Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery talks to him team during a timeout in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) – Media by Associated Press
With many people receiving a day off for the holiday on Monday, there will be plenty of interest in the relatively light NHL schedule. The centerpiece of today’s action is in the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park in Boston. That game will feature Eastern Conference rivals the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins.
Here’s a look at the three best bets to make for today’s action.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Boston Bruins (-175)
The Penguins have lost four straight games to tumble out of the four in the metro division. Pittsburgh is now in a tie for the second Wild Card with the New York Islanders. The Penguins have had a brutal stretch over the past few weeks.
Pittsburgh has blown 4-0 leads and generally played poor hockey. Going up against the Bruins won’t be an easy matchup for the Penguins. Boston is 7-0-3 over its past ten games and leads the Atlanta Division by eight points. The Bruins are tough to play against because of how well-round they are.
Boston is first in the league in goals against and penalty kill percentage. The Bruins’ offense is also scoring a good clip, rankings second in the league in goals per and shots per game. Boston is also strong on the draw, winning 56.3 percent of faceoffs. The Bruins will win this one.
Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche (-104)
The Avalanche are trying to work through their Stanley Cup hangover. Colorado has lost three straight games to fall into fourth place in the Central Division. The Golden Knights, meanwhile, are leading their division out west. Colorado won the other meeting between the two teams 3-2 earlier in the season.
The Avalanche have struggled to put the puck in the net. Colorado is only averaging 2.9 goals per game, which ranks 25th in the league. The Avalanche are seventh in shots per game and power-play percentage.
Vegas has been a strong team this season but has shown some struggles on the penalty kill. The Golden Knights have only stopped 77.3 percent of the penalties it faced, which ranks 18th in the league. Bet on Colorado to win in regulation to lower the juice.
Philadelphia Flyers at Anaheim Ducks (+104)
The Ducks haven’t had a good season. Anaheim is 10-23-2-2 but has been OK at home. The Ducks are 6-9-1-0 in front of their home crowd this season. Philadelphia is 13-17-6-1, including a 6-8-5-1 record on the road.
The Flyers, much like Anaheim, are toward the bottom of the league in scoring. Philadelphia only puts home 2.6 goals per game, which ranks 29th in the league. The Flyers’ power play is also bad, only converting 15.1 percent of the time. Philadelphia’s defensive numbers look better on paper.
The Ducks are last in the league in goals allowed and shots allowed per game. While the team numbers favor Philadelphia, Anaheim will find a way to win at home.
See more NHL picks >>