NHL Monday best bets: Oilers to stay hot in Ottawa
We ended last week on a high note by going 2-0 with my weekend preview picks.
We'll try to pick up where we left off as we look at the best way to attack tonight's five-game slate.
Oilers (-205) @ Senators (+170)
The Oilers are heating up in a big way. They've won four consecutive games and have outscored opponents 18-9 in that span, good for an average differential of 2.25 per contest.
They're playing some of their best hockey in months, which isn't surprising given the current state of the roster. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman recently returned to the lineup, while the addition of Evander Kane gives them another weapon on the wing.
As such, the Oilers can balance their lines and trot out potent duos of Connor McDavid and Kane on line one, Leon Draisaitl and Jesse Puljujarvi on line two, and Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman on line three.
While the Oilers still have holes throughout their roster, very few teams can match up against that kind of scoring depth up front. Slowing down even two of those lines is a tall order for most teams, including the Senators.
Ottawa is a poor team at the best of times, and with Josh Norris and Drake Batherson out of the lineup, the Senators are paper-thin up front. Their team defense isn't going to help mitigate those issues; nor is their inconsistent goaltending.
The Senators are a hard-working team, but that's only going to take them so far against the dynamic attack Edmonton can trot out.
I expect the Oilers to pick up another victory tonight, and I don't think it'll take more than 60 minutes.
Bet: Oilers in regulation (-140)
Ducks (-110) @ Red Wings (-110)
The Ducks are staying afloat in the standings - thanks in large part to John Gibson - but they're not playing great hockey right now.
At five-on-five, Anaheim has controlled just 43.7% of the expected goals over the last 10 games. That ranks near the bottom of the league, sandwiched between the Blue Jackets and Coyotes.
The Red Wings haven't been world-beaters in that category, but they have certainly fared better than the Ducks. Their xG share is 48.35% over the same spell, which slots them just below the Penguins and Jets; much better company.
Detroit has faced the Maple Leafs, Penguins, Predators, and Stars over the last handful of games as well, so coming close to 50% is respectable.
I see them having an edge in the run of play tonight against the Ducks, especially given the schedule spot. This will be Anaheim's fourth road game in six nights and their fifth since last Monday. The Ducks have had a successful road trip to date, and I could see this being a letdown spot as they try to get back home.
Priced as a near coin flip, I like the Wings to take care of business in their building.
Bet: Red Wings (-110)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.