Monday NHL Quick Picks: March 4
Bettors and hockey fans got to witness another incredible day of NHL hockey on Sunday as the Chicago Blackhawks extended their record point streak to 22 games with a 2-1 shootout win against the Detroit Red Wings. Although there are only four games on tap for today and none of them include the Blackhawks, Monday should be just as much fun for bettors as fans. We’ve got quick picks for each of the four games on the schedule, so check ’em out!
New Jersey Devils +1.5 at Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5
The Devils enter today’s road contest with the Leafs on a four-game losing streak since losing Martin Brodeur to a back injury. And the bad news for the Devils is Brodeur will still be out for today’s game.
The Leafs come in with a 9-4-0 home record and are scoring nearly three goals per game, whereas the Devils are scoring just under two and a half per game. Everything seems to be pointing in Toronto’s direction here, so don’t hesitate to take the Leafs to cover -1.5 in the win.
Tampa Bay Lightning +1.5 at Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5
Both teams comes into today’s match-up with strong offenses, but the Penguins have dominated the series lately, winning four games in a row by a combined score of 23-9. Pittsburgh should be able to repeat the success they had back on Feb. 24 when they defeated the Lightning 5-3, so take the Penguins to win here at home and cover -1.5.
Anaheim Ducks at +1.5 Phoenix Coyotes -1.5
The Ducks enter today’s road battle in Phoenix with one of the league’s best records, but their only defeat in the last 10 games came against the Coyotes just two days ago.
However, the Ducks are still one of the league’s best for a reason, or rather several. They boast one of the better scoring teams, averaging 3.35 goals per game, and also feature a solid defense that only allows 2.65 goals per contest.
The Coyotes have been solid at home with a 7-4-1 record, but it’s still somewhat surprising that they are getting the edge here considering how consistently stellar Anaheim has been all year long. I like the Ducks to cover +1.5 on the road here and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take them to win outright either.
Nashville Predators +1.5 at Los Angeles Kings -1.5
After a slow start, the Kings have really picked up the slack, winning seven of their last 10 games and they’ll have a good chance to notch another home victory against one of the weakest offenses in the league.
The Predators have only managed two goals per game this season, however their defense has continued to keep them in games, as they’ve mustered a 9-8-5 record overall. Still, it will be tough for a team that doesn’t get much offensive production to come into a hostile territory – where the Kings are 5-1-1 on the year – and earn a win. I like the Kings here to cover -1.5 in the win.
