On last night’s big NHL slate, I went 4-5, losing 1.98 units. Not great. Tonight we have a decent five game slate. Let’s bounce back!
Blue Jackets vs. Penguins (7:00)
Only one early game on tonight’s slate and it’s a pretty lousy one. Both of these teams stink. The Blue Jackets started the season as an overachieving team that was a pain in the ass for teams to play against, but they’re back to expectations now, on a six game losing streak after a 5-2 loss in Seattle on Tuesday. The Penguins aren’t much better. After a surprising 4-2 win in Washington against their rival Caps on Friday night, they got trounced 7-1 at home by the Stars. Almost feel bad for Sid with how bad this team’s performing. I do like the over in this one though since neither team can keep the puck out of their own net. I’ll take it for half a unit.
Avalanche vs. Capitals (9:00)
This should be a pretty solid, fun, cross conference matchup. The Capitals have been very good this season with a 10-4-1 record, but they’re coming off a 4-3 loss at home against the Leafs on Wednesday night, blowing a 3-1 lead and then losing in overtime. The Avalanche weren’t great to start the season, but they’ve seemed to figure something out lately with four wins in their last five games. They’re on a three game win streak following a 4-2 win at home against LA on Wednesday night. Val Nichushkin will return to the lineup tonight for the first time this season with his suspension now over, which should be a nice boost for them. I feel like this game’s completely a toss up. I’d slightly lean the Avs win it at home, but I actually see a good amount of value on the Caps as a +150 dog. Regardless ill stay off the side in this one. I like the over though, which I’ll take for half a unit.
Flames vs. Predators (9:00)
Pretty lousy matchup in this one out west as both of these teams haven’t been great. I thought the Flames would be bad going into the season. They got off to a solid 5-0 start, but have since tanked down to expectations and have just three wins in their last eleven games, but had a four game point streak come to an end with a 3-1 loss in Vancouver on Tuesday night. I thought the Preds would be really solid, but they’ve sucked, with a terrible 5-9-3 start to the year. They’re in the second half of a back to back tonight coming off a 3-2 overtime loss in Edmonton last night and on a three game point streak but have just one win in their last six games. I’d lean Nashville wins on the road and the under, but I’ll lay off this game entirely.
Utah HC vs. Golden Knights (9:00)
This matchup isn’t all that great but I see a ton of value here. Utah after their hot start to the season haven’t been good, back to their preseason expectations. They did pull off a stunner on Wednesday night though, beating the Canes 4-1 at home, just their third win in their last ten games. The Golden Knights I think are fantastic and my pick to win the Cup. They bounced back from two losses in a row with a 3-2 win in Anaheim on Wednesday night. They’re road record is a concern though as they’re just 2-3-2 outside of the Fortress. Vegas needed overtime but won the first game between these teams 4-3 at home two weeks ago. I expect them to win again here and the price is great at just -125, which I’ll take for a unit.
Ducks vs. Red Wings (10:00)
Another terrible cross conference matchup here to close out the night. Both of these teams stink. The Ducks are one of the worst teams in the league this season, with just a 5-8-2 record. Coming off a 3-2 loss at home to Vegas on Wednesday, they have just one win (against Columbus) in their last six games. The Red Wings, coming off a 3-2 overtime win in Pittsburgh on Wednesday have won three of their last five to improve to 7-7-1 on the year, but they’ve been lousy. Detroit’s the better team here though and a the Ducks are pretty much an auto bet against. I’ll take the Red Wings for half a unit. I’d lean the under, but not enough to touch it.
Game Bets
.5u Penguins/Blue Jackets over 6.5 (-110)
.5u Avalanche/Capitals over 6.5 (-130)
1u Golden Knights ML (-125)
.5u Red Wings ML (-155)
Futures
2u Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup (+1800)
Record: 110-92-4 (-11.41 units)
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