Philadelphia Flyers over Montreal Canadiens: Give Mtl all the credit beating Pitts in 4 games. Price has turned back the clock. That series may have turned on the game 1 OT victory. Now the task becomes much tougher. Mtl like Chic is another team that likely would not be here without the revised format. Hart is also playing very well and can make the goaltending equal. Phil went 3-0 in their round robin. Phil is a big deep well balanced scoring team that just wears opposition down. It would not surprise if they make it to the east finals.
Winnipeg Jets over Calgary Flames best of 5 series: I will give Cal the adv on defense but the loss of Hamonic definitely closes the gap. Winn has the adv of depth and more balanced scoring. In addition do not be misled by the season to date stats as Winn was not healthy for most of the year. The biggest adv for Winn is in net where Hellebuyck has a big adv over Rittich or Talbot. I have this series at pick-em giving us excellent value.
Pittsburgh Penguins over Montreal Canadiens Game 1: Mtl MAY have the edge in net however the fire power on Pitts is just too much for Mtl to keep pace. I have this game at 1.61 giving us excellent value.
Edmonton Oilers over Columbus Blue Jackets: Give Clb all the credit in the world injury riddled they do not get out worked but that can only take you so far. Against a fast talented team like Edm working towards a playoff spot this is a tough spot. Edm will be electric as the team returns from a 3 game road trip. It was in the mid-west so I do think this will be a factor. Clb plays in Vanc Sunday. Clb has played the 29th ranked SOS while Edm comes in at 5. I have this game at 1.78 giving us excellent value.
Saint Louis Blues over New Jersey Devils: Stl has been a very streaky team this year. Usually do not want to buy high they have won 8 in a row but there is still value here unless Stl does not show up which I do not expect to happen. Stl beat Nyr Tues they have no look ahead (Chic on Sun) Stl is only 2 points ahead of Col so plenty of motivation. Nj returns from a west coast 5 game road trip. On Sat they play Nyr. Nj is extremely thin on the blue line Butcher out traded away Green and Vatanen. Nj is 6-17 vs top 10 teams.
Edmonton Oilers over Los Angeles Kings: It is expected McDavid will be back even if he is not this is a bet. When announced this line is sure to go up. Lak have already traded some pieces. This will be there 4th game in six nights. I have this game at 1.50 giving us excellent value.
Pittsburgh Penguins over Toronto Maple Leafs: This is the front end of a back to back. Both teams have key injuries and potent offenses. The pressure is really on Tor as they try and make the playoffs. Tor is 7-11 vs. top 10 teams. Tor is 22nd on the road defensively while Pitts is ranked 5th at home and this is what provides the value. If Tor does not score at least 4 they have trouble winning games. I have this game at 1.55 giving us excellent value.
Tampa Bay Lightning over Colorado Avalanche: Tb begins a 3 game road trip. Tb has won 10 in a row and are 22-2-1 in their last 25. Francouz is the likely starter for Col with Grubauer banged up. Both these teams have good offenses although TB has more balance. Tb however is ranked 3rd in defense on the road while Col is 20th in home defense. Col is off the outdoor game vs. Lak and they could have a hangover from that one. I have this game at 1.27 giving us excellent value.
Dallas Stars over Montreal Canadiens: Both teams struggle on offense however Dall has the edge on defense especially with Weber out. Mtl will play their 4th game in 6 nights with a rink change each time. Mtl is 4-6-2 with zero days rest. Mtl is 8-16 vs.top 10 teams. I made this game 1.29 giving us excellent value.
New York Rangers over Los Angeles Kings: Lak will play their 4th game in 6 nights and the final of a 4 game road trip. This is a 6pm start so even tougher for Lak. We get a med adv in net with Quick vs. Shesterkin. Lak are ranked 30th in road offense while Nyr are 5th in home offense. I have this game at 1.81 giving us excellent value.