Saturday's NHL game-by-game notes
by: Scott Rickenbach
Looking for value on a Saturday card? Of course we all know about the College Basketball and NBA cards as that’s where most bettors turn at this time of year. However, those that are looking to pad their bankrolls with even more profits realize that value can be had on a deep Saturday card of NHL action. With 11 games to choose from on a Saturday that promises to be full of “Puck bucks” let’s take a look at three potential “investment opportunities” as, with 22 NHL teams in action Saturday, there are certainly some intriguing match-ups that have our attention!
NEW JERSEY @ NEW YORK ISLANDERS – A puck line play (+1.5 goals) on the Islanders could be considered here. They’re a huge home dog and yet, they were in a similar situation Thursday and got the cash against the Bruins. Yes, the Islanders were down 2-0 late in that game before scoring the key goal with a minute to go (that allowed them to cover on the puck line). However, even though they had to score late to get the puck line win, the Islanders actually dominated that game in terms of scoring chances and shots on goal. Saturday night they have an edge over the Devils because New Jersey was in Columbus last night and is coming off of a tight 2-1 over the Blue Jackets. The Devils never had the lead in that game until the 11 minute mark of the third period and they are now stuck in a back to back situation while the Islanders have been at home and gearing up for this game since Thursday’s strong performance in a 2 to 1 losing effort against Boston. With all the rumors about the Islanders possibly on their way out of Long Island and headed to Kansas City, don’t be surprised when the Islanders players do their best to take away focus from that and simply focus on their game on the ice! In their last four home games the Islanders have won twice and lost twice but both wins were by multiple goal margins and both losses came by just a goal against division rivals. There could be value again with the Islanders on the puck line on Saturday as they host another division rival and they continue to compete hard!
FLORIDA @ TAMPA BAY – We faded the Panthers with a selection on the Flyers with our NHL service plays on Friday. Even though that game had to go to the shootout before it was decided, it really didn’t have to be that close. The Flyers jumped out to a 2 to 0 lead and all looked good for Philly until they allowed the Panthers back in the game with penalties. Two power play goals late in the second period allowed Florida to get back in the game. In the most critical stages of the game in the first period and third period, it was the Flyers who got off to a strong start and whom also finished strong. Deservedly, Philadelphia got the win and so what’s wrong with Florida here? After a very strong run with some surprising offense put on display, the Panthers had a dreaded six day layoff. There is some rustiness that comes with that and then now, not only are the back in action but they’re immediately thrust into a back to back spot. They have to play at Tampa Bay for the back-end of this back to back situation. That’s the same Lightning team that just pummeled the Flyers 4 to 1 on Thursday. Tampa Bay’s overall record may not impress but this team is starting to turn things around too. They’ve won four of their last six games and they’ve addressed the Vincent LeCavalier rumors by saying he’s absolutely not on the market. This Lightning club has not given up on the season and they’ve proven that in the way they’ve been playing recently. Conversely, as Florida showed last night against Philadelphia, they may need some more ice time before they get their “flow” back again. That six day layoff could not have come at a worse time for the Panthers. Excellent line value with Tampa Bay at home and they might be worth a look here.
CHICAGO @ ST LOUIS – The Blues might be worth a look here as a big home dog. With the injury to Duncan Keith, the Blackhawks lost the one defenseman they could probably least afford to lose. He did not play last night against the Rangers and is currently listed as day-to-day. The Hawks lost in overtime versus the Rangers and that game was at home. Now they head to St Louis for this game on Saturday night and the Blues are a dangerous home dog in this spot. They’ve been getting solid goaltending in most of their games since Manny Legace came back. They already beat the Blackhawks in their last meeting back in November. In that game, the Blues won in overtime and now they get a shot at home against a Hawks team that hasn’t been quite as dominant of late. They’ve only won four of their last nine games and here Chicago must deal with a division rival who will be amped for this game and whom is only playing their 5th game in the last 14 days. While the Blues are well-rested and feeling confident about winning three of their last five games and scoring at least five goals in each win, the Hawks are caught in a back to back spot. Chicago, normally an offensive juggernaut, is averaging just 2.2 goals per game in their last five games. With the offense slumping a bit and the defense taking a hit with the Keith injury, the value here lies with the rested home dog. Indeed, St Louis might be worth a look on the money line here.