Really strange start to the night in the NHL yesterday, with the Rangers losing, Kings needing a three goal third period comeback to win in OT, and the Isles collapse, blowing a 4-1 third period lead to lose in OT to the Sharks. I lost 0.97 units, going 4-3. Tonight we have just a four game slate before a gigantic slate tomorrow night.
Lightning vs. Penguins (7:00)
This should be a fun game. I think both of these teams are decent although it doesn’t really show in the standings, but they’re definitely not at the top of the league and I don’t see either team competing for the Cup this year. The Lightning just ended a four game losing streak with a big 4-0 shutout win at home against the Stars on Monday. The Penguins have been struggling, coming off two OT losses against the Flyers, and although they’ve picked up at least a point in their last five games, they have just three wins in their last ten. The Pens won the first game between these teams this year 4-2 on the road in Tampa. I’d lean the Bolts answer back with a win at home tonight and would slightly lean the over here, but not enough to bet it.
Panthers vs. Stars (7:00)
This is a fantastic cross conference matchup between two very good teams this year. Both of these teams are coming off losses, each in mini slumps with just two wins in their last six games. This is pretty close to a pick em to me. The Stars have an offensive edge and the Panthers have been better defensively. I’d slightly lean the under and that Florida wins at home, but not enough to bet either so I will lay off this game entirely.
Blues vs. Golden Knights (9:00)
These teams just played the first half of the home and home between them on Monday, with the Knights closing out my night with a loss, losing 2-1 in overtime to the Blues. Vegas is the way better team in this matchup, although the Blues have played better as of late. I like the Golden Knights to answer back with a win on the road in St. Louis tonight and I’ll take them for a unit. I’d lean the under, but not enough to bet it.
Oilers vs. Hurricanes (9:30)
This should be a fun game. The Oilers after their brutal start to the year have been playing much better hockey as of late, coming into tonight’s game on a four game win streak with almost a full week of rest after their 3-1 win in Winnipeg last Thursday. The Hurricanes have been a solid team but are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Jets on the road on Monday night. In the first game between these cross conference teams on November 22nd, the Canes won 6-3 at home. I’d lean Carolina wins again tonight on the road and see value in them as around an even money underdog but not enough to bet them. I do like the over though, which I’ll take at 6.5 for half a unit. Make sure you shop that, since I don’t like the 7.
Game Bets
1u Golden Knights ML (-166)
.5u Oilers/Hurricanes over 6.5 (-134)
Futures
4u Vegas Golden Knights – Stanley Cup Champions (+1000)
Record: 173-172-2 (-37.71 units)
A Town's Zone 