Best NHL Bets Today | NHL Picks, November 16

Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators

• Time: 2:00 PM E.T. - Thursday

• Moneyline: Red Wings (+100) | Senators (-120)

• Puck Line: Red Wings +1.5 (-238) | Senators -1.5 (-195) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (-130) | Under 6.5 (+110)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Check out the best NHL bonuses and promo codes for more betting opportunities.

My Pick: Detroit Red Wings (DET)

The earliest games of Thursday’s busy slate of NHL is set to begin with a high-power matchup between the Detroit Red Wings (8-5-2) visiting the Ottawa Senators (6-7). This game is expected to be high-scoring based on the efficiency and productivity of their offenses.

The Red Wings started the season with an overall record of 5-1 that includes a 5-2 road win over Ottawa. Detroit has since won only three of their last nine games this season. They are coming off a 5-4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

After the 3-1 start to the season, the Senators have rarely seen consistency. While the offense was reliable, Ottawa is completely inefficient on the defensive side of the ice. They have won two of their last three games, including a 6-3 road win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This game will be the second meeting of the season. The Red Wings previously defeated the Senators on October 21 with a 5-2 score. Only Red Wings forward Joe Veleno accounted for more than one goal.

Ottawa ranks third in the league in goals per game (3.85) while Detroit is just behind at fourth in the league (3.67). Neither team is truly reliable on the defensive side of the ice. Ottawa gives up an average of 3.39 goals per game (21st in the league) while Detroit gives up an average of 3.27 goals per game (19th in the league).

While the Senators will have the home-court advantage, the Red Wings have the more explosive players and the experience of previously beating Ottawa already this season.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames

• Time: 9:00 PM E.T. - Thursday

• Moneyline: Canucks (+100) | Flames (-120)

• Puck Line: Canucks +1.5 (-250) | Flames -1.5 (+205) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (-130) | Under 6.5 (+110)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

My Pick: Vancouver Canucks (VAN)

One of the top games north of the border is set for the Pacific Divisional matchup between the Vancouver Canucks (12-3-1) visiting the Calgary Flames (5-8-2). The Canucks come into this game as the surprising underdogs despite the much better overall record and the efficiency on both sides of the ice. This game should make bettors some great significant earnings if selecting the Canucks.

The Canucks are the NHL's biggest surprises this season as they have jumped from barely above .500% team to an elite Western Conference team. Three of their four losses this season have come on the road. The Canucks are on a two-game win streak with their latest being a 4-3 win over the New York Islanders.

The Flames are a team that should be one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL due to their roster. After a 2-2 start to the season, the Flames have lost six consecutive games, including tough losses to the Edmonton Oilers and the St. Louis Blues. They have won three of the last five games.

The Canucks have been the most electrifying offense in the league, thanks to their dynamic talent and solid system. Vancouver ranks first in the league in goals per game (4.38). Center Elias Pettersson, defender Quinn Hughes, and center J.T. Miller have all accounted for 26 points in 16 points.

Florida Panthers vs. Los Angeles Kings

• Time: 10:30 PM E.T. - Thursday

• Moneyline: Panthers (+114) | Kings (-135)

• Puck Line: Panthers +1.5 (-218) | Kings -1.5 (+180) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (-130) | Under 6.5 (+110)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

My Pick: Los Angeles Kings (LA)

The final game of the night is the matchup between the Eastern Conference versus the Western Conference. The Florida Panthers (10-4-1) are set to go on the road to take on the Los Angeles Kings. This game will be one of the most enjoyable games to watch and it is also one of the top games for bettors to potentially win earnings based on the potentially close outcome.

The Panthers started the season with a 4-5 overall record. They had great wins versus New Jersey and Toronto but had experienced tough losses. The Panthers are on a five-game win streak with their latest win being a 5-3 score at the San Jose Sharks.

The Kings have also roughly started the season by winning only two of the five games. They saw a four-game winning streak, with the biggest being a 4-1 road win at the Vegas Golden Knights. Their winning streak came to a close due to their current two-game losing streak.

The Kings are the more efficient team on both sides of the ice than the Panthers. Los Angeles is ranked second in the league in goals per game (4.0) and ninth in goals allowed per game (2.86). The Panthers are just a notch below the Kings in defensive efficiency as they are ranked 10th in points allowed per game (2.87).

What makes the Panthers different is their offensive system. They rank 16^th in points per game (3.27) as they take their time to establish a potential easy shot at the goal.