It was another successful night for me yesterday going 2 for 2 for +2 units, which brings the season record to (128-136-1) for -2.55 units. The Sharks outplayed the Oilers significantly, but pulled off a tight victory. They have been having trouble scoring lately, but this should turn around with all of the talent they have. Tonight there are plenty of games to choose from so let’s get started with some plays:
Dallas Stars @ Minnesota Wild
The Stars are playing some of their best hockey of the year as they have won 5 straight and 9 of their last 10 to put themselves solely in first place in the Pacific division. Tonight they play who I feel has been the worst team in the league over the second half of the season in the Minnesota Wild. The Wild have won 3 of their last 10 and are simply not a very good team. They are higher in the standings than they should be because Backstrom and Harding stood on their heads earlier in the season and pulled out many games that the Wild had no business being in. Minnesota was actually the first place team in the league starting December and has gone down hill since. I think their position in the standings because of their early season success is keeping this line at a reasonable price where the smart money has to go on the Stars.
Play: Stars -157 (5Dimes.com)
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Florida Panthers
The Maple Leafs are another team that it has been smart to fade over the past little while. The Leafs have won 2 of their past 16 games and have fallen from an almost certainty in the playoff picture to a likely top 5 selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. The Panthers on the other hand are still in the thick of the playoff race, but with Washington and Buffalo catching up they need to keep their foot on the pedal. Florida has been fairly good at home this season (17-9-8) and they have continued to play fairly good hockey, but without getting a few more wins they are by no means guaranteed a playoff spot so this is a big game for them tonight. Another interesting fact that this game plays a minor role in, is that if the Panthers make the playoffs this year the Maple Leafs will take over as having the longest playoff drought in the NHL.
Play: Panthers -131 (5Dimes.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Tagged with: Dallas Stars betting • Florida Panthers betting • Minnesota Wild betting • Toronto Maple Leafs betting