I pretty much broke even, splitting my two plays last night to start the NHL season 1-1. Tonight we have four games before the first huge slate of the season tomorrow, let’s win!
Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens (7:00)
Pretty solid rivalry matchup in the Atlantic Division between two Canadian teams that both made the playoffs last year and I expect to both make it again this season. I think both teams improved in the offseason, with the key departure of Mitch Marner from Toronto, making them a more balanced team, and the young core in Montreal getting another year of experience behind them. I like the Leafs to win this one at home and I’ll take them for half a unit to start the year. I’d lean the over slightly, but didn’t even consider betting the total here.
Capitals vs. Bruins (7:30)
Big mismatch here in the East. Last year the Capitals took the NHL by storm after being the worst team to make the playoffs in NHL history the previous season, on the back of Alex Ovechkin breaking Gretzky’s all time goal record. The Bruins on the other hand, I fully expect to end up in the bottom five of the league and likely win the lottery to get Gavin McKenna. I expect Washington to win this game easily, and I’ll take the Capitals for my first full unit play of the season. I’d lean the under, but I’m not touching it.
Oilers vs. Flames (10:00)
Although this isn’t the best matchup, it’s awesome that the Oilers and Flames are starting their season with the best rivalry in the NHL, the Battle of Alberta (although the Battle of Florida’s getting right up there with it). The Oilers just signed Connor McDavid to a new two year deal to give it one more shot after they’ve lost to Florida in the Stanley Cup Finals the past two years. Although I still don’t see Edmonton lifting Lord Stanley, I fully expect them to be a good team again this year. I don’t think the Flames are good whatsoever, and don’t see them making the playoffs. Although anything could happen when these teams play, I like the Oilers to win this one at home, and I’ll take them in regulation for half a unit. I’d slightly lean the over, but definitely wouldn’t bet either side of the total here.
Golden Knights vs. Kings (10:00)
Great game here in the Pacific Division. The Golden Knights are a very good team, adding Mitch Marner to the mix and signing Jack Eichel today to a new long term deal. They’re my pick to win the Cup this year. I think LA is a solid team, but the Kings are on the second half of a back to back to start the year, coming off a 4-1 loss at home to the Avalanche last night. With the Kings in the second half of a back to back on the road this early in the year, I like the Knights to win this one and I’ll take Vegas in regulation for a unit. I’d lean the under, but not quite enough to bet it.
Bets
.5u Maple Leafs ML (-175)
1u Capitals ML (-185)
.5u Oilers in regulation (-155)
1u Golden Knights in regulation (-150)
Record: 1-1 (-0.22 units)
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