It wasn’t a good way to get back from the Christmas break as I went 4-7-1 on the NHL last night to lose 4.67 units. Tonight we have just a quick four game slate before a loaded weekend. Let’s bounce back!
Hurricanes vs. Canadiens (7:00)
Our only early game on today’s slate isn’t a great one. The Hurricanes are in the second half of a back to back, coming off a big 5-2 win last night in Smashville to come back from the Christmas break. The Hurricanes have been a pretty big disappointment this year. I had expectations on them winning the East, but they’re struggling to even get into a playoff spot. They’ve been in a slump big lately too and last night’s win was just their fourth in their last twelve games. The Habs suck but they’ve been decent enough lately, picking up at least a point in each of their last five games with three wins in their last four games. They went into the Christmas break with a 5-2 win in Chicago. Even in the second half of a back to back, I expect Carolina to win this game. They’re too expensive on the moneyline but I’ll take the Canes in regulation for half a unit. I like the over as well, and I’ll take the alternate over 6 for half a unit as well.
Canucks vs. Flyers (10:00)
This one’s a fun and interesting matchup to come out of the Christmas break as these teams have been two of the biggest surprises with their success this season. The Canucks have been fantastic this season, leading the NHL. Going into Christmas with a dominant 7-4 win against the Sharks, they’ve picked up at least a point in their last nine games, with seven wins in that span. They’ve been fantastic on both ends of the ice. The Flyers have been very good too, as Torts has their defense performing at an elite level to get them to currently be in a playoff spot. They went into the Christmas break with two losses in a row, with a 7-6 shootout loss in Detroit. Philly’s picked up at least a point in ten of their last eleven games and they have eight wins in their last ten games. Their offense hasn’t been great but their defense has made up for it. This will be a tough matchup for them though as the Canucks have been better on both ends of the ice. In the first game between these teams in Philly, the Flyers won 2-0 in a shutout at home. I think Vancouver answers back with a win at home and I’ll take them for half a unit. Both of these teams have been fantastic on the back end and I like the under quite a bit, which I’ll take for half a unit as well.
Golden Knights vs. Kings (10:00)
FANTASTIC matchup in the Pacific Division, both in the second half of a back to back. The Golden Knights let me down big time last night, losing 5-2 in Anaheim for their fourth loss in a row. Despite being in a slump right now have been one of the best teams in the NHL all season this year and one of the favorites to defend and win the Cup again. They are in a pretty bad skid though with just one win in their last six games. The Kings came through with a dominant 5-1 win against the Sharks last night and have four wins in their last five games. Both of these teams have been fantastic on both ends of the ice. These teams split their first two games this season with the Knights winning 4-3 in a shootout in LA and the Kings answering back with a 4-1 win in Vegas. I think the Golden Knights are the better team here, although I’d slightly lean that in the runs these teams are on right now, the Kings win on the road again. I’ll lay off the side in this game. I’d lean the over, but not enough to bet that either. I’ll skip this game entirely.
Sharks vs. Oilers (10:30)
Giant mismatch here which is clearly evidenced by the -450 line on the Oilers. The Sharks are the worst team in the NHL and after their 5-1 loss in LA last night, they’re on a six game losing streak. They’re horrendous on both ends of the ice. The Oilers went into the Christmas break with two wins in a row, beating the Rangers 4-3 and the Devils 6-3. McDavid and his Oil have been fantastic offensively, but their defense has been tough. Somehow in the first game between these Pacific Division teams, the Sharks won 3-2 at home. I fully expect an Edmonton win on the road tonight. I’ll take the Oilers puck line for a unit. I’ll also take their team total over 4 and the over on the game for half a unit each.
Game Bets
.5u Hurricanes in regulation (-155)
.5u Hurricanes/Canadiens over 6 (-136)
.5u Canucks ML (-155)
.5u Canucks/Flyers under 6.5 (-122)
1u Oilers -1.5 (-167)
.5u Oilers TT over 4 (-177)
.5u Oilers/Sharks over 6.5 (-137)
Futures
4u Vegas Golden Knights – Stanley Cup Champions (+1000)
Record: 244-237-5 (-56.53 units)
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A Town's Zone 