The last day of the 2012 NHL regular season has arrived. The Stanley Cup teams are set, but the seedings and first round matchups could change dramatically depending on several games being played today. Yesterday I took the night off because there was only the one game being played in the NHL, but on Thursday I went 2 for 3 and ended the night up 1.66 units. That brought my season record to date to (139-154-1) for -10.46. I’m expecting to bring this number closer to breaking even tonight and then to dominate in the playoffs, which I have come accustomed to as you could see from my series picks the last two years.
Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins
The Sabres head into Boston to play the Bruins in a meaningless game. I still expect the Sabres to give this game everything they have against one of their biggest rivals. The Bruins on the other hand may rest some players for the playoffs and although they will want to head into the playoffs playing well I don’t expect them to outmatch the Sabres in intensity. The Sabres want to head into the off season with a win and I expect them to get one today in Boston.
Play: Sabres +145 (5Dimes.com)
Carolina Hurricanes @ Florida Panthers
The Hurricanes head to Florida to play a Panthers team that has backed into the playoffs losing 8 of their last 9 games. The Hurricanes on the other hand have been playing quite well of late. I think they are such big dogs because the Panthers need at least a point to stay ahead of the Capitals as the division winners in the South East division so they have a lot to play for. I don’t expect that to matter though because the Hurricanes aren’t going to roll over and die. I really like the odds on the ‘Canes in this one.
Play: Hurricanes +160 (SportsInteraction.com)
Los Angeles Kings @ San Jose Sharks
This is a huge game in the Pacific division. The winner could possibly win the division and take the third seed, but that would require a Coyotes loss. The more likely scenario would be a win guaranteeing the 7th seed and a likely first round match up with the St. Louis Blues who have been stumbling of late. This is the late game though so many of the matchups will be known when this puck drops. Regardless I like the Sharks to win this one because they have finally started to play a slightly better brand of hockey, but they have the potential to be that much better. They are also at home where they have been very good this season.
Play: Sharks -135 (5Dimes.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Tagged with: Boston Bruins betting • Buffalo Sabres betting • Carolina Hurricanes betting • Florida Panthers betting • Los Angeles Kings betting • San Jose Sharks betting