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Washington Capitals v. Boston Bruins
On national TV Wednesday night, the Capitals secured a 2-1 win over the boys from Beantown. The game had a playoff feel to it from start to finish with big hits, tight checking, and not a lot of room to maneuver in open ice. Despite this, both teams had some good looks at goal, including a David Pastrnak chance that ringed off the goal post, off goalie Vitek Vanacek’s back, and back off the goal post again. Vanacek will command the crease once more tonight while Boston backup Jaroslav Halak will play for the Bruins. I am expecting another close battle between these two with little room to separate the squads.
The Bet: Over 5.5 Total Goals
Prediction: Capitals 3-4 Bruins
Tampa Bay Lightning v. Chicago Blackhawks
These two went to overtime last night to decide the contest and it was a buzzer beater from Tampa that gave them the win. The Lightning entered the third period down 2-0 but came back to secure the two points. As I said in last night's preview, Tampa can win any game when they decide to, and they waited until the third period last time out to flip the switch. As is the norm with back-to-back games, both backup netminders will play for their respective teams. With veteran defenseman and assistant captain, Brent Seabrook, retiring today, you could see extra fight from Chicago, but I can not in good conscience take a Blackhawks team starting Malcolm Subban against the defending champs.
The Bet: Over 6.5 Total Goals
Prediction: Lightning 5-3 Blackhawks
St. Louis Blues v. Los Angeles Kings
St. Louis is coming off back-to-back wins against the Anaheim Ducks that helped goalie Jordan Binnington get his confidence back. Backup goalie, Ville Husso, will start tonight however against LA. The Kings had a win streak snapped a few games back against Minnesota and have since dropped 3 in a row. Cal Peterson has been the better goalie for LA this year and he will draw the start over veteran Jonathon Quick. With the Blues injury woes persisting on this road trip, we could see an upset tonight in Hollywood.
The Bet: Kings Moneyline, Over 5.5 Total Goals
Prediction: Blues 2-4 Kings
Anaheim Ducks v. Colorado Avalanche
The biggest news of the day among active NHL players was Nathan MacKinnon being cleared to play tonight. MacKinnon took a dangerous high hit on Wednesday that saw him leave the game and not return. He has since cleared concussion protocol, and the offending Sharks players has also been suspended for two games. There is not much to discuss for the Ducks as their lone bright spots are star goalie John Gibson and recently promoted forward prospect, Trevor Zegras. It is obviously a game where Colorado is heavy favorites but you do have to wonder if Anaheim can keep it close against a woozy Nathan MacKinnon and company.
The Bet: Avalanche Puckline, Under 5.5 Total Goals
Prediction: Ducks 1-4 Avalanche
Minnesota Wild v. Arizona Coyotes
The Wild, much like the Kings, recently had a win streak snapped and are now mired in a slump. Historically, Arizona is a good place to find a slump busting win, but the Coyotes have been playing better hockey recently. This matchup will feature two goalies who have both been on top of their game to start the season despite not being household names. In a game that is almost too close to call, I will have to go with the home underdogs who do have the advantage of playing in front of fans in the Grand Canyon state.
The Bet: Coyotes Moneyline
Prediction: Wild 2-3 Coyotes
Vegas Golden Knights v. San Jose Sharks
When Vegas became an NHL franchise many were hoping for a rivalry to develop with fellow desert teams Arizona and/or Los Angeles. Much to hockey fans' surprise, however, the rivalry has developed with the San Jose Sharks. Let's not mince words here, these two teams hate each other. It is quite the treat to end the night with this battle in the West. San Jose will be up for the challenge but there are few who can match Vegas stride for stride as their depth on offense and defense might just be the league's best. Sprinkle in a goalie in Marc Andre Fleury who found a time machine before the season to get back in his prime and this game is simply one the Sharks can not win.
The Bet: Vegas Puckline
Prediction: Vegas 5-2 Sharks
Fancy a Parlay?
Avalanche & Vegas to Win
They are favorites. It is chalky. But it will win. These are two bonafide Stanley Cup contenders facing off against division rivals who can not match their talent.
