Let’s dive into the two best NHL bets for the five-game slate on Sunday, and be sure to check out the OddsShopper tool for more best bets and odds. In this post, we will focus on the best predictions for Islanders-Kraken and Rangers-Panthers.
Best NHL Bets Today | Jan. 1
Islanders-Kraken Prediction: Under 6.0 (-110, FanDuel)
Ilya Sorokin will start in goal for the Islanders against Seattle, and he boasts a .926 save percentage and 2.26 goals against average (GAA) through 27 appearances this season. He is 3-0 with a .954 save percentage and 1.00 GAA over his last three starts. This strong play will likely continue against the Kraken, a team against which he is 1-0 in his career with a .920 save percentage and 2.00 GAA. Based on his metrics, regression should not be an issue, as Sorokin ranks third among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at five-on-five.
Across the ice, goaltender Martin Jones is projected to start for Seattle. While Jones has struggled through the first half of the season, his track record against the Islanders is promising, as he has a .910 save percentage and 2.45 GAA in eight career appearances against New York. Additionally, coach Dave Hakstol’s defensive system will help Jones out, as the Kraken rank 10th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at five-on-five.
However, though the Kraken rank first in the league in goals per 60 minutes (GF/60) at five-on-five, they are 16th in expected goals per 60 (xGF/60). New York’s offense also ranks sixth in the league in GF/60 but 19th in xGF/60 at five-on-five.
With one of the best goaltenders in the world, two offenses primed for regression and a strong defense in Seattle, the under is the play to make.
Rangers-Panthers Prediction: Panthers Moneyline (-130, BetMGM)
While this year has been one of the worst seasons of Sergei Bobrovsky’s excellent career, he is finally starting to return to form, as he has a .927 save percentage and a 2.36 GAA in his last six games. This strong play is likely to continue against the Rangers since Bobrovsky has dominated them over the last half decade, going 8-1 with a .918 save percentage and 2.54 GAA in his last nine starts against New York.
In front of Bobrovsky is one of the league’s more underrated and deepest blue lines, as Florida ranks 13th in the league in xGA/60 at five-on-five. Plenty of goal support is in order for the defense, and the Panthers rank second in the league in xGF/60 at five-on-five. It has been a tough few weeks for Florida, but a big reason for that was the absence of superstar centerman Aleksander Barkov, who is now back in the lineup.
The Panthers rank higher than the Rangers in both xGF/60 and xGA/60 at five-on-five. While New York certainly has the goaltending advantage assuming Igor Shesterkin is in net, Bobrovsky could keep up considering his recent form against the Rangers. Look for Florida to get back on track with Barkov back in the lineup on home ice.
