Nice bounce back win for me on the NHL last night, going 5-2 to win 1.74 units (should’ve been around double that if the Blues got it done in regulation, where they gave up the tying goal with 25 seconds left and then won in OT anyway). Tonight we have just a quick three game slate before a loaded weekend of hockey. Let’s keep the wins coming!
Red Wings vs. Hurricanes (7:00)
Not the best Eastern Conference matchup here. The Red Wings are six points back from the second Wild Card spot and I don’t see them making playoffs. On Tuesday night they had a shutout going against the Blues until just 29 seconds left in regulation, with the Blues tying it up and then beating them 2-1 in overtime. Detroit’s now won just four of their last 16 games. The Hurricanes have been fantastic, with home ice in the first round pretty much all locked up for an easy matchup against the Devils. Coming off a big 5-1 win at home against the Caps on Wednesday, they’re on a three game win streak with twelve wins in their last 14 games. The Canes won both previous games between these teams last month, winning 2-1 on the road and 4-2 at home. I like them to complete the season sweep and I’ll take them in regulation for a unit. I’d lean the over, but not enough to bet it.
Capitals vs. Blackhawks (7:00)
Huge cross conference mismatch. The Capitals have been fantastic this year, comfortably leading the Eastern Conference, but they have struggled lately with just one win in their last four games. Alex Ovechkin’s still thriving though. On Wednesday he scored to get just three away from Gretzky’s record and I love him to beat up on Chicago to keep getting closer. Not only will I take him to score an anytime goal for a unit, I’ll also go with .2 units on him to score two tonight to tie it. The Blackhawks are one of the worst teams in the NHL. They hung around with the Avs at home on Wednesday through two periods, but still lost 3-2 in a shootout for their fourth loss in a row, and they have just one win in their last twelve games. Chicago did win the first game between these teams 3-2 at home in December. I expect The Caps to answer back with a dominant win tonight and I’ll take their puck line for 1.5 units. I like the over too, which I’ll take for half a unit.
Islanders vs. Wild (7:30)
Boring cross conference game here. The Islanders stink. They’re likely missing playoffs, seven points back from the second Wild Card and are on a six game losing streak, coming off a 4-1 loss at home to the Lightning. The Wild are in the second Wild Card spot pretty comfortably but have struggled a ton with injuries. Coming off a 5-4 overtime loss at MSG on Wednesday they have just one win in their last six games. Minnesota won the first game between these teams 6-3 at home in February. I’d slightly lean they win again, and I’d lean the under, but I’m not touching this game.
Game Bets
1u Hurricanes in regulation (-120)
1u Alex Ovechkin anytime goal (-135)
.2u Alex Ovechkin over 1.5 goals (+894)
1.5u Capitals -1.5 (-142)
.5u Capitals/Blackhawks over 6.5 (-120)
Futures
2u Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup (+1800)
Record: 530-452-13 (-40.56 units)
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