Both of our favorites lost loss night, which brings the season record to within a few units of breaking even on the season. As it stands I am (85-88) for +1.47 units on the season. I might stay away from betting on favorites quite as much in the future, because as I note in the NHL betting strategy section the general public loves favourites so sportsbooks will often adjust the odds slightly to take this factor into account.
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Buffalo Sabres
The Maple Leafs are riding a 4 game winning streak where they have played some very good hockey outscoring their opponents 17-6. That being said each of these games was at home, and they are back on the road tonight in Buffalo. The Leafs road record of 10-10-1 isn’t horrible though and if they can continue their hot play they should be the better team in this game. Buffalo is still a very injured squad that can’t seem to get any momentum to keep themselves in the playoff hunt. They lost 2-0 in Toronto on Tuesday and are currently on a 3 game losing skid and have only won 2 of their last 11 games and only 1 of their last 7. Toronto will take this game to Buffalo and I don’t expect the location to play a huge factor.
Play: Maple Leafs +102 (BetOnline.com)
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Florida Panthers
Both of these teams are in funks, but the Penguins current funk is much more severe than that of the Panthers. The Pens have lost 6 straight (without even getting a point), and the loss of Sidney Crosby may finally be starting to show with the Penguins only managing to score 6 goals in that span. Averaging a goal a game isn’t going to win many games and the Panthers should be able to pounce on this down and out Penguins team that is beginning to look destined to miss the playoffs. The Panthers defeated the Canucks at home on Monday, which is a big win and shows that the team still has what it takes to compete with the big dogs, especially at home. The Panthers have won 3 of their last 4 home games and I expect them to win this one.
Play: Panthers -113 (5Dimes.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Tagged with: Buffalo Sabres betting • Florida Panthers betting • Pittsburgh Penguins betting • Toronto Maple Leafs betting