It’s a huge day in sports today, with MLB Opening Day kicking off at 3 pm now that the weather is going to be terrible. I am doing the NHL breakdown now knowing where I will be tomorrow. The only thing that will change tomorrow is if goaltenders come out and I decide to add an extra play or two.
I am interested in the Panthers’ home game against the Isles, but this is a game to watch live. Semyon Varlamov is already confirmed to start, and we should see more of him to end the season. Ilya Sorokin is having a down year and should get some more time off with the Isles’ playoff hopes dwindling and the eight-year investment made in him. Florida’s offense isn’t as potent as it’s been the past two years but they continue to win. The Isles have lost seven of eight after winning six in a row and I don’t expect them to overcome the best team in the Atlantic. Florida’s team total is currently available at three for -190, but it’s too expensive. I recommend watching this game live in the first few minutes and trying to get three at a line of -140. Even if this is a low-scoring game it should put Florida in a position of having two or more goals late in the third. If the game goes to overtime at 2-2 the odds drastically go in Florida’s favor. The Isles are tied with Boston for the league’s most overtime/shootout losses. Jump on Florida live when you can at a cheaper price.
I won’t be making the play myself, but Chicago has won the last ten matchups over the Senators. Ottawa is coming off a road win against the Sabres tonight, and this matchup hurt us last time. The +165 line is good value for the two’s history, but I just can’t get behind playing Chicago on the road.
Pittsburgh and Columbus is a game we’ve played the over on in the past but will stay away from tonight. I’d feel better missing out on a win than chasing it and losing. Watching these two teams has been rough lately, but we’ve made significant money on and against the Penguins. Pittsburgh rebounded nicely against Carolina. Carolina came in as a -190 favorite but was another game we stayed away that worked out in our favor not chasing. I am expecting this game to be slow and low scoring and both teams struggling to score. We would need to lay -160 to get 6. I’m not sold on this game having 7 or more goals and I’m not laying -160 or more to play it safe for a push.
I am going to go back to Toronto who has scored four or more goals in six of their last eight games against the Capitals. Tom Wilson is still suspended and will miss the game. Washington moved into the second wild card spot and has a game in hand over Detroit. Toronto has Tampa Bay breathing down their necks and need to rebound after losing at home to the lowly Devils. I am going to put two units on Toronto’s team total of 3.5 -125 and then will be putting another three units on Toronto’s live total of 3 when it drops from -200 to -150.
Minnesota is a longshot to make the playoffs but still have an outside chance. Games against the Sharks will be games they need to win if they want to keep their hopes alive. We will be targeting the Sharks and MacKenzie Blackwood just like we did last night against the Stars. Minnesota has scored four or more in their last six wins against San Jose so this game is pretty simple. We need Minnesota to do their job and control and win the game. The Sharks shouldn’t put up much of their own fight defensively so this will come down to Minnesota’s ability to execute.
Vegas has won nine of the last ten against Vegas including their first round matchup last year and have scored four or more goals in their last seven wins. I am staying away with both teams struggling. Vegas had won three in a row but those were games against Seattle, Columbus, and St. Louis. Vegas lost to Tampa Bay, Calgary, and Vancouver before that. Winnipeg has lost four in a row with three of those losses to New Jersey, the Islanders, and Capitals. Winnipeg should have won those three games and have fallen behind for the lead in the Central. I prefer to wait for either team to get back on track before making a play on either one.
New York and Colorado are a potential Stanley Cup final matchup so if you’re going to watch a powerhouse matchup then tune in here. I don’t personally see a need to make a play on this game but if you do then play it with your heart.
This game may be seen as a trap by most but I’m riding the Preds. Nashville is the hottest team in the league and their comeback win against the Knights should emphasize how dominant they’ve been even more. The books are offering the team total at three since they are on the road and I’m willing to get caught if we’re wrong, especially if Connor Ingram is in net.
Official Plays:
- 7:08pm Toronto Maple Leafs Team Total over 3.5 -125: 2u
- 7:08pm Toronto Maple Leafs Team Total over 3 -150 LIVE: 3u
- 8:08pm Minnesota Team Total over 3.5 -165: 3u
- 10:08pm Nashville Predators Team Total over 3 -165: 3u
