There’s a full day of hockey ahead starting at 12:30pm EST today. So, let’s take a look around the NHL at the top picks, plays and predictions of the day:
| Canucks vs Penguins ML +162 / -180 O/U 5 |
Wild vs Sharks ML +122 / -135 O/U 5 |
| Blue Jackets vs Bruins ML +184 / -205 O/U 5.5 |
Canadiens vs Maple Leafs ML +101 / -111 O/U 5 |
| Ducks vs Red Wings ML -105 / -105 O/U 5 |
Lightning vs Panthers ML -124 / +112 O/U 5 |
| Devils vs Jets ML +119 / -131 O/U 5 |
Flyers vs Islanders: POSTPONED ML +132 / -146 O/U 5 |
| Avalanche vs Stars ML +162 / -180 O/U 5.5 |
Kings vs Coyotes ML -150 / +136 O/U 5 |
| Predators vs Oilers ML -135 / +122 O/U 5 |
Play of the Day: Blue Jackets over Bruins. The Bruins are the better team. The Bruins have David Krecji back. The Bruins have been playing better hockey.
There are still two reasons to bet against the Bruins.
The first is the line. Boston is favored at -205, a gargantuan gap that has backfired pretty frequently in general these past few days.
The second is motivation. The Blue Jackets may be playing with a little extra fire to honor their coach John Tortorella, who broke two ribs after a collision in practice.
It’s not exactly the most logic-based play, but never underestimate the power of playing for someone. To paraphrase “Brian’s Song,” when you dedicate the game to someone you’re supposed to win.
Prediction: Live dangerously. Take the Jackets to win. Play the under.
The Game to Watch: Lightning vs Panthers. The Battle for Florida, Part Four. The Panthers took the first two installments in November, but the most recent bout last weekend went to the Lightning.
Florida has been scrambling to regain their footing after their 12-game win streak. They finally got a win, and a big one against the Chicago Blackhawks. Possession and scoring have been inconsistent for the Panthers outside of their streak. But when they do score, they win. Simple yet true. The Cats are 18-0-1 when they score three or more goals this season.
Scoring against the Lightning is easier said than done. They have won seven consecutive games and allowed more than three twice in that stretch. The top line of Stamkos-Palat-Namestnikov has suffocated opponents with relentless energy and impeccable passing. It’s hard to find an answer for the Lighting’s top six.
Prediction: Tampa will win on the road. Take them at -124. Play the over.
Other Game Notes Around the NHL
Canucks vs Penguins: The Canucks are wrapping up a six game road trip. They have gone 3-1-1, with their lone regulation loss coming against the Washington Capitals in the first game of the trip.
Vancouver is riding some pretty high shooting percentages on the whole. In their first period against the Boston Bruins Thursday, they were outshot 11-4. They won the period 1-0.
Phil Kessel came alive last game against the Flyers for Pittsburgh. The Penguins powerplay moved the puck quickly and skillfully which left Kessel all alone for his third powerplay goal of the season. Carl Hagelin was later able to corral the puck in his own zone and generate a two-on-one with his speed, and feed Kessel for the tap-in. The Malkin-Kessel-Hagelin line generated 12 shots.
The most important detail of the Penguins’ play lately is their ability to stomp on the throttle. When they have a lead in the third period, they do a great job of maintaining control of the puck and still applying the pressure. That could be the difference maker tonight.
The line is irresistible though. The Canucks being at a +162 when they really are not that far off given their recent play makes this a very tempting line.
Prediction: Take the Canucks to win. Play the over.
Wild vs Sharks: The Sharks are currently on their longest point streak in two years. They have benefitted from healthy centers and consistent lines recently. Even though Brent Burns has come back down to earth from his torrid scoring stretch, the Sharks continue to put pucks in the back of the net. They have brought themselves above the .500 mark and improved their home record to a not-as-miserable 8-12-1.
The Wild finally bounced back from their five-game losing streak with a shutout victory against the Kings. They were finally able to capitalize on the powerplay. A broken play with a loose puck along the boards ended up being a pass to the open slot where Zach Parise was waiting.
Prediction: It will be tighter than past games for Minnesota, but San Jose will be taking this one. Play the Sharks at the under.
Canadiens vs Maple Leafs: It is very hard to overstate just how good James Reimer has been at even strength this season. He is having a career year just in time to get a UFA contract come July. He leads the league in save percentage with a mind-blowing .937, and a 1.98 goals against, third in the league. With the Leafs having the advantage in the goalie department coupled with the Habs’ well-documented issues of late, the Leafs could capitalize on the +101 line.
Prediction: Take the Leafs and play the over.
