Best NHL Bets Today | NHL Picks, December 4

Dallas Stars vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

• Time: 7:00 PM E.T. - Monday

• Moneyline: Stars (-110) | Lightning (-110)

• Puck Line: Stars -1.5 (+215) | Lightning +1.5 (-265) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-112)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Get $150 in Bonus Bets at DraftKings!

My Pick: Dallas Stars (DAL)

This Monday starts a new week of exciting matchups in the NHL as we head into the first full week of December. The first game that should be one of the best matchups on the ice and one of the best betting opportunities is the game between the Dallas Stars (14-5-3) at the Tampa Bay Lightning (10-10-5).

It wasn’t long ago into the season that the Lightning were considered one of the most explosive and efficient offenses in the NHL and the Stars were one of the most efficient defenses. This game will be the first of a two-game home and road series in three nights between the two teams of a potential Stanley Cup Finals preview.

The Stars are ranked in the top ten of scoring offense and defense this season. Dallas is ranked sixth in the league in goals per game (3.55) thanks to the consistent production of three key players in center Joe Pavelski, forward Jason Robertson, and center Roope Hintz. All three of these players have accounted for at least 20 points in 21 games played. The Stars are also ranked eighth in goals allowed per game (2.77) thanks to the great production of goalies Jake Oettinger (92% on saves) and Scott Wedgewood (91.1% on saves).

Tampa Bay is ranked 10th in the league in goals per game (3.32) as they have three high-caliber players to establish the offense. One of those players is forward Nitika Kucherov, who leads the NHL in points accounted for (40). While the Lightning’s offense is reliable, the defense is one of the least effective units on the team. Tampa Bay allows an average of 3.72 goals per game, which is the third-worst in the league.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers

• Time: 7:00 PM E.T. - Monday

• Moneyline: Penguins (-130) | Flyers (+110)

• Puck Line: Penguins -1.5 (+185) | Flyers +1.5 (-225)

• Total: Over 6.5 (+102) | Under 6.5 (-122)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

My Pick: Philadelphia Flyers (PHI)

One of the first games of the night is set for a big matchup in the state of Pennsylvania between the Pittsburgh Penguins (11-10-2) visiting the Philadelphia Flyers (12-10-2). This game will be the second matchup of the season between the Flyers and the Penguins.

This past Saturday, the Flyers defeated the Penguins on the road in a shootout 4-3. Penguins forward Jake Guentzel scored two goals against the Flyers.

The Flyers were 5-7-1 at one point of the season before accounting for a five-game winning streak. Among those wins were at the Los Angeles Kings, at the Carolina Hurricanes, and at the home over the Vegas Golden Knights. Philadelphia have only won two of their last six games.

The Penguins have been up-and-down this season as they’ve been battling a brutal schedule and inconsistent coaching. Pittsburgh accounted for an overall record of 8-6 after a five-game win streak. Pittsburgh has gone on to win only three of their last nine games. They will need a win to solidify their chances of stability and make the postseason.

The Penguins are ranked 19th in the league in goals per game (3.13) and seventh in goals allowed per game (2.61). While the Flyers aren’t as efficient on both sides of the ice, they quickly follow the Penguins. The Flyers currently have stability and a home-court advantage.  

Washington Capitals vs. Arizona Coyotes

• Time: 9:00 PM E.T. - Monday

• Moneyline: Capitals (-102) | Coyotes (-118)

• Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-250) | Coyotes -1.5 (+205)

• Total: Over 6 (-105) | Under 6 (-115)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

My Pick: Arizona Coyotes (ARI)

One matchup on this Monday slate of games that has certainly added some confusion is the game between the Washington Capitals (12-7-2) at the Arizona Coyotes (12-9-2). This game will be the first matchup between the two teams this season.

The Coyotes have made a huge improvement from in-between last season to the few games already this season. After a 9-9-2 start this season, the Coyotes have won four consecutive games, with three of them coming against Stanley Cup Finals contenders. Arizona has outscored their last three opponents, including Vegas, Tampa Bay, and Colorado 13-5.

The Capitals have battled through an up-and-down season and have found ways to win close games despite having a bad offense. Washington is ranked 31st in the league in goals per game (2.38), which is the second-worst scoring offense in the league.

Washington had accounted for an overall record of 10-4-2 after a five-game winning streak. They won two of the last four games on a Western Conference road trip. The Capitals have solid wins at the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, but bad losses at the Vegas Golden Knights and the San Jose Sharks. The game against the Coyotes is the last game of a five-game road trip.

The Coyotes are a much more efficient offense this season by averaging 3.22 goals per game, 15th in the league. They are also 13th in goals allowed per game (2.98).

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