What to know:

Wednesday and Friday nights are usually light schedules in the NHL. Wednesday’s, Friday’s, and Sunday’s are usually days we should go light. With only four games on the slate tonight we want to allocate smart and safe. Tonight’s slate is a very favorable one and will be spending it in two places.

Pittsburgh vs Toronto:

• What to know:
  • Pitt won on Wednesday after losing 7 straight games.
  • Toronto continues to struggle with the West going 2-6 while going 5-1 against current teams in the East. 
  • Toronto has played well defensively and are averaging less than 3 goals against per game. Pitt has struggled defensively especially late in games giving up an average close to 3.5 goals per game.
  • Pitt is hurt on the back end and were down to three defenseman at one point, albeit very short, last game against Washington. They will be banged up again tomorrow but Toronto will also have Erik Kallgren in net with Ilya Samsonov banged up. 
• What to expect:
  • I’m expecting this game to be more end to end with a lot of blown chances and missed opportunities. Game should have a decent pace with a few goals. 
• What I’m betting on:
  • I lean Toronto in this game but don’t feel the need to lay -160 on their ML. Gauging how this game is going to go is tough with the injuries on the blueline for Pitt and Toronto starting Kallgren. This game could easily have eight goals in it or both teams play like they’re in quick sand and see a one sided 4-1 type game. IF I were going to bet it, I would bet Toronto’s side or the over very small. Don’t have enough of a lean to.

Lightning vs Washington:

• What to expect:
  • WIth how the Lightning have played this season, this is the type of game they are expected to win. 
  • By now we should know how banged up the Capitals are and the Lightning are a seasoned team to be able to take advantage of it. 
  • If Vasilevskiy starts he should be able to outduel Darcy Keumper on the other side and I expect the Caps to be held in check offensively.
• What I am betting on:
  • I am expecting a slow offensive game from Washington that should allow Tampa Bay to slowly build their team total throughout the game. The Caps are giving up three goals per game and we’re able to get Tampa’s team total at 3. Even if Washington is able to score and win the game I expect it to be a 4-3 Caps win at worst for us. I expect Tampa to win and be in a 3-1 type spot of the game with a decent length of empty net opportunity to cash it.

San Jose vs. Dallas:

• Short and sweet to the point, Dallas is the far better team with the Sharks coming on on a back to back. The Stars are a parlay piece.

Minnesota vs Seattle:

• What do know:
  • Buckle up buttercups, we get a rematch of the game that cost us a lot of units recently. 
  • Minnesota went over 250 minutes without scoring a goal before breaking out for four against the Ducks on Wednesday. 
  • Seattle has won five in a row, six of seven, and seven of nine after starting 1-4. 
  • Marc-Andre should get the start in net for Minnesota.
• What to expect:
  • Seattle’s win streak most likely ends tonight after shutting out Minnesota last game 4-0. THis game should be a lot more fast paced from Minnesota than their last matchup was. Fleury should rebound but still give up 2-3 goals with the way Seattle has been playing. 
• What I am betting on:
  • I am going right back to the over on this game. The 5.5 is juiced a bit currently sitting at -175 but it’s a play I want to be on. I don’t find much value on laddering this game so this may be a game where I rather put a full 5u on the 5.5 or split up between 5.5 and 6. 
• What could go wrong:
  • I am not worried about Minnesota in this matchup. I believe they found their legs last game and will carry the momentum into tonight. What I am worried about is Seattle getting caught being on a five game win streak. If Minnesota gets out to an early lead scoring 3 or 4 goals this may be where we want to hedge correct scores for the odds.