There are six games on the docket tonight. Here are tonight’s top picks, plays and predictions.
| Devils vs Sabres ML +106 / -117 O/U 5 |
Flyers vs Maple Leafs ML -104 / -106 O/U 5.5 |
| Kings vs Senators ML -108 / -102 O/U 5 |
Capitals vs Blackhawks ML -123 / +111 O/U 5 |
| Jets vs Avalanche ML +136 / -150 O/U 5.5 |
Stars vs Oilers ML +137 / -152 O/U 5.5 |
Here are tonight’s starting goaltenders, courtesy of LeftWingLock.
Play of the Day: The under in Devils vs Sabres.
Behold, two of the weaker offenses in the National Hockey League. The Buffalo Sabres have had a devil of a time scoring lately (get it? I’ll show myself out). They are averaging just two goals-for per game, with the under hitting in each of their last eight games. Their offensive output is tied for second-worst in the league, behind only the lowly Vancouver Canucks.
Just behind the Sabres in that category are the Devils, who average 2.33 goals-for per game. They sit at sixth-worst in the league.
On the bright side, both teams do a tremendous job of keeping the puck out of their own net- really the only thing keeping them afloat. For the Devils, that’s nothing new given Cory Schneider’s run of dominance these last few years. Buffalo and New Jersey are fourth- and fifth-best respectively in the league in team goals-against average.
Four of the last five games the Sabres have played in have ended in a 2-1 score, something the Devils are also very familiar with this season. At least the Devils have graduated to 3-2 scores or finals that result in a push of late.
Scoring might be sparked by two backup goaltenders squaring off in Keith Kinkaid and Anders Nilsson, but they have both played well in their first couple of games. In the end, one goal will decide this game.
The Devils have lost eight of their last nine away from the Rock.
Prediction: Take the Sabres to win tonight. Play the under.
The Game to Watch: Capitals vs Blackhawks.
From two weak offenses to two of the hottest teams around. The Chicago Blackhawks are currently riding a seven-game win streak, with their most recent victory coming over the division rival Blues. They have scored four or more in their last three home games, and the home team is 7-1 in their last eight encounters.
On the other end, the Washington Capitals saw a five-game win streak come to a halt on Tuesday with a home loss to the San Jose Sharks. The loss marked the first time all season that the Caps have been shut out.
Braden Holtby is 4-2-0 against the Blackhawks all-time. Corey Crawford is 3-3-1 against the Caps.
Artem Anisimov’s incredible 11-game point streak came to an end last game, and he exited the game with an upper-body injury. As of this afternoon according to NBC Sports, Anisimov will sit this game out. Vinnie Hinostroza will enter the lineup on the third line, while Marcus Kruger will slide up to the second line in place of Anisimov.
Without Anisimov, this will be a tough one for the Blackhawks. Do not dismiss their chances out of hand, but this game could very well go either way. I’m surprised the line is slanted against Chicago, to be perfectly honest. Take advantage of that.
Prediction: Even without one of their key cogs, take Chicago to win on home ice. Play the over.
Other Game Notes Around the NHL
Flyers vs Maple Leafs: If one were to peruse the list of the worst save-percentages in the league, you would find the Flyers’ goalie tandem front and center. Of goaltenders with at least five starts under their belts, Michal Neuvirth is second-worst in the league with a .857 save percentage in eight starts, while Steve Mason is only marginally better at .888 in nine starts.
Fortunately, Philly will be taking on Frederik Andersen and his .897 save percentage tonight (11 starts).
The good vibes of a Toronto three-game win streak were dashed in a hurry Tuesday night, as the Leafs fell to the Kings 7-0. They were run out of their own building, mustering just 19 shots on goal while allowing 43.
Philly reached extra time with the Red Wings for the second time in a week on Tuesday, this time falling in the skills competition. They had won their previous two shootouts this season, with Claude Giroux embarrassing some goalies along the way.
The over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Toronto. With the way these goalies have been playing, you best believe that the goals will be a-plenty.
Prediction: Take the Flyers to win. Play the over.
Kings vs Senators: Craig Anderson is the confirmed starter for the Ottawa Senators tonight. While Anderson has been playing very well in his last five starts (including missing some time to be with his wife), Kings likely starter Jeff Zatkoff has not impressed. Zatkoff was shaky at best in his tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Peter Budaj’s start last night means it’s Zatkoff’s turn.
That is bad news for the Kings.
Prediction: Take Ottawa to win. Play the over.
