurricanes vs. Capitals Prediction and Pick
At first glance, the Hurricanes seem like the obvious bet in this spot with how much the Capitals have struggled in the past month. One of their biggest issues has been their goaltending, but now they get Vitek Vanecek in net tonight. The 26-year old will be making his first start since getting hurt on February 1st, and if he can return to the form he was in before the injury, the Capitals will make a great underdog bet.
Vanecek holds a 2.36 goals against average and a .915 save percentage in 25 games this season. He had a 29-save shutout in his latest start, back on January 28th.
The Hurricanes have also been struggling defensively as of late, an area that was a strength for them early this season. They rank 22nd in high danger scoring chances against over their last 25 games, while the Capitals rank 11th.
Washington is in a good spot as a home underdog tonight.
Pick: Capitals +110
Canucks vs. Islanders Prediction and Pick
In a battle between two teams who are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture, I'll be backing the Islanders as slight home favorites.
My biggest issue with betting on the Islanders in recent history, is that their style of play usually fails to create any kind of offense. That's begun to change in recent weeks. They rank 16th in high danger scoring chances and 17th in expected goals per 60 minutes. Those numbers aren't fantastic, but they're better than they normally are for a defensive Islanders team, and more importantly, are better than the Canucks who rank 26th and 18th in those two stats respectively.
I'll back New York to get the job done at home tonight.
Pick: Islanders -115
Penguins vs. Lightning Prediction and Pick
The Penguins and Lightning are a lot closer than you might think.
They rank ninth and 10th in CORSI%, fifth and 11th in expected goals per 60 minutes, and first and seventh in expected goals against per 60 minutes. The Penguins have the advantage in CORSI and expected goals for, while it's the Lightning who lead the league in expected goals against.
With that being said, the Penguins have value at +150 odds. Despite the Lightning being the top team in the Eastern Conference, I think we're getting some value on a Pittsburgh team that should be priced closer to the +140 mark. I'll take a shot on them as road underdogs.