I couldn’t make it three winning days in a row yesterday on the NHL as I split my two plays, going 1-1 to pretty much break even (losing 0.12 units). Let’s bounce back on tonight’s nine game slate!
Devils vs. Panthers (7:00)
This Eastern Conference game is actually more interesting than it looks. The Panthers are the far better team here, leading the Eastern Conference and are on the second half of a back to back tonight coming off a 4-2 win in MSG last night to extend their win streak to five in a row. They’ve been incredible with just two losses in their last 17 games. The Devils have sucked but made news yesterday as they fired Lindy Ruff and made Travis Green the new interim. These teams split their first two games with the Panthers winning 4-3 in Jersey and the Devils winning 4-1 in Florida. I’d lean the Panthers win here and the over, but not enough to bet it with them on the second half of a back to back on the road and the new coaching situation for the Devils.
Penguins vs. Blue Jackets (7:00)
Pretty lousy matchup here. Both of these teams stink this season. The Pens are the far better team here, but come into tonight on a three game losing streak. The Blue Jackets have won their last two games in a row and are on the second half of a back to back tonight, beating the Golden Knights 6-3 last night. Pittsburgh won the first game between these teams 5-3 on the road and I expect another win for them tonight at home and would lean the over, but I don’t think they’re worth the bet at -230. I’ll lay off this game completely.
Bruins vs. Oilers (7:30)
This is an awesome cross conference matchup between two fantastic teams this season. They’re both in second place in their divisions, and playing great hockey on the year. The Bruins are in the second half of a back to back tonight, coming off a big 4-1 win in Toronto last night. The Oilers are rolling, with four straight wins after a dominant 6-1 win against the Penguins on Sunday night. In the first game between these teams, the Bruins needed overtime to win 6-5 in Edmonton a few weeks ago, with the Oilers coming back from a 4-1 deficit but not being able to complete the comeback. I’d lean the Oilers answer back with a win in Boston tonight with the B’s in the second half of a back to back, but not enough to bet it. I’d also slightly lean the under, but I’ll just totally stay off this matchup. Should be a ton of fun to watch.
Islanders vs. Blues (7:30)
Not the best matchup here. Neither of these teams have been all that great this season, on the outside trying to get in on Wild Card spots. They’re both coming into tonight on win streaks with the Isles on a three game win streak after a dominant 5-1 win against the Bruins and the Blues on a two game win streak, on the second half of a back to back tonight coming off a 2-1 shootout win in Philly last night. St. Louis dominated the first game at home with a 4-0 shutout a couple weeks ago. I’d lean the Isles answer back with a win at home tonight but don’t think they’re worth the -190. I’d also slightly lean the under, but with how inconsistent these teams have been I don’t see it worth betting on either.
Predators vs. Canadiens (8:00)
This isn’t a great game. The Predators are playing fucking awesome hockey lately, on an eight game win streak, dominating every game they’ve played since their 9-2 home loss to the Stars. The Habs on the other hand have been terrible lately. Nashville won the first game between these teams 2-1 on the road and I like them to win again here. I’ll take Smashville in regulation for half a unit. I’d slightly lean the under, but not enough to bet it.
Jets vs. Kraken (8:00)
Both of these teams have played well recently, but I think there is a pretty big gap in talent between these teams. Especially with the Kraken in the second half of a back to back tonight coming off their 4-2 win in Calgary, I like Winnipeg to win this one tonight. I’l take the Jets for half a unit. I’d slightly lean the under, but not enough to bet it.
Coyotes vs. Blackhawks (9:00)
Terrible Central Division matchup here. Both of these teams stink, playing terrible hockey. The Coyotes have won their last two games after a 16 game losing streak, and they dominated the first game between these teams with a 8-1 win at home. I expect the Yotes town again here at home, but no way are they worth betting on at -265, even against the worst team in the NHL. I did really consider betting their team total, but I’ll stay off this game entirely.
Kings vs. Canucks (10:30)
This should be a pretty fun Pacific Division match between two playoff teams. The Canucks still lead the NHL, but they’re in a bit of a slump right now with just two wins in their last eight games. The Kings are playing much better hockey lately. These teams just played less than a week ago with LA winning 5-1 in Vancouver. I’d lean the Canucks answer back on the road since they’re the better team, but with how these teams are both playing right now, I’d rather just stay off this one completely. I’d slightly lean the over, but don’t see any edge on betting the total. I’ll stay off this game.
Sharks vs. Stars (10:30)
Huge mismatch in this Western Conference matchup to close out tonight’s slate, with the Stars rightfully so coming in at -425. These teams just played each other on Saturday with the Stars needing a shootout for their 3-2 win at home. They’re still the far better team here though and I like them to win in easier fashion at home tonight. I’ll take the Dallas puck line for half a unit. I’d lean the under but not enough to bet it.
Game Bets
.5u Predators in regulation (-135)
.5u Jets ML (-166)
.5u Stars -1.5 (-155)
Futures
4u Vegas Golden Knights – Stanley Cup Champions (+1000)
Record: 465-424-11 (-83.58 units)
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