Lousy night on the NHL, losing in some strange ways yesterday, going 1-3 to lose 2.59 units. Tonight we have the first big nine game slate of the season, let’s bounce back!
Sabres vs. Kings (7:00)
The Sabres looked like garbage during both Global Series games in Prague, looking the same as last year, if not worse. I expect the Kings to be a pretty good playoff game, although I don’t see them contending to win the Cup. I like LA to win this one and I’ll take them for half a unit. I’d lean the under, but not enough to bet it.
Bruins vs. Canadiens (7:00)
I feel like this is a pretty big mismatch. The Bruins looked like garbage with Korpisalo in goal for their 6-4 loss to Florida in their opener on Tuesday. I thought we’d see Swayman after signing his big contract, and he’s confirmed in goal tonight. The Habs opened their season last night with a solid 1-0 win at home against Toronto. I like the script to flip here and although the ML is way too expensive, I’ll take the Bruins in regulation for half a unit at home.
Senators vs. Panthers (7:00)
The Cup Champs looked fantastic in their opening night 6-4 win against the Bruins for their banner night, that wasn’t nearly as close as the score looked. This is one of the best teams in the league. Ottawa was horrible last year but especially with Ullmark between the pipes now and a good young core, I do expect them to improve this season. That being said, Florida’s still the better team here by a significant margin. I’ll take them on the road for half a unit.
Devils vs. Maple Leafs (7:00)
This is a fantastic matchup. I have pretty high expectations for the Devils this season and they looked solid against my Sabres in Prague in their first two games for the Global Series. The Leafs opened the season last night with a 1-0 loss in Montreal, but I still think they’re clearly a playoff team (although they won’t sniff the Cup). I’d slightly lean the over here and really considered betting it, but I’ll just lay off that total and skip betting this game.
Islanders vs. Utah HC (7:30)
I don’t expect much out of either of these teams. I’d think they both end up missing the playoffs but not being in the basement of the league. I’d slightly lean the Isles and the under, but I’ll lay off this game entirely.
Red Wings vs. Penguins (8:00)
This Eastern Conference matchup is interesting to me. I think Detroit will be a pretty good team this year and at least compete for a playoff spot. The Penguins are in the second half of a back to back coming off a 6-0 blowout loss against the Rangers. I think this is a relatively even matchup, with the Pens likely missing the playoffs but not being terrible on the year. With Pittsburgh in the second half of a back to back though, I think that gives the Red Wings enough of an edge, so I’ll take the Detroit for half a unit. I’d lean the over as well, but not enough to bet it.
Predators vs. Stars (8:00)
Phenomenal Central Division matchup here between two teams I expect to be very good this season and compete to get to the Western Conference Finals this season. I’d slightly lean the Stars win here, but not enough to bet it on the road in Smashville. I’d also lean the under here, but I’ll stay off it for the first game of their seasons.
Wild vs. Blue Jackets (8:00)
The Blue Jackets were struck with a huge tragedy in losing Johnny Gaudreau a few weeks ago, a death that shocked the hockey world. Columbus was the worst teams in the East last year and they got way worse, losing their best player. Along with the extra emotions behind Johnny, I don’t see a way this team ends up being any better this year. The Wild I think are a middling team that will probably compete for, but not get into the playoffs. Minnesota’s the way better team here and I’ll take them in regulation at home for half a unit.
Sharks vs. Blues (10:30)
The Sharks were the worst team in the NHL last year, at some points of the year looking like an AHL team. They got some great young stars including first overall pick Maclin Celebrini, who will bring them success in the future, but it’s still way too early and this team will still be at the bottom of the standings all year. The Blues opened their season Tuesday with a fun 3-2 win in Seattle and I think they’re a middle of the pack team, but they should beat the Sharks here. I’ll take St. Louis for half a unit.
Game Bets
.5u Kings ML (-105)
.5u Bruins in regulation (-170)
.5u Panthers ML (-135)
.5u Red Wings ML (-142)
.5u Wild in regulation (-152)
.5u Blues ML (-162)
Record: 4-4 (-1.79 units)
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A Town's Zone 