Best NHL Bets Today | NHL Picks, February 8

This Thursday night is another big night in the NHL, as two games have the potential to trap games. The two games highlighted feature Stanley Cup Finals contenders, with the better teams coming into the matchup as the underdogs. No matter how you place a bet, there are going to be significant winnings if you are right.

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Vancouver Canucks vs. Boston Bruins

• Time: 7:00 PM E.T. - Thursday

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

• Puck Line: Canucks +1.5 (-218) | Bruins -1.5 (+180) 

• Total: Over 6 (-112) | Under 6 (-108)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Follow our link and score $200 in Bonus Bets at DraftKings.

My Pick: Vancouver Canucks (VAN)

The first game of the night is set for potentially the biggest game as the Vancouver Canucks (34-11-5) go on the road to take on the Boston Bruins (31-10-9). This game has the potential to be a potential Stanley Cup Finals, as the Bruins possess a win-now roster and the Canucks are one of the most surprisingly efficient teams in the NHL. The Bruins and the Canucks are two of the most efficient teams on both sides of the ice, as they rank among the top 10 on both offense and defense.

Boston is ranked eighth in the league in goals per game (3.44), while their defense has allowed an average of 2.62 goals per game (fourth in the league). Boston came into the season as one of the early favorites for a championship due to their talent and potential.

Vancouver is one of the most efficient, if not the most efficient, teams in the league. The Canucks are ranked first in the NHL in goals per game (3.78), while their defense is only behind the Winnipeg Jets in scoring defense (2.54). The Canucks are closer to the Bruins in terms of efficiency than they are to the Jets.

The Canucks are continuing the momentum of their stellar run from before the NHL All-Star Break with a 3-2 win on the road versus the Carolina Hurricanes. The Bruins came out of the All-Star Break with a tough 4-1 home loss to the Calgary Flames last Tuesday. There have been three instances this season where the Bruins suffered three consecutive losses that were started by an inferior team. Vancouver is a team that feeds off of Boston's weakness.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Carolina Hurricanes

• Time: 7:00 PM E.T. - Thursday

• Moneyline: Avalanche (+114) | Hurricanes (-135)

• Puck Line: Avalanche +1.5 (-205) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+170) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Bet $5, snag $200 in bonus bets with DraftKings.

My Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (CAR)

This Thursday night has the potential to be another trap for a Stanley Cup Finals-contending team. The Colorado Avalanche (32-15-4) go on the road with a tough two-game losing streak to take on the Carolina Hurricanes (28-16-5), who are elite at home.

The Avalanche opened the NHL All-Star Break with two road losses to the New York Rangers (2-1) and to the New Jersey Devils (5-3). This comes after going into the All-Star Break with an impressive three-game winning streak.

They will take on a Hurricanes team that has a record of 15-6-4 at home. Carolina is coming off a 3-2 home loss to the Vancouver Canucks coming off the All-Star Break.

The Hurricanes’ defense looks to be a problem for the second-ranked scoring offense of the Avalanche, which is averaging 3.76 goals per game. The Hurricanes are allowing an average of 2.94 goals per game (12th in the league).

Colorado’s defense, however, has slipped significantly since the start of the season. They were once one of the top defensive units in the league. Going into Thursday’s matchup, Colorado’s defense allows an average of 3.12 goals per game (19th in the league). Carolina has a chance to continue to thrive off the rough performances of the Avalanche’s defense.