Let's break down some key matchups today in the NHL. Below are our top NHL picks & predictions for Sunday, March 8th.
Sunday's NHL Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Edmonton Oilers (-105) at Vegas Golden Knights (-115)| O/U 6.5 (-142/+120)
There is a real concern that the Oilers could miss the playoffs. They are currently third in the Pacific Division, but only one point ahead of Seattle, who holds the second Wild Card spot. With the Sharks only three points behind and the Kings four points back, nothing is certain.
Offensively, Edmonton is one of the top teams in the NHL, ranking third in goals scored per game (3.54) and seventh in full-strength expected goal share (51.5%), but the defense is terrible. They tried to fix it by trading for Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry, but he's allowed 3.96 goals per game and has a .862 save percentage.
The Golden Knights are also trying to navigate the season without a steady presence in net. They are rotating Akira Schmid, who has allowed three goals or more in six of his last seven games, and Aaron Hill, who has struggled all season, allowing 3.42 goals per game and has a .860 save percentage.
Vegas also has a strong offense, which could lead to a high-scoring game.
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (-142)
Tampa Bay Lightning (-115) at Buffalo Sabres (-105)| O/U 6.5 (-105/-115)
This is one of the more significant matchups since it could impact the playoffs.
The Sabres are the hottest team in the league, having won six straight. This winning streak has allowed them to move up the standings and tie the Lightning for first in the Atlantic Division. It was a brutal start to the season for Buffalo, but since December 9th, the Sabres have led the league with 56 points and are among the top four in both goals scored (3.76) and allowed (2.44) per game during that period.
The Lightning had a recent skid, losing four straight, but they snapped it with a win against Toronto yesterday. Before that losing streak, they were the hottest team in the league, winning 20 of their previous 22 games, so this little rough patch might not be a concern.
Tampa is still one of the most balanced teams, being one of the two teams (Colorado is the other) to rank in the top five for both goals scored (3.48) and goals allowed (2.66 per game). They are a team you can trust in these moments. They still have a few of their core players who helped the Bolts win two Stanley Cups.
The Lightning has the edge in several areas, which could help them pull away from Buffalo in the Atlantic standings.
Pick: Lightning Moneyline (-115)
