There are three NHL games on the schedule tonight as we recover from a wild weekend. Let’s take a look at the top picks, plays and predictions.
| Maple Leafs vs Sabres ML -151 / +135 O/U 5.5 |
Senators vs Red Wings ML Off / Off O/U Off |
| Canadiens vs Panthers ML Off / Off O/U Off |
Here are tonight’s starting goaltenders, courtesy of LeftWingLock.
The Game to Watch: Canadiens vs Panthers.
Montreal and Florida got into a bit of a tiff last week. With the Canadiens holding a 3-1 lead midway through the second period, Alexei Emelin threw a vicious looking hit on Panthers captain Derek MacKenzie. Emelin’s shoulder clipped MacKenzie’s chin, and he threw his left arm out to shove MacKenzie in the chest.
It’s a big blow, and it is hardly the first questionable hit that Emelin has thrown in his career. It is also not the first time that he has turtled after throwing such a hit. Going back to 2009, Alexei Emelin was playing in the Russian KHL. In a playoff game, Emelin traded blows with Alexander Svitsov, who promptly annihilated Emelin. He had a concussion, a broken nose, and required major reconstructive surgery.
Emelin simply cannot take hard hits to the face, lest he risk having his face collapse again.
But don’t tell that to Shawn Thornton.
Thornton was the man to grab Emelin and start flailing as his dance partner ducked for cover. After the game, Thornton was less than pleased that he could not adequately beat the stuffing out of another human being.
Shawn Thornton has had enough of Alexei Emelin. Here's what he told me on Thursday night: pic.twitter.com/nIzxiNMbnQ
— Marc Antoine Godin (@MAGodin) March 31, 2017
That Emelin can’t defend himself is nothing new. This has been known for several years now. The problem is that he keeps getting himself into these situations where opponents want to pound him and he can’t oblige, which further aggravates the situation.
My guess is that tensions will be high once again tonight, even though this game means very little in the grand scheme of things. A win locks up the Atlantic Division title for Montreal, though the same could be accomplished with a Toronto loss tonight. Though the Leafs and Habs could tie in both points and regulation-overtime wins, the Canadiens are 4-0 against Toronto this season.
Florida is already eliminated from the playoff race.
The Cats have lost four games in a row. Reto Berra has become a sympathetic character. He joined the NHL club after injuries sidelined James Reimer and Roberto Luongo, and the team has just been shellacked in four games on the road.
They did win their last home game 7-0 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The season series is 2-1 Montreal. Their two early meetings went into extra time back in 2016, but the Canadiens wound up finishing last week’s game strong, topping Florida 6-2.
Montreal has won eight of their last nine road games and their last four overall. Carey Price is the projected starter according to LeftWingLock. In a Price vs Berra matchup, taking anyone other than Price is insanity.
Prediction: Take the Canadiens to win. Play the over.
Other game notes around the NHL
Maple Leafs vs Sabres: As mentioned before, a Toronto loss or Montreal victory locks up the Atlantic Division title in Montreal’s favor. The Maple Leafs are still playing for crucial seeding. Boston has won five games in a row. Ottawa has dropped four consecutive games, meaning that the second seed in the Atlantic is still very much so up for grabs.
Ottawa and Toronto both have two games in hand on the Bruins.
The Leafs are hot, winning six of their last seven. Their lone loss in that stretch was a 5-2 setback in Buffalo, tonight’s venue. Frederik Andersen left the game after the first period following a collision, and Curtis McElhinney allowed three goals in relief.
Tonight will break the deadlock on the season series. Toronto won the first two meetings, while Buffalo has won the last two.
In terms of what to watch for, this game could feature one of the most fun head-to-head player matchups in the NHL this season. Buffalo called up Alex Nylander, brother of William, from Rochester, and he will likely make his NHL debut tonight. The 19-year-old Alex was the Sabres’ eighth overall pick in the entry draft last season. He had nine goals and 18 assists in 62 games this season in the American Hockey League.
William has made headlines all season as one of the most impressive rookies in the league. Alex has underwhelming numbers for such a highly touted scorer. Should he get the chance to play tonight, it would at least be fun to get a taste of what the league will be like in a few years when these siblings are running the show.
The Maple Leafs will simply need to turn in a stronger defensive effort than they did last time in Buffalo. Though they are 10-2-1 in their last 13 and have plenty to be proud of, this should be a Gimme Game and it will likely play out to be much tougher than that.
Buffalo was in action last night, losing 4-2 to the John Tavares-less Islanders.
History is certainly not on the Maple Leafs’ side, but playing on a back-to-back might help them. Expect a tight game tonight.
Prediction: Take Toronto to win. Play the under.
Senators vs Red Wings: Ottawa is currently sitting in the second Wild Card spot. Do not panic. This is only because the Bruins have played two more games than them and the Maple Leafs.
Exhale, Sens fans. You will not have to play the Capitals in the first round. That is, not if you play your cards right.
Ottawa has a home-and-home with Detroit starting tonight, then three games remaining against Boston and the two New York teams. Since their spot in the playoffs will most likely be secure by the time their game against the Islanders rolls around next Sunday, there’s no need to sweat the schedule.
At least three points are needed against the Red Wings in these next two games. Since they play Boston later in the week, it would just take the stress away if they put away the Wings.
But to do that, they will need their offense to come alive. The Sens have lost every game this road trip, and have not looked good in the process. They have been outscored 14-6.
This is the third four-game losing streak the Senators have had this season. On the bright side, they have won the fifth game the previous two times.
Detroit has the season series lead, 2-0. These two teams have not played since December 29th.
Cody Ceci hyperextended his leg in the team’s loss to Winnipeg Saturday and will be unavailable tonight. Erik Karlsson has been dealing with a lower-body injury the last two games and is doubtful for tonight.
Three of their four top defensemen will be out tonight. That’s no bueno.
Prediction: Take the Red Wings to win. Play the under.
