Media by Associated Press – Minnesota Wild defenseman John Klingberg skates against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
The NHL schedule is a light one Monday night. Only three games are available to bet on, but there are still good opportunities for people interested in the playoff chase. The schedule’s highlight is a Saturday rematch between the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild.
Here’s a look at the top three bets for Monday night.
Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild (-129)
The Wild saw a three-game winning streak stopped Saturday when Vegas pushed four goals past Mac-Andre Fleury. However, teams haven’t had an easy time scoring against Minnesota. Four of the Wild’s last six opponents have scored two or fewer goals. Both the Wild and Golden Knights are hanging onto narrow leads in their division races.
Minnesota and Vegas are both ahead by one point. The Golden Knights won the previous two meetings between the two teams. Vegas has lost two of its last three games, conceding 11 goals in the two losses. The Golden Knights have pushed the pace in their recent games.
Vegas has seen the over go 7-2-1 in its past ten games. Vegas has won the past two games where it was an underdog. This is a game where the Wild will get its goaltending back on point and pick up a gritty win at home.
Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars (-205)
The Stars are hoping to keep pace with the Wild and have been beating down Nashville this season. Dallas is going for a season sweep and outscored the Predators 12-4 in the team’s previous three meetings this season. When it comes to generating offense, the Stars have been effective at lighting the lamp this season.
Dallas averages 3.39 goals per game and converts 23.5 percent of its power-play opportunities. Nashville, however, has struggled to generate offense. The Predators score 2.75 goals per game and only generate 29.8 shots per game.
Nashville still has the possibility of grabbing a Wild Card spot but would need to pile up points quickly. With the Stars motivated and at home, they should smother Nashville.
Arizona Coyotes at Seattle Kraken over 6.5
The Coyotes are sputtering toward the finish line of the NHL season. Arizona has allowed five or more goals in the past three games. The Coyotes’ last four games have gone over the total, thanks in large part to their opponents piling up goals.
Arizona has allowed 3.51 goals per game. The Kraken has been hung up by a few defensive-oriented teams the past few games. Seattle has lost two of three games, including two games where the Kraken were limited to one goal apiece. The Kraken has seen the under go 3-1-1 over its past five games.
Getting a crack at Arizona’s vulnerable defense should provide Seattle with a confidence boost. Expect the Kraken to get their groove back and push this over the total.
See more NHL picks >>