Best NHL Bets Today | NHL Picks, March 3

Seattle Kraken vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Kraken -1.5 +148 (FanDuel)

Our first bet of the day takes us to Ohio for a matchup between the Seattle Kraken and Columbus Blue Jackets. These teams faced each other in late January, and the Kraken won 3-1. I expect a few more goals to be scored this time, but the Kraken will again cover the spread. Bet on the Kraken -1.5.

The Kraken are a strong squad and perform very well on the road. Seattle excels away from home and has a 19-9-3 away record. That should be enough to convince you they will win this game. However, the reason they will cover the spread is they are more well-rounded than the Blue Jackets. Seattle has an impressive offense and an average defense, while the Blue Jackets have one of the worst offenses and defenses in the NHL. Bet on Seattle to cover.

Winnipeg Jets vs Edmonton Oilers

Over 6.5 Goals -128 (FanDuel)

Our second bet of the day will be our only over/under bet. The Winnipeg Jets will take on the Edmonton Oilers for the second time this season. Their first matchup was low-scoring, as the Jets won 2-1. I expect the opposite situation to happen today. Both teams will put a few goals up on the board, and at least seven goals will be scored. Bet on the over.

The Jets have an average offense but are facing an Oilers team with a weak defense. The Jets average 3.05 goals per game, and the Oilers allow 3.26 goals per game. The Jets are also coming off a five-goal game against the Los Angeles Kings. If you put all those numbers together, you should expect at least three goals from the Jets.

The Oilers have the best offense in the NHL and average 3.82 goals per game. They scored five times in their previous game and are averaging 4.6 goals per game over their last five matchups. Edmonton has four players with 28 or more goals and will score at least four goals this game. Bet on the over.

Carolina Hurricanes vs Arizona Coyotes

Hurricanes -1.5 -138 (FanDuel)

Our third bet of the day takes us to Phoenix, Arizona, for a matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Arizona Coyotes. These teams faced earlier this season in November, and the Coyotes put on a surprisingly impressive display. They shut out the Hurricanes 4-0 behind three third-period goals. However, I do not expect Arizona to rout Carolina again this game. In fact, I expect the opposite. I expect the Hurricanes to dismantle the Coyotes and cover the spread. Bet on Carolina -1.5.

The Hurricanes have lost their previous two games to the Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks, but this is the perfect game to get them back on track. Carolina will be taking on a rebuilding Coyotes team that recently traded Patrick Kane, Jakub Voracek, and Jakob Chychrun. These were solid trades for the Coyotes, as they received many draft picks in return, but it makes them weaker for the remainder of the season. These trades also yield positive results for the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes will now be facing a Coyotes team with very few solid players and should be able to score more easily against them.

I spoke above about how weak the Coyotes are, but it is also worth mentioning that the Hurricanes are having an outstanding season. Their offense is working its way into the top ten, and they have the second-best defense in the NHL. Carolina has everything they need to destroy the Coyotes, and I expect them to do so. Bet on the Hurricanes -1.5.

New Jersey Devils vs Vegas Golden Knights

Devils Moneyline -110 (FanDuel)

Our fourth bet of the day could go either way. It involves the New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights. These teams play in separate conferences and have only faced each other once this year. It was a close battle that resulted in the Devils winning 3-2 in overtime. I expect a similar result this time around. Bet on the Devils' moneyline.

The Devils are having an excellent season and are better on the road than at home. New Jersey comes into this game with a 22-4-3 away record and an 18-11-2 home record. They perform well at home but excel on the road. This competitive edge that the Devils possess away from their home crowd is impressive and will be key to them winning this game.

The Devils are dominant on the road, but there are other reasons they will win this fame. New Jersey is on a three-game winning streak and has scored an absurd 18 goals in that time. I do not expect them to score six goals against this competent Golden Knights’ defense, but I do expect them to win this road battle. Bet on the Devils' moneyline.

Montreal Canadiens vs Anaheim Ducks

Ducks Moneyline -125 (FanDuel)

Our final bet of the day takes us to Anaheim, CA, for a game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Anaheim Ducks. This game will not be on too many people’s radars since both teams are rebuilding. However, it should still be an interesting matchup. This game will be close, but I have to give the edge to the Ducks. Bet on the Anaheim moneyline.

On paper, the Canadiens are the stronger team, but only by a little. Montreal has a slightly better offense and a better all-around defense, but not enough for me to tell you to bet on them. Even though the Canadiens have superior numbers, the Ducks are the favorites. This is likely because Anaheim has the home-ice advantage and has an additional day of rest. The Canadiens are facing the Los Angeles Kings as I write this, while the Ducks last played on Wednesday.

If my first two arguments were not enough, I will add this. The Ducks faced the Canadiens in mid-December and crushed them 5-2. The Ducks know what it takes to beat the Canadiens. Bet on the Anaheim moneyline.