ZdenoK's European Hockey and NHL thread

**kevin101** · 10-27-13, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by ZdenoK

27.10.2013 - NHL
Columbus Blue Jackets ML @ -107 Pinnacle

I don't know why people are backing up Anaheim so much today. Columbus has won last 3 home matches with convincing totals ratio of 12-4. They have beaten Vancouver, New Jersey and Toronto so after lost 4 road games they have now posted a record of 3 won home games. Hard to bet against a team who has the momentum. Blue Jackets' defense is getting better and better, Bobrovsky is slowly starting to remind of his fame in the last season. Players have started scoring so Gaborik's burden is easier. Anaheim has beaten Ottawa on the road but it was a close victory with a lucky game winning goal and before that they have dropped 2 matches with totals ratio of 8-3. On top of that Silfverberg got injured, accompanied by Perreault. Two of important players, they are 2nd-liners but they are (or were) hot and for a while they were responsible for leading the team unil Perry and Getzlaf have woken up. They remain 3rd and 4th scorers of Anaheim so I see the loss as a huge problem for them. They are still trying to cope with injury of Souray and Sbisa which is visible in defense. Ducks are rescuing the problem by outscoring their opponents, they are playing fast pace offensive hockey. But they have the worst powerplay in the league and are terrible at penalty killing as well while Blue Jackets have a decent powerplay and are below average in penalty killing. I think Columbus can shut the Ducks down tonight with their defense and eventually score enough goals to win. In previous season all 3 mutual matches were close, 2 of them were decided in OT, Columbus has won 2/3 - the only home one and last one on the road.

Nice write up, ill add that Ducks are starting their back up. Bobrovsky has been outstanding. On the Jackets too.

**ZdenoK** · 10-28-13, 06:25 AM

Oh well, THAT's why people were backing up Anaheim so much yesterday...

0-1 with -1 unit.

28.10.2013 - KHL
Medvescak Zagreb -1 @ -122 MarathonBet 2 units

After 4 away matches tonight Medvescak returns to Zagreb where they are playing very good, at home they have already beaten top teams such as SKA and Barys. Their recent road trip was not very successful, they have lost all 4 but they were pretty close in all matches (either lost in OT or by 1 goal) so they were pretty decent and equal opponent vs teams who I think are very good home teams (Bars Kazan, Dynamo Moscow, Vityaz Chehov). They can be pretty optimistic with their game and begin gathering more points with home matches again, starting by beating their opponent tonight. They will also celebrate a return of their captain - Alan Letang who will play again after being injured for a while so the motivation to win should be high. Amur comes from other part of the world as Khabarovsk is located far East at the border with China. They already have snow there and in Zagreb there are currently 20 degrees so it might be hard for players to adapt outside of the rink. Amur is one of the worst teams in the league and there is lots of writing about financial troubles of the club lately. In last 5 matches they have managed to win only 1 and they were playing at home. Lack of quality players in the roster is visible. They are making too many mistakes in defense and always choke at the breaking point of the match. They also lack efficiency in ofense which eventually dooms them. One of their top (foreign) players Jan Mursak should feel quite home in Zagreb but he is struggling with injuries (head, heel) so there goes the possible wild card.

**ZdenoK** · 10-28-13, 08:46 AM

28.10.2013 - NHL
New York Rangers ML @ +104 Pinnacle
New York Rangers/Montreal Canadiens totals under 5 @ +103 Pinnacle

New York Rangers finally with a home opener of the season. Things aren't/weren't looking good for them with all the injuries. They managed to win only 3 matches on extended road trip but last they upset Detroit in an OT victory so there should be some optimism before tonight's match. King Henrik is ready to start, he says he is feeling good and is excited to play tonight so I expect him to come out strong. Rangers are a stronger and better team with him but they need to move something in the offense. Richards is the only player who scored more than a goal (5 goals). Montreal was playing very good on the road, then lost 3 out of 4 at home. They got shut down by San Jose in last match which is not a nice "travel ration" to take with you on the road. Murray will reinforce the D but there is still a gap in the offense. Plekanec can't do everything on his own and their most efficient player is a defenseman - Subban. Both teams have quite some troubles with injuries. New York is still without Nash and Callahan, Hagelin should return soon though. Montreal is without Emelin, Drewiske, Pacioretty, Prust, Briere and Parros. We can expect a duel of two wounded giants but Rangers need this victory more. They have to take advantage of the new home arena hype and ride the momentum they have from beating Detroit. New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers were both in a similar spot when facing Rangers at home and they both won. This time it's the other way around and New York is the one serving the dinner.

