NHL

NHL Betting Guide: Monday 2/14/22

Nick Vazquez  —  @nickvaz Feb 14th, 2022
The San Jose Sharks come off a long break to face the Edmonton Oilers. Are there reasons to back the home underdog tonight?

There are only four games on Monday night, but we can still find some value in the betting market.

Please note that lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. Please check here to make sure you're seeing the most updated information.

Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks

San Jose Moneyline (+134) 2-Star Rating out of 5

What a strange season it's been for the Edmonton Oilers. They started out as one of the best teams in the league and looked like they were genuine Stanley Cup contenders for the first time in the Connor McDavid era. It's all come crashing down as they now have fired their coach and sit on the playoff bubble.

The San Jose Sharks weren't expected to compete for a playoff spot, and it doesn't look like they will. But they have been more competitive than perhaps people thought, and they have a few things going in their favor that makes them a team we can bet on tonight.

The Sharks have a big rest advantage in this game. They haven't played since before the All-Star break 12 days ago. They will also have the advantage in net, with James Reimer being better than 39-year-old Mike Smith this season. Smith had gone six straight games without a win before finally getting a victory on Friday.

The Oilers' win on Friday was the first under new coach Jay Woodcroft. However, they did allow 3.56 expected goals to the New York Islanders, who aren't exactly offensive juggernauts. San Jose is a better offensive team and has home ice and maybe some motivation.

The motivation and narrative angle can also play a factor tonight. Reports were that Sharks' players didn't want Evander Kane back on the team after some allegations in the summer. That was before his latest drama with two separate issues surrounding the COVID rules. San Jose will not want to lose in Kane's first return to their building.

Narrative aside, San Jose's moneyline is a good bet tonight. Since December 1st, the Sharks have more wins and a better points percentage. At five-on-five play in that time span, the two teams are similar in terms of expected goals percentage. San Jose is more evenly matched than this line suggests, so there is good value in the +134 number.