NHL Best Bets for Monday (12/23)

Today’s best bets will cover tonight’s 11-game slate that has first-puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

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Today’s Best NHL Bets

St. Louis Blues Moneyline

(-105, bet365/FD/DK/BetMGM/BetRivers)

The Blues continue to be competitive in every single game. The addition of Dylan Holloway has been huge for a forecheck that has lacked firepower for some time now. I would have higher hopes for their potential playoff chances if they had better goaltending. Nonetheless, I like the Blues here largely because of how poorly the Red Wings have looked defensively. The Wings have allowed four goals or more in five of their last six games and have been in the middle of this horrific three-headed monster at the goalie position between Cam Talbot, Ville Husso and Alex Lyon. The rotation has really hurt the team significantly, as none of the goalies have looked right in nearly a month. They were completely outmatched by the Habs, and that’s saying a lot. I like the Blues here at this price.

Montreal/Columbus Over 6.5

(+100, BetRivers)

Both teams are struggling defensively but have stayed competitive thanks to their ability to score goals. Patrik Laine has been huge for the Habs’ power-play and has scored five power-play goals over his last five games. The Blue Jackets have been carried by some of their young forwards like Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson as well as one of the best defensemen in the game in Zach Werenski. Even so, their goaltending struggles have been their Achilles’ heel and their primary hope for staying competitive in games has been their offensive firepower. I can see this game being very high scoring, and it’s great to see we’re getting even odds if it does happen.

Vegas Golden Knights -1.5

(-120, 2.4u to win 2u, bet365/DK/Caesars)

When the Golden Knights are healthy and on a roll, they are almost unbeatable at home. Mark Stone has been huge for the team since he returned earlier this month against the Stars. Their only loss was in Edmonton when Stuart Skinner had his best game of the season against them. Otherwise, it has been smooth sailing for VGK, who haven’t lost at home since they got pummeled by Utah before Stone made his return. The Ducks are coming off a hard-fought win yesterday against Utah and have always struggled against Vegas on the road. I love Vegas tonight.