Two games on the NHL schedule means we've got two NHL expert picks for you tonight, February 28.
With two teams heavily favored at home, how can we find more value by betting on the puckline or the total?
NHL Expert Picks: February 28
Game 1: Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Rangers
The Game: Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Rangers, 7 PM ET
| Team | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +1.5 (-112) | O6.5 (-105) | +200 |
| New York Rangers | -1.5 (-108) | U6.5 (-115) | -245 |
Pick 1: Rangers -1.5 (-108)
The Rangers have a great record when favored at -200 or lower with a 12-3SU record (80%). When simply playing on home ice, they're just as good with a 20-7SU record (74%). New York should win tonight. But there isn't much value in betting them straight up on the moneyline. Betting the puckline is much more profitable.
New York has covered a -1.5 puckline in four straight home games while Columbus has failed to cover a +1.5 line three times in their last four road games. I like the potential for the Rangers to pull away here.
Game 2: St. Louis Blues vs Edmonton Oilers
The Game: St. Louis Blues vs Edmonton Oilers, 8:30 PM ET
| Team | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Blues | +1.5 (-112) | O6.5 (-105) | +215 |
| Edmonton Oilers | -1.5 (-108) | U6.5 (-115) | -265 |
Pick 2: UNDER 6.5 (-115)
The Blues played last night in Winnipeg, losing 4-2 to the Jets. The travel isn't too far to Edmonton, but traveling on the second leg of a back-to-back is an extra stress. And another advantage for the home squad. For the road team, in this case, the Blues, the key is to save your legs and manage the game. That means some tight defense.
When on the road and on that second leg, the Blues are 4-2 vs the UNDER this year. St. Louis's starting goalie, Jordan Binnington has been excellent against the Oilers the past two years with a 0.930SV% and 1.98GAA.
For Edmonton, this is going to be the fifth time they welcome a team to Rogers Place on the second leg of a back-to-back since December 10. The total has gone UNDER 6.5 goals in three of those four games.
I don't doubt we'll see less than 6.5 goals tonight
PS: The Oilers are 6-1SU this year when facing a team on that second leg. So maybe you want to build a same-game parlay with the Oilers ML and the total going below 6.5 for +166 odds.
