.png)
.svg){kind=small}
New York Rangers v. Washington Capitals
The Rangers tried to extend the momentum from their 9-0 win on Wednesday in their last game before allowing two Alex Ovechkin 3rd period goals and ended up losing 2-1. In the second part of the back-to-back the Rangers will turn to the veteran Keith Kinkaid as Igor Shesterkin remains out with injury. The Caps are red hot right now and are without a loss in 7 straight. Washington continues to pace the East Division and they do not look like slowing down. Their goalie rotation will continue as Ilya Samsonov starts tonight.
The Bet: NA
Prediction: NA
Calgary Flames v. Toronto Maple Leafs
Calgary won this exact same matchup last night 4-3 and will be looking to run it back again tonight. The Flames will start backup goalie David Rittich in the second half of the back-to-back. The Maple Leafs are in a rut right now as they have lost 6 of their last 7 games. Toronto will turn to backup goalie Jack Campbell in hopes of a turn-around win. Oftentimes the return game in the back-to-back is won or lost by whoever has the better backup goalie, tonight that is the Leafs.
The Bet: Maple Leafs Moneyline, Maple Leafs Puckline
Prediction: Flames 2-4 Maple Leafs
Vancouver Canucks v. Montreal Canadiens
Vancouver is quietly on a 4 game win streak and is breathing down the neck of the Canadiens in the North Division standings. These two teams also met last night which means we will see another battle of the backups. Braden Holtby was brought to Vancouver from Washington in free agency on a big deal, but he has been relegated to the bench for most of this season due to his poor play and the strong play the Canucks have received from Thatcher Demko. Tonight Holtby will make his first start since March 2nd. Montreal will turn to their top guy, Carey Price, as they rested him last night in anticipation of this matchup. Just like the Flames/Leafs game, ride the better starting goalie in the second half of a back-to-back.
The Bet: Canadiens Moneyline, Canadiens Puckline
Prediction: Canucks 1-3 Canadiens
Columbus Blue Jackets v. Carolina Hurricanes
These two teams met on Thursday and it was a Blue Jackets win in Overtime that was the final result. Tonight the Blue Jackets will look to repeat that performance as Elvis Merzlikins takes the net for them. Carolina has lost 2 in a row but their position towards the top of the Central Division standings has not changed. Playing at home, with their normal starter James Reimer in net, means that Carolina should come away with the win.
The Bet: Hurricanes Moneyline, Hurricanes Puckline
Prediction: Blue Jackets 3-4 Hurricanes
Dallas Stars v. Detroit Red Wings
Dallas has lost 4 of their last 5 as their playoff hopes are starting to drift away. They played Detroit last time out on Thursday but lost 3-2. Tonight the Stars will turn back to their starter, Anton Khudobin, and hope he can get them back on track. Detroit might just be playing their best hockey of the season as they have won 3 of their last 4. Tonight the Red Wings will sit Jonathan Bernier and turn to Thomas Greiss, a move that could spell doom for them in the end.
The Bet: Stars Moneyline, Stars Puckline
Prediction: Stars 4-1 Red Wings
Philadelphia Flyers v. New York Islanders
These two teams played Thursday and the Flyers came away with a 4-3 win. Philly led 3-0 all game before squandering the lead in the third period and requiring a late game winning goal from cancer survivor Oscar Lindblom. Carter Hart will start again for the Flyers looking to turn his own season around. Ilya Sorokin will guard the cage for the Islanders who will remain without their captain Anders Lee. The Flyers are the best team in the NHL for overs this season, and with the total at 5.5, I am going to take that every day of the week.
The Bet: Over 5.5 Total Goals
Prediction: Flyers 4-3 Islanders
Arizona Coyotes v. Anaheim Ducks
The Coyotes are in danger of seeing their season fall by the wayside. Arizona has lost 5 in a row and their already dim playoffs hopes might just be gone. Anaheim beat them 3-2 in Overtime on Thursday and will be looking to repeat that performance as their top two prospects, Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, both scored their first career NHL goals. If Rick Tocchet has any idea how to coach his team, then the Coyotes will be running hot tonight in a hunt for a W.
The Bet: Coyotes Moneyline
Prediction: Coyotes 3-2 Ducks
St Louis Blues v. San Jose Sharks
These two teams played last night and the game went to a shoutout, where the Blues won by a decision of 2-1. St Louis needed that win to snap a long losing streak while San Jose sadly dropped another tight game. Much like the other back-to-back matchups tonight, it will be a battle of the backups. The Sharks have the advantage in net but the Blues might be back to their old self after that galvanising win last night.
The Bet: Over 6.5 Total Goals
Prediction: Blues 5-3 Sharks
Winnipeg Jets v. Edmonton Oilers
The last game of the night is a great matchup between two North Division contenders. The Jets will be looking for revenge after losing to Edmonton on Thursday by a score of 2-1. Winnipeg will start their top goalie, Connor Hellebuyck. Edmonton might be starting to heat up again and a big reason is the play of their captain and superstar forward, Connor McDavid. The Oilers will start Mike Smith in net as the veteran looks to continue his solid run of play. Neither team has great depth, and the Oilers obviously have the star power, but I like the underdog Jets to win this game while being carried by their elite goaltender.
The Bet: Jets Moneyline
Prediction: Jets 4-1 Oilers
