Top NHL Picks and Predictions Today (Two Totals and an Underdog for March 7)
We had a hot week of NHL bets last week, going 10-4-1 (+5.37 units).
Let's keep that momentum going this week as head begin to enter the final stretch of the hockey season.
Here are my top picks for Monday, March 7, with all odds listed via WynnBET Sportsbook.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Boston Bruins Prediction and Pick
The Kings recent hot streak hasn't been due to luck alone. Los Angeles ranks first in CORSI%, third in high danger scoring chances and ninth in high danger scoring chances against over their last 25 games.
The Bruins, on the other hand, haven't posted the same types of statistics despite also being on a bit of a hot streak. They're 12th in CORSI%, 25th in high danger scoring chances, and second in high danger scoring chances against over that same stretch. Their defense has been strong, but their offense continues to leave a lot to be desired.
Despite the discrepancy in statistics, the Kings are massive +175 (bet $100 to profit $175) underdogs. I'll go ahead and bet on the Kings, as I have quite often lately. I'll continue to do so until the betting market starts valuing them fairly.
Pick: Kings +175
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction and Pick
The OVER has been trending in a big way for both teams, and as a result, the total for this game is set at 6.5 with the OVER juiced all the way to -140 (bet $140 to profit $100).
As crazy as it may seem, tonight might be the time to fade the OVER trend and take the UNDER 6.5 at plus-money. Sure, the Maple Leafs' goaltenders have struggled in a big way as of late, but the Blue Jackets are one of the worst offensive teams in the NHL. They rank 25th in expected goals per 60 minutes and dead last in high danger scoring chances over their last 25 games.
The Leafs, surprisingly, have been playing good defensively in recent weeks as well, despite not getting any help between the pipes. They rank fifth in high danger scoring chances against over their last 25 games.
Pick: UNDER 6.5 (+120)
Colorado Avalanche vs. New York Islanders Prediction and Pick
The Avalanche are in no danger of losing the top spot in the Western Conference, but they won't want to extend this losing streak any longer than it already has. With that being said, the Islanders are a better team than their record indicates so don't be in a hurry to be the house on Colorado tonight.
The best bet on the board for this game, in my opinion, is the UNDER 6 at -120. Both teams rank amongst the best in the NHL in defensive play as of late. The Islanders rank fourth in expected goals against per 60 minutes, and the Avs are right behind them, ranking seventh in that stat over their alst 25 games.
Both teams have also received strong goaltender play lately. The Avalanche rank second in team save percentage, and the Islanders rank ninth.
Those stats, paired with the fact that the Islanders play a modified trap style of play, bodes well for the UNDER tonight.
Pick: UNDER 6 (-120)
Iain is 46-38-2 (+5.66 units) with his NHL picks in 2022. Check out his detailed record here.