Last night I went 5-6 on the big NHL slate, losing 1.48 units with a few surprising losses. Tonight we have a three game slate with some solid matchups. Let’s bounce back.
Rangers vs. Maple Leafs (7:00)
I don’t think this is the best Eastern Conference matchup, but could see it being a fun game. The Rangers are on the outside looking in on a playoff spot as they’re playing much better hockey as of late. Coming off a 5-1 win on Long Island against their rivals on Tuesday, they’ve won two in a row with five wins in their last seven games. The Leafs are a point back from the Panthers as they keep going back and forth for first place in the Atlantic Division. They’re on a three game win streak, coming back from a 3-0 deficit halfway through their game on Tuesday, beating the Bruins 5-4 in overtime on Mitch Marner’s game winner for their sixth win in their last seven games. The Rangers surprisingly won the first game between these teams 4-1 on the road in Toronto back in October. I like the Leafs to answer back on the road tonight in MSG. I’ll take them for half a unit. I like the over as well, and I’ll take also take the alternate over 6 for half a unit.
Stars vs. Kings (8:00)
Really great Western Conference matchup here between two solid playoff teams. The Stars have been fantastic this year, comfortably in second place in the Central. They’re coming off a 6-4 loss in Columbus on Tuesday, ending a three game win streak with just their second regulation loss in their last eleven games. The Kings are comfortably in third in the Pacific and come into tonight on a seven game point streak. They were the better team Wednesday, but outshooting Vancouver 26-17, but after erasing a 2-0 deficit in the third period, they still lost 3-2 in overtime. The Kings won both previous game between these teams at home, 3-2 in December and 5-4 in a shootout to go into the break earlier this month. I’d expect Dallas to avoid the season sweep and get the win here tonight. I’ll take them for half a unit. I’d lean the over, but not enough to bet it.
Avalanche vs. Wild (9:00)
This should be a way better game than the prices on it show, and I’m honestly baffled that Colorado is -340 in this one. Makes no sense. These two Central Division teams are both comfortably in playoff spots right now and separated by just two points in the standings, with the Wild in the third spot in the division and the Avs in the first Wild Card spot. The Avalanche bounced back from two losses out of the break in impressive fashion on Wednesday, stomping the Devils 5-1. They have six wins in their last ten games. The Wild are dealing with a bunch of injuries, and are in the second half of a back to back, coming off an embarrassing 6-1 loss in Utah last night, their second loss in a row after a three game win streak. These teams split their first two games, both winning on the road, a 6-1 Avalanche win followed by a 3-1 Minnesota win. I’d lean Colorado wins at home tonight, but the value on the Wild, even with the injuries, and even in the second half of a back to back is just too much to pass up. Not something I usually do, not really thinking they’re going to win, but I’ll take a half unit shot on Minnesota. I’d lean the over, but didn’t even consider betting the total.
Game Bets
.5u Maple Leafs ML (-122)
.5u Maple Leafs/Rangers over 6 (-108)
.5u Stars ML (-135)
.5u Wild ML (+260)
Futures
2u Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup (+1800)
Record: 404-372-13 (-55.22 units)
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A Town's Zone 