We have a five-game slate to close out the week and it's filled with some solid matchups to attack. There are a number of teams on the second night of a back-to-back, and a few good teams are coming off of losses. 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 12/15

We finished yesterday with a 2-2 record, and while one of the wins was some solid plus money, we forge forward today. We're still seeing some big upsets and big comebacks, but that is expected at this point of the season. 

New York Islanders vs. Chicago Blackhawks Prediction: Friday, December 15th

There's a bit of news for the New York Islanders and while it presents some uncertainty in their lineup, we can still find options to trust against the Chicago Blackhawks. 

The Isles could be without their top center Bo Horvat, but could be getting Mathew Barzal back, who has been out since October 30th. Regardless of who is in or out of the lineup for the Islanders, it's just a great matchup for them to pile up the shots and goals. 

This season, the Blackhawks allowed 62.56 Total Shot Attempts per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the fifth-worst in the league. This is where we turn to Anders Lee, who comes in leading the Islanders with 94 shots on goal through 31 games, or 3.03 per game. 

With time on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, there's no reason Lee shouldn't be pushing the offense tonight against this weak defense. 

 

Buffalo Sabres vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction: Sunday, December 15th

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost three of their last five games and they need to right the ship against a dreadful Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres have lost nine straight games and are a complete mess on defense. This season, they have allowed 2.67 Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the eighth-worst in the league. 

However, that number has jumped to a whopping 3.66 Goals in the same situations since the start of December, which is the fourth-worst in the league. They have gotten even worse on defense and the Leafs with a 3.6 implied goal total should be able to jump all over them.

This leads me to John Tavares for a goal tonight up at +200. It's a solid price considering the team total and the role he plays, along with the fact he hasn't scored over his last four games, despite time on the second forward line and the first power-play unit. 

 

Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 12/15