NHL Betting Picks: Can Henrik Lundqvist Bounce Back?

Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Rangers (-150, 5)

Halfway through the regular season, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is still struggling to find his game. Lundqvist was shelled for five goals on 28 shots Friday in Pittsburgh and now owns a 2.78 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. Meanwhile his backup Cam Talbot leads the league with a .938 save percentage and a 1.66 GAA (tied with Josh Harding). Still, Lundqvist isn’t going anywhere after signing his big deal and he’ll be back in the crease tonight against Columbus. The Rangers are coming off a 7-1 blowout win over Toronto and should be motivated against this Blue Jackets roster that is riddled with their former teammates. Plus, New York plays eight of its next 10 games at Madison Square Garden, so the Blueshirts will want to get off on the right foot here. Keep an eye on New York rookie Chris Kreider, who leads the team with 11 goals.

Pick: New York Rangers

Dallas Stars at New York Islanders (-110, 5)

Sometimes the best way for a team to get past a couple of tough losses is to head out on the road. That’s what Dallas Stars coach Ken Hitchcock is hoping anyway. The Stars have lost their last two, allowing 11 goals over that stretch, while the Islanders have won three of their last four, taking a tough 3-2 defeat to Carolina in their last one. For Dallas, this is a good opportunity to get back on the right track. The Stars coughed up 17 turnovers in their 5-1 loss to Detroit and coach Lindy Ruff will use that as a teaching opportunity. Dallas should be much tighter tonight against an Islanders team that still struggles with consistency – especially at home. Watch out for big games from Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, a pair of Stars who are said to be on the bubble to make the Canadian Olympic team.

Pick: Dallas Stars