Top NHL picks February 1: Back the Sabres in tough matchup vs. Hurricanes

NHL bye weeks are underway for all but four teams, leaving us with two games to wager on this evening.

The pregame narrative: The Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres have both been playing well recently, but we’re giving the edge to Buffalo on an alternate puck line. Also, David Pastrnak is a threat to score in every game and that won’t change tonight against the Maple Leafs.

Find our top NHL picks for February 1 below.

Odds as of 9:05 a.m. on 02/01/2023.

NHL picks

Best Bet: Sabres +1 (-118)

Two of the hottest teams in the league are matched up on Wednesday, and we’re giving one goal of cushion to the well-rested home side.

The Sabres have had three full days of rest prior to this matchup, as their last game came on Saturday. The Hurricanes have played twice since then, including an overtime win at home last night.

We’re hoping the rest factor tips the scales in Buffalo’s favour. As good as Carolina has been over its six-game winning streak, Buffalo has been excellent, too.

Here’s how the two teams stack up at 5-on-5 over the past two weeks (NHL ranks in parentheses):

Buffalo has won five of its past six games and covered this line seven times in a row. The team is in fine form and should at least keep things close tonight.

Key stat: In seven previous games played on no rest, the Hurricanes have pushed or lost on this line five times.

Quick picks

Sabres over 3 goals (+104): This is an excellent line to see plus-money value on because the Sabres lead the league in goals per game (3.76).

They’ve also scored three or more goals in 36 of 49 games (73.5%), including six of their past seven.

Carolina is one of the league’s stingiest teams, allowing just 2.66 goals per game. But the Canes have one of the worst save percentages over the past two weeks (.900), and we’re leaning into that.

Pastrnak anytime goal scorer (+104): Pastrnak scored last time out against Toronto, back on Jan. 14, amid a nice stretch for the Rocket Richard contender.

The Czech star has 13 goals in his past 13 games, cashing on this prop eight times.

He’s also the NHL shot leader, averaging 4.86 shots on net per game, which provides a nice baseline for his scoring opportunity.