There are four NHL games on the schedule tonight. Let’s take a look at the top picks, plays and predictions.
| Blackhawks vs Penguins ML +115 / -135 O/U 6 |
Kings vs Flames ML +125 / -145 O/U 5 |
| Capitals vs Avalanche ML -265 / +215 O/U 5.5 |
Blues vs Coyotes ML -200 / +170 O/U 5 |
Here are tonight’s starting goaltenders, courtesy of LeftWingLock.
The Game to Watch: Blackhawks vs Penguins.
I always laugh when games like these are billed as “The Night You Love to Hate.” The NHL and NBC use a pretty thin veil to hide the fact that they want the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins on national television as much as possible. To have them both together is the ultimate satisfaction for the league.
But as much as I want to mock the fake malice in “Wednesday Night Rivalry,” I would be lying if I said I wasn’t genuinely looking forward to this game.
Because these two teams are two of the favorites to land in the Stanley Cup Final.
Chicago has finally slowed up after a dominant month of hockey. Three of their last four games have gone into extra time, with the Hawks only coming away the victor once. Their lone game decided in regulation was a 7-0 thumping at the hands of the Florida Panthers.
The Blackhawks have not lost three consecutive games since the end of January. It has only happened twice this season.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is in danger of losing their fourth consecutive game. Injuries have hampered their roster. Among the wounded forwards: Evgeni Malkin, Connor Sheary, Jake Guentzel, Carl Hagelin, Matt Cullen and Tom Sestito. On the blueline: Ron Hainsey, Olli Maatta, Kris Letang and Trevor Daley.
Yeesh.
Nevertheless, this is a premier matchup of talent. Pittsburgh is still near-unbeatable at home, second only to the Washington Capitals in home wins. By the same token, only the New York Rangers have more road wins than the Chicago Blackhawks.
These are two of the best teams in the world. Pittsburgh only need ride on the shoulders of Sidney Crosby and they will still be competitive. The Hawks will only be without Artem Anisimov, as they have been for some time now.
Prediction: Take the Blackhawks to win tonight. Play the under.
Other Game Notes Around the NHL
Kings vs Flames: The Los Angeles Kings helped a lot of teams last night. By rolling over and dying to the Edmonton Oilers last night, three Pacific Division teams were able to officially punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Anaheim, San Jose and Edmonton.
Calgary will be looking to do the same with a win tonight over the Kings.
In fact, the entire playoff bracket would be locked up with a Flames win tonight. Just for good measure, the St. Louis Blues are also in action tonight against the Arizona Coyotes.
The Flames last played on Monday night, thrashing the Colorado Avalanche 4-2. Sean Monahan had a goal and three assists in the victory. In Calgary’s last meeting with Los Angeles 10 days ago, the Flames cruised to a 5-2 win. Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau both registered a goal and an assist.
Perhaps the final nail in the coffin for the Los Angeles Kings is their inability to win games on back-to-backs. They have lost their last five games on no rest. Also, they have lost their last five road games and their last six to Pacific Division rivals.
To quote Bad Religion, Los Angeles is burning.
The home team has won five of the last six meetings between these two teams.
Prediction: Take the Flames to win. Play the under.
Blues vs Coyotes: St. Louis is oh-so-close to locking up their spot in the postseason. A win and a Kings loss ensures a trip to the NHL playoffs. They have won six of their last seven games as the visiting team.
Arizona has lost six of their last seven overall. Incidentally, they have lost their last seven Wednesday games. I guess that’s why they’re never on NBC. That and they stink.
The Blues have won their last eight games in Arizona.
Prediction: Take the Blues to win. Play the under.
Capitals vs Avalanche: Here is your daily Colorado Avalanche fun fact.
The Avs’ mascot is a St. Bernard named Bernie. He is a good doggo.
Such a good pupper. It would be cuter if it were a real dog but close enough.
Anyway, the Caps have won their last five against the Avalanche. They will likely win tonight.
Prediction: Take the Capitals to win. Play the over.
To make a play on these predictions, or any other NHL bets, visit our sportsbook at https://www.betdsi.eu/gms-hockey.
