Monday NHL Quick Picks: Feb. 25
The Chicago Blackhawks squeaked out a 1-0 win against one of the NHL’s worst teams Sunday, but they extended their NHL-record setting opening points streak to 18 games in the process. Chicago now is 15-0-3 on the season and has amassed 33 points this season after the win over the Columbus Blue Jackets Sunday night.
They will put that streak on the line once again today against Edmonton at home, while eight other teams battle it out on the ice on Monday. Here’s a look at the five-game slate for today and our quick picks!
Toronto Maple Leafs +1.5 at Philadelphia Flyers -1.5
Defense and goaltending has big an area of major concern for the Flyers, who haven’t been able to gain more traction, coming into today’s game with a 9-10-1 record. Philly is allowing 3.1 goals per game and that will hurt them against a team that has won seven of its last 10 games.
Look for the Leafs to pick up an early lead and hold on to it by limiting the Flyers’ offensive effectiveness. Take Toronto to cover +1.5 and earn the win outright.
Montreal Canadiens -1.5 at Ottawa Senators +1.5
Each team will bring one of the league’s best defenses into this match-up, while the Senators also bring in a four-game winning streak. Ottawa is now 11-6-2 on the season and has an impressive 8-1-2 record at home.
It’s already the third meeting between these two teams this season. They have split the first two, but Montreal won most recently, prevailing 2-1 back on Feb. 3.
Considering their exceptionally strong defense has guided them to four straight wins and considering they have been nearly flawless at home, I like the Senators to keep things rolling and pick up the win, covering +1.5 goals today.
Dallas Stars +1.5 at Nashville Predators -1.5Â
This match-up features two teams headed in completely opposite directions, as the Stars are surging with six wins in their last nine games, whereas the Predators are slumping, having lost their last two via shutout.
The Preds are now scoring fewer than two goals per game, yet their defense continues to keep them in games, as they still enter Monday with an overall winning record of 8-6-5.
Still with the hot team today by taking Dallas to cover +1.5 on the road, where they have won four of their last five games.
Edmonton Oilers +1.5 at Chicago Blackhawks -1.5
As mentioned earlier, the Blackhawks are off to the best 18 game start any team in NHL history has ever had, so it wouldn’t make much sense to go against them now. The Blackhawks have not lost in regulation over the last 11 months and don’t expect them to start now. Take Chicago to cover -1.5 against the Oilers in the win.
Anaheim Ducks +1.5 at Los Angeles Kings -1.5
Although the Ducks will come into L.A. tonight will the league’s second best record 13-2-1, they are still considered the underdogs in this one somehow. The Kings are the defending champions, but they haven’t seemed that strong so far this year, going 8-6-2 out of the gate. Take advantage of the odds makers mistake and take the Ducks to easily cover +1.5 here and earn the win outright.