**ZdenoK** · 10-28-13, 02:13 PM

Buffalo Sabres/Dallas Stars totals under 5 @ +120 Pinnacle

Everyone is on Dallas tonight but I like the odds for totals here. Buffalo is 9-3 playing under 5.5 so far and since Dallas is starting Lehtonen after injury he only allowed 1 goal per game in 2 starts. So with Miller and Lehtonen in net I think we can see a low scoring affair tonight. While Stars are a much better team they are not in good form and Buffalo is all over Vanek trade so I wouldn't be surprised if they actually win with Moulson.

**Ser Pucks** · 10-28-13, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by ZdenoK

Buffalo Sabres/Dallas Stars totals under 5 @ +120 Pinnacle

Everyone is on Dallas tonight but I like the odds for totals here. Buffalo is 9-3 playing under 5.5 so far and since Dallas is starting Lehtonen after injury he only allowed 1 goal per game in 2 starts. So with Miller and Lehtonen in net I think we can see a low scoring affair tonight. While Stars are a much better team they are not in good form and Buffalo is all over Vanek trade so I wouldn't be surprised if they actually win with Moulson.

I'm with you on the MTL/NYR under. I was just wondering if it would be worth it to go for the Under 5 in the Dallas/Buffalo game and I think it is. Like you said, with Lehtonen back in the Stars' net, Miller always solid for Buffalo, I think this has a good shot. Last I heard on Moulson, they weren't sure if he would make it to Buffalo in time for the game or not, so we shall see. GL to you tonight.

**ZdenoK** · 10-28-13, 02:44 PM

Pittsburgh Penguins ML in 1st period @ -143 Pinnacle

Another one I like playing tonight rather than chosing sides. In 11 matches Pittsburgh only lost 1st period once - vs Tampa Bay with 0-1. Hurricanes have lost opening period with 0-2 in both recent Peters' starts. Penguins usually start their matches very strong, I think the only time they got outshot was vs Vancouver so I'll try with Penguins in 1st period tonight.

Originally posted by Ser Pucks

I'm with you on the MTL/NYR under. I was just wondering if it would be worth it to go for the Under 5 in the Dallas/Buffalo game and I think it is. Like you said, with Lehtonen back in the Stars' net, Miller always solid for Buffalo, I think this has a good shot. Last I heard on Moulson, they weren't sure if he would make it to Buffalo in time for the game or not, so we shall see. GL to you tonight.

I've read it earlier on NHL.com:

For the Sabres, newly acquired Matt Moulson was on the ice for the morning skate and will make his debut against the Stars.

Thanks, good luck to you too

**Ser Pucks** · 10-28-13, 02:57 PM

Originally posted by ZdenoK

I've read it earlier on NHL.com:

Thanks, good luck to you too

My bad, thanks bud.

**ZdenoK** · 10-28-13, 06:36 PM

LOL, 3 minutes and it's 1-1, guess who scored for Buffalo? Yep, Moulson.

Ofcourse they choke and play 1-3 after first period and Penguins get 2 crappy penalties to get scored on powerplay

**ZdenoK** · 10-28-13, 07:02 PM

Live:
Stars/Sabres over 7 @ -159 MarathonBet
Stars team totals over 4.5 @ -118 MarathonBet

Sabres got scored against in 2nd period in last 10 matches so might as well get this goals fest going on. I think Dallas can score 2 more goals in the match, at least one per each period.

**ZdenoK** · 10-28-13, 07:47 PM

Live: Penguins/Hurricanes totals in 3rd period over 1.5 @ 1.61 MarathonBet

Penguins and Hurricanes are both 8-3 with 3rd period totals over 1.5. Last time they met in Pittsburgh the result after 2 periods was the same - 2-1 Pittsburgh and the most goals were scored in last period - 3 goals by Pittsburgh and 1 by Carolina.

**ZdenoK** · 10-28-13, 08:42 PM

Why score another one in 3rd period if you can score 3 in 1st

**ZdenoK** · 10-29-13, 12:35 AM

29.10.2013 - SM Liiga
Lukko @ +108 MarathonBet

TPS is in a crysis, they have lost last 6 matches. Lukko could be doing better as well but they are usually pretty good at home, only dropped matches vs 3 top teams. Good chance to boost their confidence by beating shady TPS at home.

