Kings to win ninth game in last nine matchups against the Islanders among Monday’s Best Bets
Monday sees eight teams square off in four exciting matchups that should have hockey fans on the edge of their seats with sports bettors sweating their lucrative bets.
The most intriguing matchups look to be the Bruins beginning to heat up with the Blues next in their path, the Kings and Islanders continue their battle for a playoff spot and the Rangers and Devils face off in a rivalry game that is sure to be feisty.
It could be an exciting night of NHL action and if you want to get in on all the action, here's a breakdown of the matchups with some insights for potential betting opportunities that could win you some cash.
All betting lines are from Bet365 and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
Bet: Pavel Zacha over 0.5 points (-130)
Boston winger David Pastrnak has been the team’s best player this season but surprisingly the second-best Bruin since the start of February hasn’t been his longtime teammate Brad Marchand but Pastrnak’s centre Pavel Zacha.
The Czech forward has been impressive as of late with seven goals and 13 points in his last 17 games and should have a good chance at finding the scoresheet in tonight’s matchup against the Blues.
Zacha has a goal and five points in his last eight games versus St. Louis and will benefit from playing with Pastrnak, who has a pair of goals and seven points in his last six Blues matchups.
Boston has started to pick up their game once again with the team winning four of their last five home games after dropping six of their previous seven.
Bet: Devils Rangers Under 5.5 goals (+130)
The Rangers have started to take hold of their rivalry with the Devils thanks to wins in three of their last four matchups and outscoring them 15 to six. Netminder Igor Shesterkin has hit his stride once again with the highest save percentage since the All-Star break with .948 and the second-best goals against average of 1.80 compared to goalies that’ve started ten or more games during that span.
He’s been a difference maker for the Blueshirts and excels when playing the Devils as he reps a goals against average of 2.69 and a save percentage of .922 in 17 career matchups.
Devils fans will also get their first taste of new netminder Jake Allen, who the team acquired at the deadline from the Canadiens for a conditional third-round pick and should slide into the role of the team’s primary netminder.
He’s been struggling with his numbers thanks to the Habs defensive struggles that lands him 3.52 goals against average on the season but his numbers slightly improve when playing the Rangers as his goals against average drops to 3.33 in seven career matchups. He will also get an added boost of wanting to win his first game with his new squad.
Bet: Islanders Kings Under 6.0 (-120), Kings ML (-150)
The Kings are poised to hit their stride at the right time with an 8-4-1 record in their last 13 games and have the third-weakest remaining, according to Tankathon. They will also need to start kicking their game into another gear as they are battling to stay in the playoff picture.
The Islanders are also in a tight battle for the playoffs as they are tied with the Red Wings in points with the Capitals also following closely behind. It could be a make or break game for either of these teams and the Kings look to have the advantage of beating the Islanders in five of their last seven matchups.
It should be a tight defensive battle with both teams ranking inside the top 11 since the All-Star break in fewest goals allowed per game with the Kings in the six spot averaging 2.60 and the Islanders allowing 2.79 on average in the 11 spot.
The Kings will have the home-ice advantage, where they’ve won five of their last eight home games and should come out victorious but it a tight battle.