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
The Capitals came through in a nail biter last night, scoring early and holding on for a one goal lead. This win brings the season record to (85-86) for +4.21 units. We are slowly making our way back to where we were earlier in the season. Tonight is a big one in the NHL, but I only found 2 plays that I really like so I’m going to stick with them.
Carolina Hurricanes @ Tampa Bay Lightning
The Hurricanes have lost 4 of their last 5, while the Lightning have lost 4 in a row, so this is really a battle of a couple bottom feeders in the Eastern Conference. The difference is that the Lightning had lost 3 in a row on the road, where they have been bad all season, before outplaying the top Western Conference team (Vancouver Canucks) in Tampa Bay before losing in a shootout. The Lightning still have the tools to be a successful team and they have showed this ability at home, while the Hurricanes and their depleted lineup do not have what it takes to compete if their opponents take the game to the next level. This is exactly what I expect tonight as the Lightning know this is a must win game at home where they have gone (11-5-1) this season.
Play: Lightning -155 (5Dimes.com)
Vancouver Canucks @ St. Louis Blues
The Canucks were in a battle with the Lightning a couple nights ago before pulling out a shootout win. They can expect another battle tonight against a Blues team that has looked untouchable, winning their last 4 games by a combined score of 15-4 and not allowing a single goal against in their last two contests. The Blues have been great at home this season with a (17-3-2) record, while the Canucks have been strong on the road, but their (15-9-1) record is far worse than the Blues. Brian Elliott is in net for the Blues tonight and he has been superb so far this season and I expect more of the same tonight against the Canucks. This should be a tight checking affair, but the Blues home ice advantage and superior goaltending will win them the game.
Play: Blues -119 (BetOnline.com)
**Check out my past NHL predictions to see how I’ve done so far this season!
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Last night was a little bit disappointing because it could have been a hugely profitable night, but instead it turned out to be a slightly negative one. The first two underdog picks of the night, Ottawa and the Islanders, handily won their games so I was already up 3.07 units with the other three games still to finish up. The Hurricanes ended up losing a tight game 2-1 to the Flyers, while the Lightning and Sharks each went to a shootout in their respective games. Needless to say both lost, which brought the nights record to 2-3 for -0.33 units. Tonight there are only 2 games in the NHL, but I’m making one play and will hopefully recoup those losses. The picks last night were all solid picks and I would do them again, but sometimes those are the breaks.
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Washington Capitals
The Penguins lost their fifth straight last night at home to the Ottawa Senators. Tonight they travel to Washington to play a team that has been very good at home all season long (14-5-1) and has won their last 4 home games. The Caps are on a two game losing streak, but each of these came to strong Western Conference teams on the road (Sharks and Kings). The Capitals will be eager to return home and both squads know how big this game is for their playoff hopes. The Penguins are still without Sidney Crosby and back to back games at this point in the season will start to take their toll. The Capitals should win this one handily.
Play: Capitals -125 (5Dimes.com)
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Written by: Niko de Jonge
I took a couple nights off because both Sunday and Monday only had two games, none of which had good value lines. But I’m back tonight after going 1 and 1 to break even back on Saturday. The season record is now (82-83) for +3.54 units, but I have a good feeling about tonight with 4 underdog picks and 1 favourite being chosen.
Detroit Red Wings @ New York Islanders
The Red Wings have not been strong on the road this season going 11-12-0. Add this fact with the confirmation of backup goaltender Ty Conklin starting in goal for the Red Wings (he is 2-4-0 on the season) and the Islanders as big dogs starts to look pretty good. The Isles are 8-9-3 at home this year and although they are surely a less skilled team than Detroit, playing at home against a backup goaltender that has not seen much action this season makes the Islanders a smart play at +175.
Play: Islanders +175 (SportsInteraction.com)
Philadephia Flyers @ Carolina Hurricanes
The Flyers played back to back games against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday and Sunday, winning the first game at home in overtime before giving up a 4-2 lead heading into the third to lose to the comeback kid Ottawa Senators 6-4 at Scotiabank Place on Sunday. The Flyers have just not looked to be on their A game over the past 10 or so games having won only 4 in that span. The Hurricanes, who have a decent 10-10-3 record at home have won 4 of their last 5 home games and are playing better hockey than they did at earlier points in the season. As big home underdogs I like the Hurricanes in this one.
