Last night on the small three game NHL slate, I went 1-2 to lose 1.6 units. Lots of opportunities tonight to bounce back with a gigantic 13 game slate. Let’s crush it!
Bruins vs. Flyers (7:00)
This is a huge mismatch tonight. The Bruins lead the Eastern Conference and have looked like the best team in the NHL this season with a 14-2 record. They’ve been a perfect 9-0 at home and come into tonight’s game on a four game win streak after an easy 5-2 win at home against Vancouver on Sunday. The B’s lead the NHL on both ends of the ice. They’ve scored a league leading average of 4 goals per game on an average of 33.9 shots per game and they’ve allowed an NHL fewest average of just 2.19 goals per game on an average of 30.4 shots per game. Linus Ullmark, confirmed in goal tonight leads the NHL with a 1.96 GAA and .936 save percentage. The Flyers after losing 5-4 in overtime in Columbus on Tuesday are now 7-6-3 on the season, losing their last four straight games with just two wins in their last night games. To quote their coach John Tortorella, they’ve sucked lately. They’ve scored an average of just 2.56 goals per game on an average of 29.6 shots per game and even with Carter Hart’s superb play in goal (2.42 GAA, .929 save percentage) they have allowed an average of 3 goals per game on an average of 34.3 shots per game. Last year the Bruins won two of their three games against Philly. I’d expect an easy win here for Boston at home but the moneyline and regulation lines are too expensive so I will take the puck line for a unit.
Hurricanes vs. Avalanche (7:00)
This is a fun matchup tonight. The Hurricanes got a 3-0 shutout win in Chicago on Monday and they’ve just won two games in their last five but they are a very good team, coming into tonight with a 10-5-1 record. Carolina has averaged 3 goals per game on an average of 35.8 shots per game. Defensively they’ve been good, allowing an average of 2.69 goals per game and limiting their competition to just an average of 26.4 shots per game. The Avalanche got beat 3-2 by the Blues on Monday night, ending their four game win streak. The defending cup champs are 8-5-1 on the year and have been pretty good despite taking a step back a bit from last year. They’ve scored an average of 3.57 goals per game on an average of 33.7 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 2.71 goals per game on an average of 33.4 shots allowed. These cross conference playoff teams already played their first game against each other less than a week ago in Colorado on November 12th with the Avs winning 4-1. I’d lean the Hurricanes answer back with a win at home here and would slightly lean the under but not enough to bet on either of those tonight, so I will pass on betting this game.
Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens (7:00)
Tuesday night the Blue Jackets got a 5-4 win in overtime over the Flyers, but this is a bad team. They’re a terrible 5-9-1 on the season with just two wins (both against Philly) in their last eight games. This team has been bad on both ends of the ice and they’re depleted with injuries. They’ve scored an average of 2.87 goals per game on an average of 30.6 shots per game and in their last ten games, they’re 30th in the NHL in high danger scoring chances. Columbus is one of the worst teams in the NHL on the back end, allowing the most goals in the league, an average of 4.33 per game on an average of 36.2 shots per game. Montreal isn’t a great team but I do think they’re a significant step better than the Jackets, especially considering that the Habs were the worst team in the NHL last year. They’re coming off a 5-1 loss to the Devils on Tuesday that ended their three game win streak and Montreal’s now 8-7-1 on the season. They’ve scored an average of 2.94 goals per game on an average of 30.1 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 3.31 goals per game on an average of 33.8 shows allowed. Sam Montembeault, confirmed in goal tonight for Montreal has stepped up from his play last season and through his five starts this year, he’s saved 4.8 goals above expected with a 2.38 GAA and .930 save percentage. In the three games these teams played last year, the Jackets swept the Canadiens with 6-3, 2-1 and 5-1 wins. I like Montreal to avenge those losses with a win on the road here and will take the Habs for half a unit.