**ZdenoK** · 10-29-13, 02:17 PM

29.10.2013 - NHL

St. Louis Blues @ -130 Pinnacle

Blues are coming from the best performance of the season so far. They have crushed Nashville with 6-1 on the road, their top player Steen scored 2 goals and is now at 15 points. I really like this team, they have a decent goalie Halak and rock solid defense allowing less than 2.5 goals per game with possibly the best defense pairs in the league. They are 2nd most offensive team, scoring nearly 4 goals per game and are currently ranked #1 with their powerplay. Touch opponent to face, especially if you are in a bad form. Winnipeg has lost 4 out of last 5 matches and they will have to change something if they will want to be competetive enough to reach the playoffs. In Colorado they actually were leading for a while but choked in 3rd period. They are lacking efficiency, they didn't score a powerplay goal in 8 matches (0/26 PP). Teams played each other 10 days ago in Winnipeg where the winner was decided in a long series of shootout. Jets have won with 4-3 but I'm sure we will see a different match tonight. It's hard to play vs Blues at home where they have been pretty solid so far. Actually St. Louis only lost 1 match in regulation until now, it was vs San Jose who is currently top team in the league. Winnipeg also had tougher schedule, they played 6 matches in last 10 days while St. Louis only played 3 so tonight I expect Jets to adapt to Blues' gameplay and go home with another loss.

New York Islanders team totals over 2.5 @ -135 Pinnacle

Rangers are playing B2B, they lost badly at home last night where they got shut down. Lack of efficienty in the offense still remains the biggest problem. They will play Cam Talbot in net tonight though he was solid in his 2 NHL starts this year. Islanders are inconsistent. They aren't able to win 2 matches in a row and last they got humiliated at home by Flyers. But they had time to rest and think about it, they made the huge trade to acquire Vanek who will make his debut tonight. Connecting with Tavares I think Vanek should bring some missing power in the offense. He should be very motivated to ditch the sinking ship and get a chance to play for playoffs. Islanders are in average scoring more than 3 goals so I think they should be able to go over vs Rangers as well.

**ZdenoK** · 10-29-13, 10:34 PM

Euro Hockey: 12-11-1 +0.69 units
NHL: 39-31-5 +12.60 units
Live (NHL): 1-4-2 -1 unit
Total: +12.29 units

**ZdenoK** · 10-30-13, 11:28 AM

30.10.2013 - NHL

Pittsburgh Penguins/Boston Bruins totals under 5.5 @ -130 Pinnacle

Pittsburgh has some problems scoring against hot goalies lately and Rask with 1.57 GAA definitely is one of them. In playoff series he only allowed 2 goals in 4 games so one would say he knows Penguins quite well. Fleury on the other side is a very solid regular season goalie as well, he comes into this match with 1.79 GAA. Scuderi's injury might cause some problems for Penguins but despite both teams carrying a lot of offensive power I think we'll see a good defensive effort with strong goaltending tonight. In last season totals stayed under in 6/7 mutual matches, 3/3 counting only the regular season.

**ZdenoK** · 10-30-13, 09:42 PM

That was a shocking finale but it stays under and I survive the heart stroke

**ZdenoK** · 11-01-13, 05:12 PM

1.11.2013 - NHL
Philadelphia Flyers ML @ -143 Pinnacle

I think this is a do or die match for Flyers. If they can't beat Capitals without Ovechkin at home, they should sell their equipment, rent some stands and go sell hotdogs rather than play hockey in NHL.

**kevin101** · 11-01-13, 05:13 PM

Originally posted by ZdenoK

1.11.2013 - NHL
Philadelphia Flyers ML @ -143 Pinnacle

I think this is a do or die match for Flyers. If they can't beat Capitals without Ovechkin at home, they should sell their equipment, rent some stands and go sell hotdogs rather than play hockey in NHL.

**ZdenoK** · 11-01-13, 07:16 PM

**kevin101** · 11-01-13, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by ZdenoK

1.11.2013 - NHL
Philadelphia Flyers ML @ -143 Pinnacle

I think this is a do or die match for Flyers. If they can't beat Capitals without Ovechkin at home, they should sell their equipment, rent some stands and go sell hotdogs rather than play hockey in NHL.

Man I thought this was a gift with Obie being out of the line up and already 4-0. Un fhking real probably going to kill my 4 team parlay. Sons of bitches-Philly.

**ZdenoK** · 11-01-13, 07:43 PM

Pound the Devils tomorrow, these Philadelphia Ronald McDonalds are a joke.

**breikert** · 11-01-13, 08:35 PM

It's just the opposite, tomorrow they will probably win...

About today, I played Washington...

**ZdenoK** · 11-01-13, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by breikert

It's just the opposite, tomorrow they will probably win...

About today, I played Washington...

Yeah, wouldn't be surprised if those clowns actually win tomorrow... last year I was avoiding Flyers, seems like I need to go back to doing that. I forgot how good Capitals could play without Ovechkin last year, somehow saw him having a bigger role in the team again this season.

