It's worth noting that there are three games postponed on Wednesday due to COVID — Columbus vs. Montreal, Tampa Bay vs. New Jersey, and Minnesota vs. Winnipeg. The threat of COVID looms large in every sport, game played, and bet risked right now but we'll try our best to stay atop what's happening and who's playing or not. With that said, let's jump into our betting picks for the scheduled games:
Moneyline: Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals
Given the market size of both these teams, this should be a matchup that gets a lot of attention at the top NHL betting sites. As it stands, the Boston-Washington moneyline is almost a virtual toss-up. Here are the NHL odds:
This game marks the first time the Bruins and Capitals have met since its first-round playoff series in 2021, which was won by Boston in five games. Of course, that playoff battle was in the summer, which feels like an eternity ago in this COVID-affected season. The best way to evaluate this matchup is to see how the teams are trending — and it's in completely different directions.
The Bruins are on a bit of a hot streak. Since the COVID shutdown, they are 4-1-0. The streak has helped them stay in contention in the Atlantic Division, where they are fourth with an 18-11-1 mark. Its most recent win was its most impressive, as they thrashed the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champions 5-2.
Meanwhile, the Capitals have gone cold. Ice cold. They're winless in their past three games — only the second time that's happened this season. Perhaps a return home is a remedy to those issues?
Perhaps not because we're betting the Boston moneyline! The team is slowly gaining momentum and could soon have the services of goaltender Tuukka Rask. The Bruins are a team to watch out for when betting this second-half of the NHL season.
Over/Under 6.5 Goals: Seattle Kraken at Colorado Avalanche
At first glance, the 6.5 over/under goal total set by the best online sportsbooks seems rather large. But if you look at the first time Seattle and Colorado met this season (and in history, for that matter), the goal line seems completely warranted. Back in that November meeting, the Avalanche won 7-3. Will Monday be a case of deja vu?
For Colorado's offence, perhaps. They are red-hot at the moment. The Avalanche have won five of its past six games, and in three of those victories, they've tallied seven goals. During the entire season, no team has a better goals-per-game average than Colorado's 4.3 (the next-best team, Florida, is at 3.9).
And perhaps working in the Avalanche's favour is Seattle hasn't played an NHL game since January 2. Therefore, this will be its first formal game in eight days due to COVID postponements plaguing the entire league. That rust factor, plus being on the road, could open up the scoring opportunities for a scorching-hot Avalanche side.
We're taking the over based solely on Colorado's big-night potential. So long as the Kraken don't get completely blanked offensively, we sense this game goes into over territory.
Moneyline: New York Rangers at Los Angeles Kings
The last game of the night is a doozy, as you would expect when a New York team faces off against a Los Angeles one. The moneyline is practically at pick 'em right now, though, the hosting Kings have a slight advantage at some bookmakers.
We'll be upfront and say the Rangers is the best to make here. Why? Well, they'll be receiving a huge boost with the return of Artemi Panarin on Monday. The winger is tied for most points on the team (36) but has been on the COVID list since Jan. 2 He should aid New York in continuing their streaky ways considering they've won four of the last five games.
How To Bet On NHL?
For a complete list of NHL bets on Monday, visit one of the bookmakers listed underneath. You'll find all the moneylines, over/unders, spreads available on the night — not just the three we covered above.
Moreover, if you want to make bets for free, look into the lucrative sign-up bonuses available at these same bookies. Offers currently on the table are detailed below. As you can see, you could earn as much as $2500 in free play at some sites! Click around below to claim your bonus and make your NHL bets!