Panthers vs. Stars (7:00)
This has the potential to be a fun, competitive matchup between two playoff teams from a season ago, who I think both end up in Wild Card spots this year. Florida’s 9-6-1 on the season and coming off a 5-2 win against the Caps on Tuesday they’ve won three of their last four games. They’ve scored an average of 3.25 goals per game on a very high average of 40.4 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 3 goals per game on an average of 31.5 shots allowed. The Stars are a decent team at 9-5-2 on the season but they have struggled a bit lately. I’m glad I stayed off their game on Tuesday where they lost 5-4 in overtime in Tampa and they only have one win in their last four games, coming on the road in a blowout against a shitty Flyers team. Dallas has been pretty good on both ends of the ice this year. They’ve been very efficient offensively, scoring an average of 3.75 goals per game on an average of 30.4 shots per game. Defensively they’ve allowed just 2.69 goals per game on an average of 31.1 shots per game. Last year these cross conference teams split their two games in both high scoring affairs with a 6-5 overtime win for Dallas and a 7-1 blowout win for Florida. I’d slightly lean Florida and the over in this matchup but don’t see any value in betting on either of them. I’ll just stay off it.
Lightning vs. Flames (7:00)
This is an awesome cross conference matchup that I can’t wait to watch tonight. The Lightning are 9-6-1 on the season with a 5-2-1 record at home. They come into tonight’s game with two wins in a row against the Stars 5-4 in overtime on Tuesday and 6-3 against the Caps on Sunday. The Bolts have scored an average of 3.38 goals per game on an average of 31.7 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 3.25 goals per game on an average of 30.6 shots allowed. Shockingly, Andrei Vasilevskiy has struggled a bit lately, giving up at least three goals in each of his last seven starts and he’s had a sub .900 save percentage in all but one of those games with a pretty bad 3.10 GAA and .898 save percentage on the season. Not what you’d expect from one of the best goalies in the NHL, whatsoever. Tonight the Flames head to Tampa to take on the three time Eastern Conference Champions in this cross division matchup. Calgary’s won their last two games, beating the Jets and Kings after ending their seven game losing streak. The Flames have actually played pretty good hockey even with that losing streak, pretty much getting unlucky puck luck. They lost by a single goal in five of the seven losses and they’re top five in the NHL in shot attempts and high danger chances over their last ten games. Calgary has scored an average of 3.13 goals per game on an average of 35.9 shots generated and they’ve allowed an average of 3.33 goals per game on an average of 27.9 shots allowed. Last year these teams split their two games with a 4-1 Bolts win and 4-1 Flames win. I’d lean the Flames get a win here tonight on the road and would lean the over, but this isn’t a matchup that’s worth betting on. I’ll definitely be tuning into this one though.
Maple Leafs vs. Devils (7:00)
The Devils have been easily the most impressive team this year from my preseason predictions. They’re 13-3 and after their 5-1 win in Montreal on Tuesday (easy winner for me), they’re now on a ten game win streak. New Jersey leads the NHL in expected goals and high danger opportunities, scoring an average of 3.75 goals per game on an average of 37.2 shots per game. Defensively they’ve been very good too, allowing just 2.44 goals per game on an average of 24.5 shots allowed. The Leafs won their last two wins, beating Pittsburgh on the road on Tuesday with a 5-2 win to improve to 9-5-3 on the year with a 6-2-1 home record. They haven’t exactly been impressive though, scoring an average of 2.94 goals per game won an average of 31.5 shots per game and allowing an average of 2.71 goals per game on an average of 27.8 shots allowed. Sounds like another first round exit again to me. Last year Toronto won all three games between these Eastern Conference teams with 6-4, 7-1 and 3-2 scores. Jersey is playing incredible hockey and I like them to stay home. I’ll take the Devils here at + money to get a win on the road tonight for half a unit. Blow Leafs Blow.
