Both of our picks went into extra time last night, but Kassian and Cory Schneider came through for us in the Canucks game for a break even night. I’m glad now I chose the moneyline in that game rather than the puck line which I was strongly considering. Tonight there are 10 games in action so plenty to choose from!
Season Record To Date: 9-2 for +7.70 units.
New York Islanders @ Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs played last night, earning a big win over a strong Penguins team by a score of 5-2. The Pens didn’t play as well as they can though with some home opener jitters possibly hurting their efforts. The Maple Leafs also lost Joffrey Lupul for an indefinite amount of time after he was hit in the arm with a Dion Phaneuf slap shot resulting in a fracture. JVR did finally get going last night with two goals and an assist and it is safe to say he is probably out of Carlyle’s doghouse now.
All of that said though the Leafs are playing in back to back nights and are going back to Scrivens who has been shaky, but able to make most saves in his first two starts this season. The Islanders will be fresh, having not played since Monday and I expect a good effort out of them. I think the Leafs win last night moved the odds a little bit making them the favorites in this one, when they should be the dogs. I don’t expect another strong effort from the Leafs tonight.
Play: Islanders -105 (SportsInteraction.com)
Buffalo Sabres @ Carolina Hurricanes
The Sabres have looked solid so far this year and have 2 wins out of the gate. The Hurricanes have looked lost, and it seems like it may take some more time for the team to find the chemistry that they need to compete as a decent team in the NHL. Enroth gets the start in goal for the Sabres, which is likely the only reason they are dogs in this game. I’m a little worried about taking the Sabres without Miller in goal, but I still think there is value here against a Hurricanes team lacking confidence.
Play: Sabres +105 (5Dimes.eu)
Chicago Blackhawks @ Dallas Stars
I’ve always thought the Blackhawks have the lineup to be the best league in the NHL (check my Cup picks from basically every year) and early in the season they are showing it. Patty Kane had said he was as focused to start this season as he has ever been and he has showed it. Hossa has also been one of the ageless wonders of the league (even though he is only 33). The Stars have an OK team, but they will be outclassed in this one. The tenders are unconfirmed at the moment, but you have to think the Blackhawks will stick with Crawford to continue to build his confidence as he has been playing quite well this season. I like the Blackhawks as the slightest of favourites in this one.
Play: Blackhawks -115 (5Dimes.eu)
LA Kings @ Edmonton Oilers
The Kings have looked like they continued the Stanley Cup party right through until January. I thought about taking the Oilers in this one as home dogs, but I have trouble taking an unproven team that gives up goals in bunches like the Oilers do. So I found an even better bet. The Kings haven’t been their stingy defensive selves yet this season having given up 8 goals in 2 games. The Oilers have also given up 8 and have also shown the ability to score with their young stars up front. I don’t expect either team to fully figure out their defensive systems yet for this game, and I think the offense will be flowing. The over/under is set at 5, which is likely based on the Kings reputation as a defensive squad. I love the over in this one.
Play: Over 5 -135 (SportsInteraction.com)
Tagged with: buffalo sabres • Carolina Hurricanes • Chicago Blackhawks • Dallas Stars • edmonton oilers • Los Angeles Kings • New York Islanders • Toronto Maple Leafs
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