Top NHL Picks and Predictions Today (Key Battles Set in Western and Eastern Conference Action)
We got back on track with a 2-1 record with my NHL picks, and we were a shootout away from a 3-0 sweep as the Bruins fell to the Rangers in a heartbreaking shootout.
Let's keep the momentum going tonight. It's a small slate, with only four games on tap, but I have my three picks locked in. Let's jump into my best NHL bets for February 16th.
All odds listed below are via WynnBET Sportsbook.
Panthers vs. Hurricanes Prediction and Pick
The Florida Panthers are the best offensive team in the NHL, and if you're looking for an exciting game to watch, Panthers' games will always deliver. With that being said, they've struggled on their own side of the ice at times, and that's going to cost them when they play against the best teams in the NHL.
The Hurricanes are a more complete team, so I'm going to back them as home favorites tonight. The Panthers rank 23rd in the league in high danger scoring chances against over their last 25 games, allowing 12.44 per 60 minutes. They're also 17th in expected goals against during that stretch at 2.91.
Carolina will be able to hang with them offensively, but they have the defensive edge. For that reason, I think they're the smart bet at -125.
Pick: Hurricanes -125
Ducks vs. Flames Prediction and Pick
Nobody has been talking up the Flames as much as I have lately, so there's no way I'm jumping off their bandwagon yet. Over each team's last 25 games, the Flames lead the NHL in CORSI%, while the Ducks rank 26th.
The Flames rank in the top five in both high danger scoring chances for, and high danger scoring chances against, while the Ducks rank 25th and 26th in those two categories. This game is a complete mismatch between one of the best teams in the NHL, and a bottom feeder.
The Flames will also be likely starting Jacob Markstrom in net, who has a stellar .926 save percentage and a 2.12 goals against average this season. I'm going to get aggressive, and back the Flames on the puck line.
Pick: Flames -1.5 (+125)
Avalanche vs. Golden Knights Prediction and Pick
The total seems lofty in this one at 6.5, but I recommend that you take the OVER. Tonight's game is between two teams who are having major struggles on the defensive side of the ice.
The Avs were strong defensively early in the year, but they now rank 28th in the NHL in high danger scoring chances against over each team's last 25 games, and they're also 13th in expected goals against per 60 minutes at 2.85. The Golden Knights are just as bad, ranking 29th 11th in those two stats, respectively.
Meanwhile, both teams are offensive juggernauts. They rank in the top 10 in high danger scoring chances and expected goals for per 60 minutes over their last 25 games. Expect tonight's game to be a high-scoring one.
Pick: OVER 6.5 (-115)
Iain is 31-27-1 (+2.26 units) with his NHL picks in 2022. Check out his detailed record here.