NHL Best Bets for Monday, November 3
Summary
The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Pittsburgh Penguins while dealing with injuries to key players William Nylander and Chris Tanev. Pittsburgh’s eight-game point streak was just halted, but they have been strong on the road. Given Toronto’s potential fatigue after a long road trip, the Penguins are predicted to win as a valuable underdog.
Elsewhere, the struggling St. Louis Blues, on a seven-game losing streak and missing key scorers, face Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Vancouver and Nashville are both desperate for a win, with their matchup expected to produce goals. Finally, a low-scoring game is anticipated between the Chicago Blackhawks and the defensively sound Seattle Kraken, who have trouble scoring but remain undefeated at home.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 7:30 p.m. EST
| Penguins ML | +149 |
| Maple Leafs ML | -170 |
| Puck Line | PIT+1.5 (-165)TOR +1.5 (+145) |
| Game Total | O6.5 (-114)U6.5 (-112) |
The Toronto Maple Leafs begin a four game home stand against the Penguins coming off a big road win against the Flyers Saturday as rookie Easton Cowan scored his first NHL goal for Toronto. The Leafs are still without star forward William Nylander (lower-body injury) who has missed three of the last four games. That means Nicholas Robertson, Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies make up the first line. The Leafs are also without defenseman Chris Tanev who was injured in Philadelphia and will be out for some time. success in Philadelphia. The Penguins had their eight-game point streak (6-0-2) halted by a 5-2 road loss in Winnipeg Saturday. Pittsburgh fell behind 4-0 and really couldn’t get back into it despite a powerplay goal by Sidney Crosby. The Pens are still 6-2-2 in the last ten and sit second in the Metropolitan division. This team has played well away from home going 5-2-1 on the road.
Prediction
The Leafs are dealing with some injuries and it could play a big factor especially against the likes of Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. This may be a good spot for a road underdog especially as the Leafs return home after a grueling four-game road trip. That fatigue could be a factor. BEST BET: Penguins ML +149
Edmonton Oilers vs St. Louis Blues 8:30 p.m. EST
| Oilers ML | -141 |
| Blues ML | +125 |
| Puck Line | EDM -1.5 (+177) STL +1.5 (-205) |
| Game Total | O6 (-123)U6 (+107) |
The Edmonton Oilers begin a short two-game road trip on Monday as they face the Blues in St. Louis. The Oilers have won two of their last three and are 4-4-2 over their last 10 games – averaging 3.3 goals per game. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead the way with 17 and 16 points through 13 games. As for the Blues, they’ve lost seven in a row and are -17 in goal differential, second worst in the league. They are struggling offensively, scoring just 34 goals through 12 games and are without stars Robert Thomas and Jake Neighbours
Predictions
Edmonton is the better team on paper and has a much stronger recent track record, especially in head-to-head matchups against the Blues. St. Louis’s struggles on offense are compounded by injuries to key players. With the firepower up front for the Oilers, this one could get ugly. For those looking to ride Edmonton’s momentum or browse other NHL puck line options, check out the NHL sportsbook at BetOnline for the latest odds and prop markets ahead of puck drop. Jordan Binnington likely starts but he’s struggling, just 2-4-2 and a 3.21 goals-against average this season. BEST BET: Oilers PL -1.5 (+177)
Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators 8:30 p.m. EST
| Canucks ML | +103 |
| Predators ML | -117 |
| Puck Line | VCR +1.5 (-260) NASH +1.5 (+215) |
| Game Total | O5.5 (-116)U5.5 (+100) |
The Canucks look to wrap up their road trip on Monday in Nashville with a win as they’ve lost 2 of three and three of their last five games. Vancouver is still without captain Quinn Hughes who has been dealing with a groin injury and his absence has been felt as the Canucks have given up 8 goals in the last two games. Thatcher Demko, who’s been the team’s best player, is expected to get the start in goal. As for the Predators, Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly share the team lead in goals (5) and points (9) but the Predators are 3-6-1 in the last ten games. Juuse Saros has started 11 of their 13 with a .905% save percentage and a 2.79 goals-against average.
Prediction
Both teams are desperate to get on a bit of a roll as they sit in the bottom half of the conference. I think we’ll see some goals here as both sides have shown recently they can find the back of the net. Nashville has gone over this total in 3 of the last five games while the Canucks have gone over in four of the last five. BEST BET: OVER 5.5 (-116)
Chicago Blackhawks vs Seattle Kraken 10:00 p.m. EST
| Blackhawks ML | +134 |
| Kraken ML | -152 |
| Puck Line | CHI +1.5 (-195) SEA -1.5 (+170) |
| Game Total | O6 (+101)U6 (-117) |
Both teams come into this matchup losing two straight and for the Blackhawks, this is the third stop of a 6-game road trip. Chicago has actually played well of late winning three of four before dropping the last two games. Led by Connor Bedard, who has 6 goals and 9 assists, the Blackhawks have been playing this season compared to last year. While the Kraken have lost two straight, both in overtime, they have struggled to score goals, ranking dead last in the NHL with just 30 goals through 12 games. But on the flip side, Seattle is fifth best allowing just 32 total goals, so they definitely know how to defend. Joey Daccord is doing his best in goal to try and make the American Olympic squad, going 5-1-3 this season with a .904 save percentage and a 2.70 goals against average.
Prediction
While the Kraken can’t score goals, they can prevent them. But the Blackhawks have nine players with at least two goals, and four players with at least 4 goals. With Seattle’s struggles scoring, they are still undefeated at home, 3-0-2. Expect a low scoring game, with some big saves on both ends. BEST BET: UNDER 6 (-117)
