Expert NHL Best Bets and Predictions for Saturday, March 16

NHL Best Bets

The best nights in sports betting are the nights you don’t have to sweat. The Los Angeles Kings gave us that honor last night by taking care of the job from start to finish against the Chicago Blackhawks. Today might not be as easy, considering there are 14 NHL games throughout this beautiful Saturday. Let’s get into my NHL best bets.

Los Angeles at Dallas (-155, 6) 

The Los Angeles Kings had an easy night last night, but they’ll be playing the second half of a back-to-back this evening. Dallas is coming off back-to-back, ugly losses to the Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils. 

The Stars have already played the Kings twice this season, outscored them by a combined 9-2, and made those two wins look easy. 

Dallas hasn’t had many issues scoring goals this season, especially since the new year, as they’re averaging 3.58 goals per game. The Kings have had the fourth-worst offense in the NHL in that span, only scoring 2.61 goals per game. The Stars’ first line has been buzzing as of late. Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski have all contributed offensively. In their last 10 games, Robertson has tallied five goals with six assists. Hintz has added three goals with three helpers. Joe Pavelski has scored four goals of his own with five assists. 

The Stars probably deserved a better result in their last two games because despite losing, they were the better team in those games. They have a tough task tonight against David Rittich and the Kings, but the Stars are the much better team in every aspect of the game. I am extremely confident that they will bounce back. 

NHL Best Bet: Dallas Stars to win in regulation -105 (play to -115)

Colorado at Edmonton (-130, 6.5)

If you’re a hockey fan, this is the game you should be most excited about tonight. Anytime the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche clash, it is typically an offensive explosion. These are two of the best offensive teams in the league because of each respective superstar, like Nathan MacKinnon for the Avalanche and Connor McDavid for the Oilers. 

MacKinnon is leading the NHL in scoring with 115 points. McDavid isn’t too far behind him, as he has 106 points. The Avalanche have been the best offensive team in the NHL for the majority of the year, averaging 3.72 goals per game. The Oilers are averaging 3.55 goals per game. 

Neither team’s goaltender can be trusted. While Stuart Skinner has turned his season around after a rough start, the Avalanche offense has too many threats. On the other hand, Alexandar Georgiev has essentially the same problem. He’s been decent this season, but the Oilers are way too explosive offensively. 

The Avalanche are on a five-game winning streak. They have been filling the net in that span, scoring a combined 24 goals. The Oilers have won two straight games with 11 combined goals. 

This game should have a ton of fireworks and plenty of goals. 

NHL Best Bet: Over 6.5 -135 (play to -145)

March Record: 15-13 (-0.91 units)

2023-24 record: 115–124 (-33.17 units)