Expert NHL Best Bets and Predictions for Friday, March 1

NHL Best Bets

Well, folks, we’ve officially hit March. It’s wild how fast this season has gone. We are now officially just one week away from the NHL Trade Deadline. There are only three games this evening around the league, but only one of the matchups stands out as an interesting one for an NHL best bet.

The Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers will meet in the nation’s capital in what should feel like a playoff game. The Capitals are six points behind the Flyers in the Metropolitan division, and they have two games in hand, so these two points are precious. 

Philadelphia at Washington (+100, 6)

The Washington Capitals have slowly but surely started to figure out their game as of late. Despite losing their most recent game 8-3 to the Detroit Red Wings, the Caps have won four out of their last six contests. The Philadelphia Flyers won their most recent game after losing the two previous games. 

One thing that’s gone right for the Capitals in the last six games is their power play. The Caps man-advantage has scored on seven of their last 15 power-play attempts, a 46.7% rate, which is incredible. On the other hand, the Flyers power play has only clicked at 13.3% over the same span. 

Both teams have been struggling to keep the puck out of their own net. The Capitals have been allowing 3.67 goals against per game. The Flyers are giving up 3.60 goals against each night. The expected goalie matchup is Samuel Ersson for the Flyers and Charlie Lindgren for the Capitals. 

In his last four starts, Lindgren is 2-1-1 with a 3.95 goals against average and a .878 save percentage. Ersson has been slightly better. He is 2-2-0 in his last four starts with a 2.53 goals against average and a .907 save percentage. 

Offensively speaking, neither team has had a problem scoring goals. Washington is scoring 4.33 goals per game, and the Flyers are tallying 3.80 goals for each contest. 

This game will be intense. I see this one being high-scoring, with the goal-scoring on both sides and the lack of defense. 

NHL Best Bet: Over 6 -110 (play to -120)

February Record: 21-20 (-1.08 units)

2023-24 record: 101–113 (-35.46 units)