Monday’s NHL slate offers several compelling matchups as teams battle for playoff positioning across both conferences. With the trade deadline behind them and roughly a month left in the regular season, games are becoming increasingly meaningful — especially for teams sitting on the playoff bubble. From emerging contenders like Columbus to rebuilding teams leaning on young superstars such as Connor Bedard, tonight’s card presents several betting opportunities where the moneyline price remains manageable. Our Monday NHL Best Bets March 9 column breaks down three matchups we like from tonight’s betting card.

NHL Best Bet: Blue Jackets -138 (vs. Kings)

Columbus has quietly been one of the more balanced offensive teams in the Eastern Conference this season. Defenseman Zach Werenski leads the club with 65 points (20 goals, 45 assists), while winger Kirill Marchenko sits among the team’s goal leaders with 22 goals.

The Blue Jackets generate nearly 30 shots per game and average over three goals per contest, giving them a legitimate offensive edge in this matchup.

Los Angeles relies heavily on winger Adrian Kempe, who leads the Kings with 53 points and 23 goals, but overall scoring depth remains a concern. The Kings average just 2.56 goals per game, one of the lower offensive outputs among playoff contenders.

Columbus also holds the situational advantage at home, where they’ve been strong throughout the season. With the Blue Jackets’ deeper scoring options and stronger offensive metrics, the modest price on the moneyline is playable.

Projection: Blue Jackets 4, Kings 2

NHL Best Bet: Rangers +125 (vs. Flyers)

The Rangers remain one of the more talented offensive teams in the Metropolitan Division thanks to their elite top-line firepower.  Mika Zibanejad remains a lethal threat on the power play with his one-timer from the left circle.

Philadelphia plays a physical brand of hockey under coach Rick Tocchet, but the Flyers have struggled at times to generate consistent offense. Their team scoring rate and shot generation both rank near the middle of the league, making it difficult to keep pace with high-skill teams.

If New York controls possession and generates power-play opportunities, their offensive ceiling should give them the edge in this matchup.

Best Bet: Rangers +125

NHL Best Bet: Flames/Capitals over 5.5

Washington games continue to feature offensive firepower thanks to Alex Ovechkin, who still leads the Capitals with 24 goals and 50 points this season. Calgary counters with winger Joel Farabee, who has already scored 15 goals.

Neither club is particularly dominant defensively, which creates favorable conditions for a higher-scoring game. Washington’s offensive style at home typically opens the pace, and Calgary’s transition game can generate scoring chances off turnovers.

Given the scoring talent on both sides and defensive inconsistencies, the total presents value.

Projection: Capitals 4, Flames 3

Monday NHL Best Bets March 9

1. Columbus Blue Jackets -138
2. New York Rangers +125
3. Capitals/Flames over 5.5

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