Wild vs. Penguins (8:00)
Neither of these teams have done a whole lot to impress me this year and have actually been pretty disappointing. The Wild are only 7-7-2, losing their last two games after a 2-1 loss in Nashville on Tuesday. They have improved a bit defensively from where they started the year but they’ve gotten worse offensively. They just can’t get it all together on both ends with such inconsistent play. Minnesota is scoring an average of only 2.63 goals per game on an average of 31.8 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 2.88 goals per game on an average of 30.8 shots allowed. The Penguins just lost 5-2 at home against the Leafs on Friday to drop to 6-7-3 on the season with their second loss in a row. Their offense has been fine this season, scoring a solid average of 3.5 goals per game on an average of 33.9 shots per game but they’ve been horrible on the back end, allowing an average of 3.56 goals per game on an average of 34.3 shots per game. Last year these teams split their games with a 5-4 Minny win and 4-3 Pittsburgh win, both needing overtime to decide the outcomes. I’d lean the Pens win on the road and would lean the over but I’m not betting this game.
Predators vs. Islanders (8:00)
After playing a horrendous stretch of hockey with just one win in the span of eight games, the Preds have been more decent lately winning four of the last six games to improve to 7-8-1 on the year. They’ve struggled on both ends of the ice especially offensively. They’re scoring an average of just 2.56 goals per game on an average of just 29.1 shots per game. Defensively they’ve allowed an average of 3.19 goals per game on an average of 32.6 shots given up. Juuse Saros has been a bit disappointing, with a 3.03 GAA and .907 save percentage in his twelve starts this year. The Islanders are playing great hockey, winning nine of their last eleven games to move to 11-6 on the season, coming off a 4-2 win in Ottawa on Monday (double winner for me on the ML and puck line). They’ve averaged 3.35 goals per game on an average of 32.4 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of just 2.53 goals per game on an average of 32.8 shots allowed. Ilya Sorokin has been incredible in goal wit ha 2.17 GAA and .932 save percentage on the season. Last year the Preds won both games between these teams both by a goal with a 3-2 overtime win and a 4-3 win. I’ll take the Islanders here to get a win on the road for a unit at even money.
Blues vs. Capitals (8:00)
The Blues have turned it around and after 4-2 win in Chicago last night (winner for me), they’re on a four game win streak, putting their brutal eight game losing streak in the rearview. They’re now 7-8 on the season. St. Louis has struggled on both ends of the ice. They’re averaging just 2.6 goals per game on an average of 30.3 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 3.47 goals per game on an average of 32.9 shots allowed. The Capitals have struggled with a ton of injuries this season that has effected them on both ends of the ice. After losing on the road to both of the Florida teams, they’re now 7-9-2 on the season. They’ve struggled a bit on both ends as well, scoring an average of 2.83 goals per game on an average of just 28.6 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 3.17 goals per game on an average of 31.9 shots per game. In the three games between these teams last year, Washington won the first matchup 3-2 in overtime and the Blues answered back with dominant 5-1 and 5-2 wins. With the Blues on the second half of a back to back, I’d slightly lean the Caps win on the road here and would slightly lean the over but not enough to bet on either. I’ll stay off this game.
Jets vs. Ducks (8:00)
The Ducks have had the worst start in the NHL this season and with their 5-10-1 record, they still haven’t won in regulation this year. They are coming off a win though, beating the Red Wings 3-2 in overtime on Tuesday (loss for me) with Ryan Strome scoring the game winner after John Klingberg tied the game with just 47 seconds left in regulation. They’ve been horrible on both ends of the ice though. Anaheim has only scored an average of 2.69 goals per game on an average of 30.2 shots per game and they’ve been brutal defensively, allowing an average of 4.31 goals per game on a high average of 38.8 shots they’ve given up. The Jets have quietly been playing great hockey to start their year on both ends of the ice. With a 3-2 overtime win against the Kraken in Seattle on Sunday, they’re on a 7-1-1 stretch in their last nine games and they’re 9-4-1 on the season. They’ve scored an average of 3.07 goals per game on an average of 30.4 shots per game. Defensively they’ve been very good with Hellebuyck in goal, allowing just 2.36 goals per game on average on the average of 30.8 shots they’ve given up. Winnipeg won two of the three games they played against the Ducks last season and I expected them to get a pretty easy win at home tonight. I think the moneyline at -225 but I will take the Jets in regulation for 1.5 units.