Play: Hurricanes +155 (SportsInteraction.com)
Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins
The Senators have been on fire of late winning 5 of their last 6 (only loss in OT to Philly) and 8 of their last 11. They head into Pittsburgh to face a struggling Penguins team that has lost 4 games in a row, scoring only 5 goals in that span. It seems that the Pens may finally be missing the offense of Sidney Crosby in the lineup. The Senators have not been great on the road this season going 8-7-5, but of the four Penguins losses 3 have come at home so I like the Senators as underdogs in this one.
Play: Senators +132 (5Dimes.com)
Vancouver Canucks @ Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have played 25 of their 40 games on the road this season so it’s easy to overlook their stellar 10-5-0 home record. It’s true that the Lightning have lost 3 in a row, but each of these losses came on the road and the team had won three straight home games prior to that trip. Add in the fact that the Canucks played yesterday, losing in Florida and the Canucks road record is only 14-9-1 and the Lightning at home as big underdogs looks very appealing. I expect Tampa to take this one and continue their winning ways at home.
Play: Lightning +150 (SportsInteraction.com)
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San Jose Sharks @ Minnesota Wild
This is mainly a fade bet on the Wild who simply cannot win games anymore. The Wild have lost 11 of their last 12 games and playing against one of the top teams in the league Minnesota should be even bigger underdogs.
Play: Sharks -140 (5Dimes.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Last night I went 1 for 2, but the bigger dog came through with a big win (Colorado over Blackhawks), which brings the season record to (81-82) for +3.54 units. Tonight it’s Saturday. Tons of games and a lot of matinee’s as well.
Ottawa Senators @ Philadelphia Flyers
The Sens are on a roll having won their last 4 games. Craig Anderson is in net tonight and he has been playing some stellar hockey. I expect this to continue tonight against a Flyers team that bounced back admirably for a win over the Blackhawks after a tough Winter Classic loss. That being said the Flyers are only 9-6-2 at home this season and have not been playing their best hockey recently. They are also without Jagr who injured his leg in the Classic. For the odds the smart money is definitely on the Senators in this one.
Play: Senators +160 (SportsInteraction.com)
Minnesota Wild @ Calgary Flames
The Wild are having a lot of trouble lately. After shooting to the top of the league standings the team has lost 10 of their last 11. The Flames are definitely ready to come out firing after their embarrassing 9-0 defeat at the hands of the Bruins. I expect the Flames to win this one by a good margin in front of their home fans. The Flames are favourites for good reason, but the recent history suggests that the Wild don’t have anything left in the tank, while the Flames will be pissed off and ready to go.
Play: Flames -118 (5Dimes.com)
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Written by: Niko de Jonge
Once again our underdog (albeit very slight underdog last night) lost, while our favourite won, which marks no change in my unit profit this season. The season to date record now sits at (80-81) for +2.74 units.
Colorado Avalanche @ Chicago Blackhawks
The Avalanche have been surprising me of late and making me eat my words about them not being a playoff contender. The Avs have won 3 straight and 8 of their last 9! They are playing some solid hockey and getting good goaltending from both Varlamov and Giguere who are now in a competition for the starting role. The Blackhawks are a better overall team, but this is their second game in two nights and for the odds the smart money is definitely on the surging Avalanche team against a likely tired Chicago squad.
Play: Avalanche +180 (SportsInteraction.com)
New York Islanders @ Anaheim Ducks
The Islanders and Ducks are two of the worst teams in the league. The difference right now is that the Isles are on a 3 game winning streak (albeit over weak teams), while the Ducks have lost 3 straight home games and have been giving up a large number of goals. I expect each of these streaks to continue tonight and the odds are good for the Islanders as they are small underdogs in this one.
Play: Islanders +110 (SportsInteraction.com)
**Remember not to use a Sports Interaction refer a friend code when signing up in order to receive the full 100% matching bonus up to $125.
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Last night I went 1 and 1, so no change in the year long tally of (79-80) for +2.74 units. Thursdays are always big nights in the NHL and tonight is no exception.
Chicago Blackhawks @ Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers will be without Jagr in this one and as we saw in the Winter Classic he is a big part of this team. The HBO cameras will also be all packed up and the Winter Classic will have been completed so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bit of a let down in effort in this game by the Flyers. The Blackhawks are one of the best teams in the league and their road record is actually better than the Flyers home record. I see the Blackhawks rebounding from their loss to the Oilers on this one game road trip.
