We have a busy slate tonight, so lets focus on the NHL mathups that I feel hold the most betting value. Check out which four games I am adding to my NHL picks today.
Lets check out both of tonight's games and cover the NHL picks I find to have the best chance of in cashing for us as the sportsbooks.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Ottawa Senators
NHL Odds: Senators -140
We’re going to give the Buffalo Sabres what might be
their last shot on the season Saturday night when they visit the Ottawa Senators.
They had been one of the hottest teams in the league in February but appeared
to hit a wall with losses in two of their last three games.
On Saturday, they face a winnable game in what’s a really
good price. Ottawa has played well recently with four wins in their last six
but -140 seems a tad steep – not much – to lay against a team that they are
evenly matched against.
The key reasoning here is two-fold. For starters, Sabres
goaltender Ryan Miller got a rest on Thursday – his first in 10 games – and he
should be a little fresher. Also, the Sabres play pretty well in Ottawa as they
have won three of their last four visits and five of their last eight. As a
reasonable-sized road dog, they’re worth a shot.
NHL Picks: Sabres
Philadelphia
Flyers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
NHL Odds: Flyers -135
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been simply awful of late
with losses in 12 of their last 14 and hosting the Philadelphia Flyers isn’t
going to help. The Maple Leafs have allowed an average of four goals per game
in their last 13 and now they have to face the highest scoring team in the
league.
The full preview for this game can be read in the NHL
section, but the bottom line is it’s hard not to love the Flyers in this spot
against a limping Leafs team. They’ve also won three of their last four visits
to Toronto and eight of the last 10 meetings overall.
NHL Picks: Flyers
Carolina
Hurricanes vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
NHL Odds: Lightning -120
Tampa Bay is worth the price of admission in this spot
given how well they play at home (20-10-2) and how poorly the Carolina
Hurricanes play on the road. The Hurricanes eight road wins are the fewest in
the NHL.
The key here is that Dwayne Roloson has to be on the
bench for this contest. AHL call-up Dustin Tokarski suited up for the Lightning
on Thursday against Washington and held his own – despite cramps and
dehydration. He actually won eight straight prior to getting the call and after
another good effort, he’ll have plenty of confidence.
Overall, the Lightning have played pretty well of late,
going 7-3-1 in their last 11 games. They’re still alive in the playoff race and
Carolina really doesn’t have much to play for, so that slight edge should point
in Tampa Bay’s favor.
The Lightning are the better team and at a discounted
price because of Tokarski, they’re worth adding to your sports picks Keep in mind that if Roloson
is net, this play quickly becomes and over play.
NHL Picks: Lightning
Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars
NHL Odds: Stars -135
The Dallas Stars look like a good play on Saturday as
they’re not only the hotter team coming into the matchup, they’ve dominated the
Anaheim Ducks in recent meetings.
The Ducks had been the hottest team in the NHL for a good
month or so but have since lost four of six. They just look like a team that’s
running on empty after overexerting themselves in that impressive stretch.
Goaltender Jonas Hiller is exhausted as he’s started
every single game since January 10th (27 straight games). He’s
allowed 11 goals in his last three road starts and 15 goals in four meetings
with Dallas this season. He’s 2-7-1 with a 3.11 GAA in the last 10 meetings in
this series.
Meanwhile, Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen has won four of
five in this series while posting a 2.00 GAA. Overall, he’s 6-0-1 in his last
seven starts with a 1.65 GAA.
The Stars are 6-1-1 in the last eight home meetings in
this series. Bet Dallas.
NHL Picks: Dallas