Last day of action before the All-Star break, everyone. There are four games to be played today, so let’s have a look around the NHL to analyze the top picks, plays and predictions.
| Maple Leafs vs Lightning ML +184 / -205 O/U 5 |
Flyers vs Capitals ML +193 / -215 O/U 5 |
| Predators vs Flames ML OFF / OFF O/U OFF |
Avalanche vs Kings ML OFF / OFF O/U OFF |
Play of the Day: Flyers over Capitals.
The line is positively ruthless to the Philadelphia Flyers. The Capitals are favored with a -215 money line to the Flyers’ +193. To say that Washington is guaranteed a win by that much is a massive overstatement.
The Flyers have let three straight games slip through their fingertips. They allowed a goal with eight seconds remaining to the Maple Leafs to break the tie they fought so hard to force. Then came three unanswered goals in the second period to ruin a two-goal lead against the Penguins. Finally, a carbon-copy of the Toronto game against Boston: early deficit, tie it in the third, lose late.
The folks in Philly must have watched too much NFC East football this year, they’re starting to look like the division rival New York Giants.
The Capitals have won their last two games and put up 11 goals in those victories. However, those wins came a week ago. Their last two games were postponed thanks to the winter storm that struck Washington D.C. This will be the first game in eight days for the Caps, then they will get another week off for the All-Star break.
It could mean they will be rested. It could also mean the inactivity has made them a bit rusty.
Per LeftWingLock, Michal Neuvirth is the probable starter for Philadelphia against Braden Holtby. Neuvirth has outperformed Steve Mason this year, but was seen limping after the Flyers’ loss to Boston. The 27-year old leads the NHL in save percentage with .934%.
Prediction: Take the Flyers to win at +193. My guess is a 3-2 push with goals scored, but just in case, play the over. Gotta leave room for those empty netters.
The Game to Watch: Predators vs Flames.
The Preds are finally picking up some steam. They have won all three games on their tour of Western Canada thus far and will be wrapping up the trip in Calgary. They have scored 10 goals in their three-game streak.
Calgary has been slipping and sliding down the path of no return. Nashville regaining their footing has put the Flames in a terrible spot. The Flames sit 10 points out of the Wild Card, nine behind Nashville. They are returning home from a five game road trip on which they went 1-3-1.
Despite the disparity in the standings, this game still carries a lot of weight for the two teams involved. Nashville could hurdle over the Minnesota Wild and potentially the Colorado Avalanche for a Wild Card spot with a win. It would also signify perhaps a turning point Pekka Rinne in goal.
Calgary would pull within striking distance as January turns to February. It is a large deficit still, but stranger things have happened. Just remember the Andrew Hammond saga last season in Ottawa.
Prediction: Nashville will win a competitive game.
Other Game Notes Around the NHL
Maple Leafs vs Lightning: The Toronto powerplay is 0-for-23 in their last eight games. They will also be starting Jonathan Bernier over James Reimer, which immediately puts them at a disadvantage.
After a slow start in Amalie Arena this season, Tampa has strengthened their stranglehold on home-ice, taking their last five home games. They have won their last three home contests against the Leafs as well.
Prediction: Take Tampa Bay to win and look for them to put up a lot of points on the scoreboard. Take the over.
Avalanche vs Kings: The Colorado Avalanche have been scrambling to keep their goalie situation under control. Semyon Varlamov did not travel with the team to California. He is currently standing trial in a civil suit against his ex-girlfriend for assault. Backup Calvin Pickard was under the weather at practice and there was even rumor that if he were too ill to play, Patrick Roy might have suited up for the Avs.
While that would have been pretty amazing, it did not come to fruition. Pickard played, stunk, and subsequently got pulled for AHLer Roman Will.
Pickard is listed as the probable starter for the Avs. Los Angeles should be pouncing on him like a dog on raw meat.
Prediction: Take Los Angeles to win. Play the over.