Kraken vs. Rangers (10:00)
The Rangers after having a great season last year have been pretty unimpressive this year. They’re 8-6-3 this year, coming off a 4-1 win against the Coyotes on Sunday that was just their second win in their last six games. The Rags have averaged 3.06 goals per game on an average of 34.4 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 2.77 goals per game on an average of 28.2 shots allowed. Even though they lost their last two games, taking a 3-2 loss in overtime to the Jets at home on Sunday, the Kraken have improved from last year and come into tonight’s game with an 8-5-3 record. Their offense has been pretty good, scoring an average of 3.25 goals per game on an average of 29.3 shots and they’ve allowed an average of 2.81 goals per game on an average of 27.3 shots allowed. New York won both games between these teams last season, winning 3-1 and 3-2. I have no interest in betting this game. I’d slightly lean the Rangers and the under here, but not enough to bet either.
Golden Knights vs. Coyotes (10:00)
The Golden Knights have dropped their last two games but they’re in a great get right spot tonight against the Yotes. Vegas has been incredible this season with a 13-4 record to lead the Western Conference after missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history last year. They’re coming off a shocking 5-2 loss to their rival Sharks on Tuesday night (big loss for me). The Knights have been very good this season on both ends of the ice. They’re average 3.59 goals per game on an average of 33.1 shots per game and they’ve allowed just 2.47 goals per game on an average of 30.1 shots allowed. Logan Thompson could be a rookie of the year candidate with his play in goal with a 2.38 GAA, .922 save percentage and two shutouts in his eleven starts. He’s confirmed in goal tonight in the fortress. The Yotes lost their last two games on the road against the Rangers and Devils, back to back on Saturday and Sunday, ending their shocking three game win streak they went on last week. This team’s 6-8-1 but that record is inflated compared to how shitty they are. The Coyotes have scored an average of just 2.67 goals per game on an average of just 23.9 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 3.6 goals per game on an average of 34.5 shots allowed. Last year Vegas won two of the three games between these teams, winning in 7-1 and 6-1 blowouts with a 3-1 loss in between them. The Knights should fucking smoke Arizona tonight with a dominant win. The moneyline in this game at -375 is insane and even the regulation line at -230 is too expensive but I’ll take Vegas -1.5 for a unit.
Sharks vs. Red Wings (10:30)
Both of these teams have actually played pretty similar hockey lately. The Sharks are on a three game win streak after. shocking 5-2 win in Vegas on Tuesday night to improve to 6-9-3 on the season. They’ve scored an average of 2.83 goals per game on an average of 30.5 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 3.28 goals per game on an average of 31 shots allowed. Detroit’s on a four game losing streak after a 3-2 overtime loss to the Ducks on Tuesday where they gave up the tying goal with just 47 seconds left in regulation. That drops them to 7-5-4, which although thats an improvement from last year, they’ve looked pretty bad lately. On the year, they’ve scored an average of 2.88 goals per game on an average of 28.9 shots per game and they’ve allowed an average of 3.25 goals per game on an average of 32.6 shots allowed. Alex Nedeljkovic is projected to start and has sucked this season with a 4.33 GAA and .873 save percentage in his six starts. Last year these teams split their two games with a 6-2 Detroit win and 3-2 overtime win for San Jose. With Nedeljkovic projected to start tonight, I’ll just stay off this game but I’d lean the Red Wings get a win on the road to end their losing streak.
Game Bets
1u Bruins -1.5 (-127)
.5u Canadiens ML (-105)
.5u Devils ML (+125)
1u Islanders ML (+100)
1.5u Jets in regulation (-136)
1u Golden Knights -1.5 (-143)
Futures
1.5u Boston Bruins – Stanley Cup Champions (+1100)
2u Vegas Golden Knights – Stanley Cup Champions (+1200)
1.5u Carolina Hurricanes – Stanley Cup Champions (+1300)
Record: 114-110-2 (-24.43 units)
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