Monday’s NHL slate features several intriguing matchups as teams push toward playoff positioning. From Eastern Conference contenders to Western teams battling for wild-card spots, the schedule offers several betting opportunities where the price is manageable and the matchup advantages are clear. Continue reading our Monday NHL Best Bets March 16 column for our betting picks for today.

NHL Best Bet: Red Wings -180 (vs. Flames)

Detroit enters this matchup as a moderate favorite and the statistical edge clearly supports the Red Wings.

The Wings score 2.92 goals per game, while Calgary averages only 2.44 goals, one of the lower offensive outputs in the league. Detroit also allows fewer shots and has been significantly better on special teams this season.

Detroit’s offensive core is led by Dylan Larkin (when healthy), Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat, giving the Red Wings multiple scoring threats in their top six. Raymond has continued his breakout development as a high-skill winger, while DeBrincat remains one of the league’s most dangerous shooters on the power play.

Calgary, meanwhile, has struggled to generate consistent offense. Even with veterans like Mikal Backlund, the Flames have had difficulty sustaining scoring pressure.

Detroit’s stronger offensive efficiency and home-ice advantage should give them the edge.

Why this bet works

• Detroit scores significantly more goals per game

• Stronger power-play production

• Calgary struggles offensively

Prediction: Red Wings 4, Flames 2

NHL Best Bet: Stars -162 (vs. Mammoth)

Dallas has quietly been one of the most balanced teams in the Western Conference, and this matchup against Utah presents a favorable spot.

The Stars average 3.32 goals per game, slightly higher than Utah’s 3.21, and also have one of the league’s most dangerous power plays at nearly 30% efficiency.

Dallas’ offensive depth is the difference-maker. Their lineup features elite scorers like Jason Robertson, veteran leader Jamie Benn, and dynamic playmaker Roope Hintz (injured). The Stars also receive major production from defenseman Miro Heiskanen, who drives transition and quarterback’s the power play.

Utah has solid offensive talent — Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, and Dylan Guenther have all produced strong scoring totals this season — but Dallas holds the deeper roster overall. Utah has been competitive but tends to give up high-danger chances against elite offenses.

With Dallas’ power play and top-line scoring advantage, the Stars should control the game.

Why this bet works

• Dallas has the stronger power play

• More scoring depth across three lines

• Utah allows quality chances against top offenses

Prediction: Stars 4, Mammoth 3

NHL Best Bet: Kings -120 (at Rangers)

This matchup is expected to be tight, which is exactly why the Kings are a strong value play near the pick’em range.

Los Angeles has leaned heavily on Adrian Kempe, who leads the team with 56 points and 25 goals, while the Rangers rely on playmaker Artemi Panarin and center Anze Kopitar for offensive production.

The Kings also have an improving blue line anchored by Drew Doughty, and their defensive structure has helped keep shots against relatively low compared with many teams in the league.

New York’s offense can be explosive, but the Rangers have allowed more goals defensively this season and give up nearly 29 shots per game, which creates opportunities for opponents to generate sustained pressure.

If Los Angeles establishes their forecheck and limits New York’s transition offense, they should be able to grind out a road win.

Why this bet works

• Kings allow fewer shots and play strong team defense

• Adrian Kempe provides consistent scoring

• Rangers defense has been inconsistent

Prediction: Kings 3, Rangers 2

Monday NHL Best Bets March 16

1. Detroit Red Wings -180
2. Dallas Stars -162
3. Los Angeles Kings -120