After yesterday’s massive 14 game marathon there are only the 4 games to play, but there are some good looking fixtures in the mix. Have a read through to see all of our experts’ NHL picks.
New Jersey Devils @ Pittsburgh Penguins – 1.00 PM EDT
The Devils go back to back with the Penguins today following their 3-1 defeat in New Jersey yesterday, this time around they travel to Pittsburgh for the first time all season.
They were looking to make it 3 wins in a row yesterday, and looked good after scoring within the first 10 minutes, but the Penguins outclassed them from there, scoring the next 3 unanswered.
The Devils failed to convert from any of their 4 power play opportunities against one of the league’s worst penalty kill teams, a problem that has plagued them all season, with just a 14.47% conversion rate.
“Top to bottom, I don’t think it was a great effort. The result was what we deserved.”
Palmieri talks after the 3-1 loss today. #NJDevils | @UnibetUS pic.twitter.com/76nWPoEsCI
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) March 20, 2021
The defeat continues their miserable trend of home performances, with just 4 wins from 16 games this year, the Penguins have been very strong at home, winning 12 from 15 this season.
It was an important win for the Penguins, helping them maintain pace with the Islanders and Capitals at the top of the table.
The two sides were fairly even for shots, Pittsburgh registered 29 to the Devils 25, but the Penguins were able to capitalize on the power play thanks to a second term goal from Bryan Rust.
Sidney Crosby put on a true captains performance, assisting the goal that put the Penguins ahead, and the one to put the game towards the end of the third term.
NHL Pick – Pittsburgh Penguins (-212)
Spread Pick- Unlock Premium Picks
Total Goals Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
Florida Panthers @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 4.00 PM EDT
The East Divisions two top teams are set to battle it out here in a match that could see the Lightning increase their lead to 4 points, or the Panthers tie things up for 1st.
The Panthers have had the Lightning’s number so far this season, winning 2 of the 3 games played, including a 6-4 win in Tampa. The two teams head into this one having played in, and won, their own separate matches yesterday.
The Panthers got some revenge over the Predators with a 2-0 shutout win after their surprise home defeat to them days earlier.
It was a dominant performance from the Panthers, sending 49 shots the way of the Predators, receiving just a measly 21 in return. Despite the lack of offense, Chris Dreidger was still there to stop all 21 efforts for the Panthers, earning his 1st shutout from 13 games this season.
The Lightning come into this one on a division high 3 win streak having beaten the Blackhawks 4-1 yesterday, it was the second of a 2 match series which the Lightning won with a 8-3 aggregate.
Victor Hedman played another cracker, providing 3 assists to guide the Lightning to victory, it was his 6th point over the last 3 games.
NHL Pick – Florida Panthers (+120)
Spread Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
Total Goals Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
Vegas Golden Knights @ Los Angeles Kings – 6.00 PM EDT
The Kings host the Knights once again today, the final match of their 2 game series of which the Knights walked away with the victory in the first.
It was the Knights third win from 3 games against the Kings this season, extending their win streak to 5 games. Max Pacioretty got the ball rolling for the Knights scoring back to back goals, the lead did not last though with the Kings levelling the score up in the second term.
The class of the Knights shone through as they went on to win 4-2 thanks to goals from Carrier and Karlsson, while Robin Lehner prevented any more goals between the sticks.
Playing second fiddle to Marc Andre-Fleury, it was just Lehner’s 6th game this season, he picked up his 4th win and his 2nd best save percentage of the season (92%).
STAT: we’ve never lost a game in which we scored more goals than the opponent 👍 pic.twitter.com/rb6y6M7wEm
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 20, 2021
The Kings miserable March continued, registering their 7th loss for the month to find themselves 6 points from a playoff position.
It was never going to come easy away to the Golden Knights though, they did well to claw back into the game and remain close in terms of attempts.
The Kings are amongst the best in the league for penalty killing and power play percentage, but have dropped many points by failing to come up clutch in overtime situations, winning just 1 from 6.
NHL Pick – Vegas Golden Knights (-185)
Spread Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
Total Goals Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
Nashville Predators @ Dallas Stars – 8.30 PM EDT
The Predators head to Dallas for the fourth time this season and they will be hoping to replicate their successes of last time out.
They have enjoyed some good results of late, with a win over the Lightning and the Panthers from their last 4 games, however, they were absolutely dominated in both games and were almost doubled for scoring opportunities.
They failed to make it 2 from 2 against the Panthers yesterday, losing 2-0 and recording their 4th shutout defeat of the season, and only managed a very average 21 shots for the game.
The Predators and Stars are tied for points this season with 27, however, the Stars have played 4 less games than the Preds and have scored more goals.
The Stars are coming into this one with some good momentum having beaten the Red Wings 3-0 away from home yesterday.
It was the Stars third shutout of the season, all of which Anton Khubodin has played in net for, yesterday’s game was the least amount of work he has had to do though, making 21 saves.
No one picked up more than a single point yesterday, but Jason Dickinson and Roope Hintz were amongst the scorers for the second successive game.
NHL Pick – Dallas Stars (-181)
Spread Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
Total Goals Pick – Unlock Premium Picks
The 2021 NHL is well underway now! If you want to catch up with all the latest information, make sure you visit our NHL hub page.
Want more picks? We have just launched our Premium Picks service, and for a limited time only, it is free! *T&Cs Apply.
*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of Bet365.
