Media by Associated Press – Calgary Flames defenseman Michael Stone (26) skates with the puck against the Seattle Kraken during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
The NHL got its All-Star weekend out of the way last weekend. Now, all the teams can turn their attention back to chasing after a Stanley Cup title. There is a large slate of games Monday night for bettors to analyze.
Tampa Bay Lightning (-122) at Florida Panthers
The Lightning has once again started to climb the ladder quickly in the Eastern Conference. Tampa Bay had won eight of its last ten games to pull within five points of the Toronto Maple Leafs for second place in the Atlantic Division. The Lightning has been one of the more effective offensive teams this season.
Tampa Bay ranks fourth in the league by scoring 3.6 goals per game. The Lightning has the league’s third-best power play by converting on 26.7 percent of their opportunities. Florida has shown a knack for creating scoring chances as well. The Panthers lead the league in shots on net, averaging 35.7 per game. Florida is seventh in the league in goals scored.
The Panthers have had a hard time defensively, sitting in the bottom third of the league in goals against, shots against, and penalty kill percentage. The Lightning will open up the second half of the season with a win.
Calgary Flames at New York Rangers (-126)
The Rangers and Flames are both seeking to grab as many points as they need to improve their playoff positioning. Calgary is tied with defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado for the final Wild Card spot in the West. New York has a two-point lead over the Capitals for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Rangers went 6-4 in their last ten games before the All-Star break. New York leans on its defensive strength to earn wins. The Rangers ranked third in the league in goals allowed at 2.6 per game. New York goalie Igor Shesterkin has been a steady performer for the Rangers.
The Flames haven’t been effective on the power play this season. Calgary only scores 19.1 percent on the man advantage. The Flames do a nice job of generating scoring chances. Calgary is second in the league in shots on net, putting up 35.4 shots per game.
Minnesota Wild at Arizona Coyotes (+175)
The Coyotes have had a difficult season playing in a college venue as their new arena is being built. Arizona has been decent at home, putting up a 10-8-2 record. The Coyotes have struggled to score goals this season. Arizona has only put up 2.6 goals per game and doesn’t generate a ton of chances.
The Wild were playing mostly middling hockey before the All-Star break. Minnesota was 5-4-1 over its last ten games before the All-Star break but had won its last two games. The Wild have had their own difficulties with scoring. Minnesota scores 3.1 goals per game and generates 31.2 shots per game.
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