What’s up guys? As some of you may know I’m currently on the road with my TheBandwagoners.com road trip to 60 sports events in 90 days. I will try to still get my picks up as often as possible, but I’m sure I will be missing days on the road. Like the site on Facebook to be notified when I do post my picks.
The first two days of the NHL season have been awesome. Who would have thought the Leafs would be 2-0 right now. Can’t say I’m happy about that, but good for them nonetheless (I’m on the road so I don’t have to hear it from all my Leafs fans buddies so it’s not as draining on me :P). Anyways, let’s get right to the first big day of the season.
Calgary Flames @ Washington Capitals
The Flames are expected to be the worst team in the NHL this season. In fact, Bodog.eu has a bet about just that and I think they are -140 to finish last and +100 to not. Not a bad bet to take them to finish ahead of at least one other team. That said this team will be bad, there is no doubt about that. You can expect close to +200 odds for most of their road games, and for them to still be the dog at home. That said, I think there may be some value in these plays in certain situations.
The Capitals are generally slow starters (for the past couple years) and after blowing a lead against the Blackhawks on Wednesday there are some questions about the team defense. If the Flames can find any chemistry early in this one they have a chance. I think a better one than +190.
Play: Flames +190 (SportsInteraction.com)
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Boston Bruins
The Lightning are a strange team and it will be interesting to see what Tampa team shows up this season. They have the high end talent with Stamkos and St. Louis who can be game changers against anyone in the league, but the team does still have some big holes. Bishop should be solid enough in goal for them this season along with Lindback, and that will give them a better chance than last year to be in games. The Bruins are still going to be a top team in the league, but I like Tampa to come out firing in this one.
Play: Tampa Bay Lightning +170 (SportsInteraction.com)
Florida Panthers @ Dallas Stars
Tim Thomas gets the nod in goal for the Panthers and he will want to show the NHL that he still has what it takes to compete in this league. The Panthers aren’t going to be a great team this season, but they have decent depth and if Thomas can play like he did a couple years back they will have a chance to win each game. Dallas added a couple big pieces in Seguin and Gonchar in the offseason as they once again shook up their team to try to make a push for the postseason. I still don’t think they did enough though and will be a 10-12 team this year. I like the Panthers odds in this one.
Play: Florida Panthers +150 (5Dimes.eu)
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Tagged with: Boston Bruins • Calgary Flames • Dallas Stars • Florida Panthers • Tampa Bay Lightning • Washington Capitals