Play: Blackhawks +100 (5Dimes.com)
Edmonton Oilers @ St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues are amazing at home, while the Oilers are horrendous on the road. The Oil have only won 2 of their last ten games and look like the team of the last two seasons. The Blues should take this one easily in front of their home fans.
Play: Blues -195 (5Dimes.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
The Maple Leafs exploded offensively last night, which wasn’t good for my one play of the night. The 1 unit loss brings the season record to (78-79) for +2.74 units.
Winnipeg Jets @ Montreal Canadiens
The Jets are on a roll, while the Canadiens are struggling. Add in the fact that the Habs have been brutal on the road this entire season and you have to take the Jets as underdogs in this one. I’m not one of the people who thinks that the fight between Subban and Plekanec in practice is a sign the team is about to turn things around.
Play: Jets +115 (5Dimes.com)
San Jose Sharks @ Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have been absolutely horrible this season and I expect this to continue against one of the top teams in the league tonight. The Pacific division is not what it usually is this year with the Sharks possibly the only team to make the playoffs. Either way this should be another easy win for the Sharks against a Ducks team that has the worst goal differential in the league!
Play: Sharks -150 (5Dimes.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
This is my first prediction post of the New Year and hopefully we can start it off right with some big wins. The end of 2011 went well going 3 for 4 on the 31st of December for +2.16 units, which brings the season record to (78-78) for +3.74 units. There are six games on tap tonight, but I’m only going with one strong play.
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Toronto Maple Leafs
The Lightning have not been good on the road this season going (6-12-3), but they are on a 3 game winning streak (all at home) and should carry some momentum into this game against a Toronto team that is struggling. The Leafs haven’t been great at the ACC this year either with an (8-5-4) record and they have lost their last 3 games and 8 of their last 11. James Reimer has not been good since returning from his concussion and goaltending is once again a big concern in Toronto. The Lightning are a better team than they have shown this year and I expect them to win this game against a struggling Leafs team.
Play: Lightning +120 (5Dimes.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
The Blackhawks came through in my lone play yesterday for a big unit win that brings the season record to (75-77) for +1.58 units. It’s New Years eve, but it’s also a Saturday, which means there are plenty of games to watch before starting your celebrations.
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Winnipeg Jets
The Maple Leafs have been sliding down the standings for a few weeks now and this game, which is huge considering the position of each team in the standings, will be no different. The Leafs have only won 2 of their last 7 games and have lost both road games following the Christmas break. The Jets on the other hand have been hot of late winning their two games following Christmas and 9 of their last 13. Reimer has not been good since returning from his concussion and he is starting in net for the Maple Leafs tonight. I’m expecting a Jets win in this one.
Play: Jets -120 (5Dimes.com)
Ottawa Senators @ Buffalo Sabres
The Senators are coming off an emotional win last night where Alfredsson scored his 400th career goal in overtime to cap a big comeback that saw the Senators battle back from a 3-0 deficit. The emotions will be high, but this play is mainly a fade on the Sabres. Buffalo also played last night so any thoughts about either team being more tired can be thrown out the window. Buffalo has lost 7 of their last 9 games and this includes two losses at the hands of the Senators. Ottawa is a fairly big dog in this game considering how the Sabres have been playing of late.
Play: Senators +130 (5Dimes.com)
Colorado Avalanche @ Anaheim Ducks
The Avs have been hot and the Ducks have been not. Colorado has won 6 of their last 7, while the Ducks only have 1 win in their last 6. It should be said that most of the Avs wins have come at home, while the Ducks losses have come on the road, but I still feel that the momentum and confidence Colorado has picked up will be enough to defeat this struggling Ducks team (plus the odds are favourable).
Play: Avalanche +116 (5Dimes.com)
Vancouver Canucks @ Los Angeles Kings
The Canucks have found their game and although the Kings finally showed they could score more than 2 goals in a game, their offensive outburst was short lived with LA returning to 2 goal and 0 goal performances the next two games. I don’t expect them to find much offense against this Canucks team, while the Sedins and the Canucks will surely pot enough to win this game. LA’s offensive struggles are embarrassing as they are a distant 30th in the league in goals per game, while the Canucks are 3rd.
Play: Canucks -130 (5Dimes.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
