Ryan Hodges
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This week in the NHL begins with just 2 games as the Islanders visit the Oilers and the Avalanche visit the Kraken. With both games being out West, these games will start a little bit later than usual. There is intrigue tonight as the Oilers really need to go on a run before the season gets out of hand. The Avalanche vs Kraken game is also intriguing as Colorado has hit a bit of a rough patch while Seattle has yet to get going. All 4 teams should be bringing their best tonight in what should be a couple of solid games. You can also find out our NHL predictions for today’s slate, but for now, let’s dive into my NHL prop bets.
Connor McDavid over 0.5 goals (+105)
A brutal, unexpected 3-9-1 start for the Oilers this year has led to a coaching change already. Monday will be the first game under a new head coach as the Oilers players, organization and fans are hoping this can spark the team to make a run. If Edmonton is going to make a run, they will need Connor McDavid to play like his usual self. Despite McDavid’s struggles, he still has 10 points in 11 games played.
Getting plus-money odds for a McDavid prop will almost always be solid value. This slump will not last all 82 games. Sooner rather than later, we’re likely going to see vintage McDavid lead his team to victory. Why not tonight under a new coach while there is still plenty of time left in the season? We will probably see McDavid’s A+ effort, and even then, anything less is still dangerous. He still plays top minutes with other talented players and has a chip on his shoulder. Take the plus-money odds and run.
Read our expert’s New York Islanders vs Edmonton Oilers predictions for tonight
Mikko Rantanen over 0.5 goals (-120)
The Avalanche have hit a bit of a skid in the past couple of weeks. But fortunately for them, the Kraken have not exactly been stellar either. Colorado will look to bounce back from an ugly 8-2 loss to St. Louis. Look for the Avalanche to come out with some urgency on the backs of their superstars to break out of this slump. With that being the case, Mikko Rantanen should be a contributor in what could be a higher-scoring game.
These teams met last week in a game the Kraken won 4-3. Given the recent trends of each team, this one has the possibility to be a somewhat sloppy matchup led by the offenses. Rantanen has a great chance to be part of any offense the Avalanche can generate. He leads the team with 9 goals and 19 points in 13 games played. Rantanen has 3 goals in his last 3 games and plays with fellow star players just about every shift. Look for Rantanen to be a ring leader in a convincing Avalanche win.
