Best NHL Bets Today | NHL Picks, February 19

This Monday starts a new week of NHL games that have the potential to be not only great from an entertainment standpoint but also great in the sports betting industry. Today’s game starts early and with incredible matchups that have the potential to be Stanley Cup Finals previews or games that can escalate a team’s standings in the playoff chase. These are games that have incredible value to bet on, with the numbers listed here coming from DraftKings.

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Dallas Stars vs. Boston Bruins

• Time: 1:00 PM E.T. - Monday

• Moneyline: Stars (+110) | Bruins (-130)

• Puck Line: Stars +1.5 (-225) | Bruins -1.5 (+185) 

• Total: Over 6 (-102) | Under 6 (-118)

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My Pick: Dallas Stars (DAL)

The second game of the new week might be the biggest game as well, with the Boston Bruins (31-12-11) hosting the Dallas Stars (34-17-7). This game easily has the potential to beat a preview for this year’s Stanley Cup Finals based on the dominance that the Stars have been presenting in the Western Conference and the Bruins have been in the Eastern Conference.

The early season matchup on November 6 was an example of a championship-caliber game that the Stars and the Bruins could bring into a series. Boston entered Dallas and started on a 2-0 run in the first period. Dallas tried to respond in the third period, but the Bruins were too efficient on the defensive side of the ice to take the 3-2 road win.

A lot has changed since that meeting. The Stars have created the most consistent scoring offense in the NHL. While the Bruins have taken a slight fall offensively, they remain stout on defense.

The Stars are ranked first in the league in goals scored per game (3.77) thanks to a stellar roster creating a huge contribution on offense. Six players for the Stars have accounted for 45 or more points this season, with forward Jason Robertson and center Matt Duchene each accounting for 55 points. Dallas has scored four or more goals in eight of its last 13 games played.

The Bruins are coming into this game with a more efficient defense, as they rank sixth in the league in goals allowed per game (2.64). Their stellar combination of efficient goalies and defenders has made them a defense to fear.

The game's biggest challenge will be the defense of the Stars, who allow an average of 3.02 goals per game (13th in the league), facing off against Boston’s offense, which averages 3.33 goals (12th in the league).

Dallas is dangerous right now, especially on the road as they are 17-6-4 in games not at home. Boston is also on a tough streak as they have lost five of the last six games, including four consecutive games. Their offense has been inconsistent during this run as they have scored two or fewer in four games. This is a game that the Stars should feel comfortable taking a win on the road.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild

• Time: 2:00 PM E.T. - Monday

• Moneyline: Canucks (-118) | Wild (-102)

• Puck Line: Canucks -1.5 (+200) | Wild +1.5 (-245) 

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

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My Pick: Vancouver Canucks (VAN)

Potentially the best betting opportunity of the day will be set in a Western Conference battle with one team desperately attempting to rise in their division. The Vancouver Canucks (37-13-6) are set to go on the road to take on the Minnesota Wild (25-23-6) in another early matchup.

The Canucks are sitting comfortably at the top of the Pacific Division, but they are trying to make more of a statement in a loaded conference. The Wild believe they can make a serious run toward the Central Division after coming off a bad run earlier in the season.

This game this afternoon will be the third matchup between these two teams. The Canucks took a 2-0 home win on December 7, but nine days later, the Wild took a 2-1 shootout win in their home game.

This is a series where the defense has been the most prominent key to victory. If defensive efficiency is going to be a key factor in this game, then the Canucks should feel incredibly comfortable with their chances to take this road game. Vancouver is coming into this game with the third-ranked scoring defense by allowing an average of 2.57 goals per game. They will face a Minnesota offense that has been getting better but is still averaging 2.98 goals per game (19th in the league).

The Wild’s defense has been a key reason why they have lost pivotal games. Their defense is allowing an average of 3.22 goals per game (21st in the league). Vancouver is just as efficient on the offensive side of the ice as they are on defense. The Canucks are averaging 3.66 goals per game, third in the league.

Nothing in this league, as upsets are easy to come by. Minnesota has climbed itself out of the under .500% mark within the last few weeks, but the Canucks have made themselves one of the top teams in the Western Conference for a reason. They do not lose many winnable games.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Seattle Kraken

• Time: 3:30 PM E.T. - Monday

• Moneyline: Red Wings (+110) | Kraken (-130)

• Puck Line: Red Wings +1.5 (-218) | Kraken -1.5 (+180) 

• Total: Over 6 (-120) | Under 6 (+100)

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My Pick: Seattle Kraken (SEA)

If you want a game that is a huge risk, but the payoff will be incredible, look no further than the nationally televised matchup between the Seattle Kraken (23-21-10) hosting the Detroit Red Wings (28-20-6). Regardless of the betting opportunities, this matchup should be one of the most enjoyable games to watch.

This game will be the second matchup this season between these two mid-tier, but dangerous teams in their conference. The Kraken are trying to make a serious push for a Wild Card spot for the second consecutive season after a horrible start to the season. The Red Wings are sitting with the Tampa Bay Lightning for a Wild Card spot, but they are having to fight every game with teams like the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders.

This matchup is a tale of two teams, as one has a great offense but lackluster defense, while the other is prominent on defense but has almost no firepower offensively.

The Kraken have been developing themselves into one of the most reliable defenses in the league. Seattle is allowing an average of 2.8 goals per game (eighth in the league). Their offense, on the other hand, is only averaging 2.78 goals per game because they haven’t needed to be completely aggressive offensively. Seattle hasn’t allowed more than four goals in a game in ten games.

Detroit, on the other hand, has one of the most explosive offenses in the league, averaging 3.48 goals per game (sixth in the league). Its offense has been great within the last month, but the defense has been inconsistent. They are feeling good after a 5-0 road win at the Calgary Flames on Saturday, but nothing sheds the combined 12 goals from the losses from the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks during this same road trip.