Expert NHL Best Bets and Predictions for Thursday, March 7

NHL Best Bets

Before we get to the NHL best bets, let’s take a moment to talk about the wild day in the league yesterday. Many trades happened randomly in the afternoon once it was announced that Vladimir Tarasenko was being sent to the Florida Panthers. This trade was a domino effect. 

We saw Alex Wennberg get traded to the New York Rangers, Noah Hanifin to the Vegas Golden Knights, Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick to the Edmonton Oilers, Casey Mittlestadt and Sean Walker to the Colorado Avalanche and Bowen Byram to the Buffalo Sabres. 

There will be plenty of trades over the next two days, but the ball got rolling yesterday. That said, there are still 12 NHL games tonight. We might see the debut of Tarasenko in Florida, that’s just one thing to keep an eye on. 

Let’s get into it. 

Edmonton at Columbus (+215, 6.5)

The Edmonton Oilers are entering Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets in a game they should dominate. The Oilers are generating the third-highest shots on goal per game in the NHL, averaging 33.5 per game. The Blue Jackets also allow the third most shots against per game, giving up 33.4 each night. 

Edmonton’s offense is extremely dangerous. They’re coming into tonight’s game on a five-game winning streak. 

Daniil Tarasov is getting the start for the Blue Jackets tonight. He has faced 30+ shots in each of his last three starts. In his last four starts overall, Tarasov is 2-2-0 with a .927 save percentage and a 2.62 goals against average. He’s been solid as of late, but tonight will be a massive test. 

With the Oilers buzzing the way they have been and Columbus having a bit of a weaker blue line, I think Edmonton will generate a ton of offense around the Blue Jackets crease. 

I trust Tarasov enough to make the stops, but he should be tested heavily tonight. 

NHL Best Bet: Daniil Tarasov over 29.5 saves -110 (play to -125)

NY Islanders at San Jose (+215, 6)

The New York Islanders are another team that’s been hot lately. They have won four straight games and have covered the puck line in three straight games. Tonight, they take on a much weaker opponent in San Jose. The Sharks have lost eight straight games and are coming off a game in which they let a three-goal lead slip in the third period. 

During their win streak, the Islanders have scored 4.25 goals per game, while the Sharks have allowed 5.20 goals against per game. 

San Jose has been a mess all season long and the Islanders have to take advantage of them tonight as they look to climb their way into the playoff picture. New York is now just four points back of a playoff position, which makes tonight a can’t-lose game for them. 

Kaapo Kahkonen is expected to get the nod in goal for San Jose. His numbers have been horrendous lately. Kahkonen is 0-6-1 in his last seven starts while skating to a 4.65 goals against average and a .874 save percentage. 

Neither team has confirmed their starting netminder yet, but no matter who is specifically in net, the Islanders have the clear-cut advantage in the blue paint. 

Kyle Palmieri has been on fire for the Islanders, scoring four goals in his last two games, including a hat trick. I expect him to be a difference-maker again in tonight’s game while helping his team grab two points. 

NHL Best Bet(s): New York Islanders -1.5 +100 (play to -110) | Kyle Palmieri over 2.5 shots on goal -135 (play to -145)

March Record: 5-5 (-1.51 units)

2023-24 record: 105–116 (-35.87 units)