Are you ready for my top NHL sports betting picks for Monday, December 18th? It's coming, but first I have to mention something important. We made perfect predictions this weekend. Again!
The two NFL picks I shared with you on Saturday resulted in a win and a draw. I also expected the Canadian to beat the Islanders, and he did!
Let’s get back to today’s NHL betting. My pick for December 18th is the Florida Panthers and not the Calgary Flames.
The Flames haven't played well lately, losing four straight games before beating the Lightning 4-2 in the last one.
· Also read: A touching family reunion for Justin Barron in Winnipeg
As for the Panthers, they bounced back after losing two straight games in which they failed to score with a convincing 5-1 win over the Oilers on Saturday.
The Panthers travel to Calgary to face a team they have struggled against in the past. In the last five meetings between these teams in Calgary, they have a record of 1-4.
A revenge that must be taken
These teams have not played each other this year, but the Panthers should be motivated on Monday after losing 6-2 to the Flames the last time these teams met on November 29, 2022.
The Flames should benefit from the return of their number one goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, who missed two weeks with a broken finger. But since he missed seven games, he might be a little rusty when he returns.
Photo Getty Images via AFP
Before his injury, he had a record of 6-8-2 with a disappointing save percentage of .896.
Bobrovsky, the sure thing (or almost)
On the Panthers side, Sergei Bobrovsky has to be between the posts. He won five of his last seven games and increased his record to 14-8-1 with a 2.49 goals-against average and a nice .911 save percentage in 23 games.
To me, the Panthers have a much more solid defense than the Flames.
And on offense, despite being shut out twice recently, Florida has filled the nets at a consistent pace.
Since we're getting very reasonable odds, I'm taking the Florida Panthers as my bet of the day in the National Hockey League.