SPORTS WAGERS
New Jersey -½ +117 over TORONTO (REG)
One really has to wonder what will motivate the Leafs tonight in the second game of back-to-backs after officially being eliminated last night. This is a team that played their hearts out for the past two months and there has to be a letdown now that their remaining two games mean absolutely zilch. The Leafs had a good first period last night but once the Sabres had a 3-1 lead over Tampa, the wind came out of their sails, as reality set in and subsequently, the Leafs were significantly outplayed. The Devils played last night also but unlike Toronto, they’ve been out of it for more than a week yet continue to play hard. In any event, this is a great situational spot to wager against the Buds and that’s exactly what we’re endorsing. Play: New Jersey -½ +117 (Risking 2 units).
Phoenix +116 over LOS ANGELES
The Kings have scored seven goals in their last four games and that has coincided with the loss of a couple of key offensive personnel in Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. The Kings have not looked sharp since losing that pair and are coming off a 6-1 loss in San Jose. The Coyotes, meanwhile, have picked up points in eight of their last 10 games and can clinch a playoff spot with a win here. Phoenix rarely gets outworked and that makes them a very live dog every time they take the ice. Against this offensively challenged host they Coyotes have even more appeal taking back a tag. Phoenix has dropped two straight to the Kings but prior to that they had beaten L.A. five straight. Even in those last two losses to the Kings, the ‘Yotes outplayed them both games and that bad fortune is unlikely to continue here in a highly motivated spot. Play: Phoenix +117 (Risking 2 units).
Edmonton +305 over CALGARY (REG)
The Oilers have been out of this thing since early December so playing a meaningless game to them is nothing new. However, this is their “game of the year” because they have a chance to knock the Flames out of the post-season and that alone would give them more satisfaction than any other win this season. These two have developed one of the biggest rivalries in sport. Outside of Canada, nobody else is aware of the hatred these players and fans feel for one another. The Oilers are coming off back-to-back wins over a disinterested Canucks club but a win is a win and beating that team twice has to instill some confidence. The Flames are in desperation mode here and while they’ll be amped, we saw two teams in similar positions this past Sunday, Anaheim and Chicago, both lose. The Blackhawks also lost last night in Montreal in OT. The point is, these wins are not easy, as players are not loose for fear of making a costly mistake. Throw in the 3-1 price and we’ll gladly take our chances. Play: Edmonton +305 (Risking 2 units).
St. Louis +206 over CHICAGO
The Blackhawks have had numerous chances to secure a playoff spot but have not been able to close the deal so why should we trust them laying better than 2-1? This is a team that has not won in regulation in five straight games and will play their third game in four days after a game in Montreal last night. That trip includes the hassle of going through customs twice. This is a frustrated Chicago team right now that has scored one goal or less in three of its past four during this crucial time while tallying just nine goals in its past six games. The Blues play their best hockey each year in the final two weeks of the season and this year is no exception. They recently went into Detroit and beat the Wings 10-3. St. Louis has one regulation loss over its past seven games while popping in 21 goals over its last four games. They’re also healthy from top to bottom and just like the Oilers, they would love nothing more than to make life miserable for this hated rival. The Blue Notes will also play their third game in four days but the difference is they’re not laying the big number. Big overlay. Play: St. Louis +206 (Risking 2 units).