Columbus +2.30 over CHICAGO (REG) Pinnacle
The Blackhawks are good, real good in fact and they have as good a chance as anyone to win the Stanley Cup. They have everything, speed, tons of talent, a great defense that can also move the puck out quickly, gritty players and a Bob Gainey type player in John Madden. Having said that, this tag on the Jackets is just too good to pass up on when you consider the situation and the fact that the Jackets are not easy to beat. Chicago returns home from a grueling six-game trip that took them through Western Canada for three games and to the West Coast for the other three for games in San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles. All that in 11 days and there’s a chance we could catch them a bit flat here. The Jackets broke an ugly four game losing streak with an impressive 5-2 win over the Blue Notes last night. A single win changes everything. It relieves some pressure, it instills confidence and when you have Rick Nash on your team and very good supporting cast, you can win on any given night. Yes, it’s going to be a tough win but the Jackets can do it and the tag seals the deal. Play: Columbus +2.30 (Risking 2 units).
Los Angeles +1.20 over ANAHEIM (REG) Pinnacle
When you wager on or against the Ducks you’re really never sure what you’re going to get. This team could look like one of the elites one night and a complete disaster the next. However, when you wager on the Kings, you’re almost guaranteed a strong effort and that makes them worthy of a look in this one. The thing that is really unappealing about the Ducks here is that they’ve been home far too long and in fact, this will be its seventh home game in a row. I’ve heard players and coaches both talk about how it’s not beneficial to be on such long home stands because the players come to practice and then go home to spend time with the wife and kids or girlfriend. On the road they hang together, eat together, win together and lose together and they’re always together. Thus, a good balance of home and road games works well but extended home stands usually do not. The Ducks are playing decent but they’re going to hit the road after this one and that is something they may be looking ahead to. The Kings remain focused and have played well on the road all year with nine wins in 15 games. Play: Los Angeles +1.20 (Risking 2 units).
Ottawa +1.79 over SAN JOSE (REG) Pinnacle
This is another one that can’t be ignored because the Sens are so capable of beating anyone. They have not played as good on the road as they have at home but that can change because this is a dangerous team that seems to be getting stronger all the time. It’s also worth noting that D-man Anton Volchenkov has missed 14 games with a dislocated right elbow and reports are that he will return here. That’s huge because Volchenkov is a great player and Ottawa’s best defenseman by far. The Sens have recent wins over Pittsburgh, 6-2, Buffalo, 5-3 and Washington, 4-3. They’ve won five of seven with only losses over that stretch coming against the Devils and Bruins. Incidentally, in that loss to the Bruisn they led 2-0 before running into some penalty trouble and that ultimately did them in. The Sharkies return home from a brief two game trip to Edmonton and Vancouver and that trip is never an easy one. Anyway, this isn’t about playing against the Sharks, It’s more about playing on the Sens and unless the situation is completely unfavorable, which this one is not, backing the Sens with a tag like this has to be considered very good value indeed. Play: Ottawa +1.79 (Risking 2 units).