NHL Analysis: The Montreal Canadiens great playoff run to the Eastern Conference Final last spring has proven to be a portent of things to come as “Les Glorieux” bolted out of the gate with five wins in their first six games to stay ahead of the upstart 4-1 Ottawa Senators in the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile the New York Islanders have had the look of their 1980’s glory as they won four out of their first five games and enjoyed a 6-3 win at the New York Rangers last week to make the best possible statement. In the West the surprise team of last year, Colorado, is again a surprise, but for all of the wrong reasons as they won just one out of their first six games.
Wednesday Night Rivalry Night
The Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night on NBCSN “Rivalry Night” with puck drop set for 8 PM ET. Rivalry is definitely the operative word for these hated foes that joined the NHL together in the great expansion of 1967. The Flyers have paid out in four out of their last five games against the Penguins with four out of the last six meetings in this series going under the total. Philadelphia was off to an ugly start with just one win in their first five games while the Pens won three out of their first four for new head coach Mike Johnston.
Hockey Night in Canada
The Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Boston Bruins on Saturday night with coverage on CBC and NHLN US starting at 7 PM ET. Toronto has surprised in this head to head series with four payouts in the last seven meetings. The Bruins and Leafs have gone over the total in four out of their last five meetings. It has been more of the same for Toronto as they won just two out of their first six games and ranked 20th for goals against.
Sunday Night Hometown Hockey
The Chicago Blackhawks will host the Ottawa Senators on City TV Hometown Hockey with coverage starting at 7 PM ET. The game can also be viewed on NHLN US and WGN. The Blackhawks have dominated this head to head series with six payouts in the last eight matchups. The Hawks and Sens have gone under the total in four out of their last six meetings. Chicago is our call for this one.