**breikert** · 11-01-13, 08:43 PM

Sometimes, teams with big stars plays better without them, cause more players have to stand up and make a difference...

**kevin101** · 11-02-13, 12:01 AM

Originally posted by ZdenoK

Pound the Devils tomorrow, these Philadelphia Ronald McDonalds are a joke.

ROFL thanks for the laugh actually LOL'D irl. Yea they ****** my 4 team parlay. St.louis, Pitts, Tampa and these clowns.

If these fukers can't score 2 on Holtby u think they will score more than 2 on Brouduer or Schiendier??? Playing b2b too. Pounding devils and these clowns team total under

**ZdenoK** · 11-02-13, 11:39 AM

2.11.2013 - NHL

San Jose Sharks @ -122 Pinnacle
San Jose Sharks to score 1st @ -154 MarathonBet
San Jose Sharks team totals over 3.5 @ +143 Pinnacle

Sharks are currently the top team in the league. They are the most offensive and don't have troubles finding the net. Phoenix doesn't have problems when it comes to keeping pucks out of their own net, they allowed 13 goals in last 4 matches. I will also try with Sharks to score 1st. San Jose is 9/13 scoring first and Phoenix is 7/14 letting in the first goal.

Chicago Blackhawks team totals over 2.5 @ -154 Pinnacle
Winnipeg Jets/Chicago Blackhawks over 5 @ -130 MarathonBet

A lot of goals for Blackhawks lately, 11 in last 2 matches. I don't see Winnipeg as a team which could shut down Chicago's offense, they are quite undisciplined.

Washington Capitals @ -111 Pinnacle
Washington Capitas team totals over 2.5 @ -154 Pinnacle

Capitals totally outscored Philadelphia yesterday and Florida got humiliated by St. Louis. Panthers have lost 4 home matches straight and they are probably gone from the playoff battle. Washington should take advantage of the weak and wounded opponent to gather more points at home.

New Jersey Devils/Philadelphia Flyers over 5 @ +108 MarathonBet

I have a feeling one of the teams will be scoring goals tonight. Devils are usually involved in low scoring matches but they are starting Brodeur and Flyers are B2B, plus yesterday they "had time of their lives" vs Capitals where Vinny got injured and Emery will probably have a hearing for his "assault" so they should come out angry.

Buffalo Sabres/Anaheim Ducks over 5 @ -113 MarathonBet

Despite all the injured players Anaheim somehow manages to keep on winning road games. They have good chemistry in the offense. Buffalo will go with Enroth who is at the moment perhaps even a better a choice than Miller but I think both teams should be able to score some goals at least to a push.

Columbus Blue Jackets/Pittsburgh Penguins over 5 @ -130 Marathonbet

B2B match with backup goalies Zatkoff vs McElhinney. Yesterday it was 4-2 and Fleury was really outstanding, I don't see Zatkoff being capable of playing like that. It is not confirmed for Zatkoff to start yet but even if Penguins for some reason go with Fleury, defense should be more tired than yesterday, relying on goalies even more. Plenty of offensive power with both teams as well.

**ZdenoK** · 11-02-13, 08:58 PM

Thanks Oleksy for the retaliation slashing...

**kevin101** · 11-02-13, 11:59 PM

Originally posted by ZdenoK

Thanks Oleksy for the retaliation slashing...

Yea what a fhking idiot!!!! God that last goal that tied the game fhked me BIG TIME. HUGE money gone. Fhk!!!!! can't catch a break with this team.

**breikert** · 11-03-13, 03:43 AM

Philadelphia....

**ZdenoK** · 11-03-13, 11:20 AM

3.11.2013 - NHL
Chicago Blackhawks team totals over 3 @ -118 MarathonBet

Flames sacked goalie MacDonald so they will either go with Ramo or rookie Berra tonight. Not looking good when facing the defending Stanley Cup champs who are an offensive force at the moment, they have scored 24 goals in last 5 matches, almost covering the match totals over themselves alone. Both teams played their last 5 matches over, Calgary allowed 19 goals against - 3.8 per game. Chicago is B2B but they should be able to score at least 3 goals vs team with second worst defense in the league.

**ZdenoK** · 11-03-13, 10:28 PM

Live: Devils/Wild over 3.5 @ +205 MarathonBet

3 min with empty net... this should capitalize!

**ZdenoK** · 11-03-13, 10:32 PM

Nice Pominville!

That was a gift by MarathonBet.

**ZdenoK** · 11-05-13, 05:56 PM

5.11.2013 - NHL
Edmonton Oilers team totals over 2.5 @ -113 MarathonBet

Oilers and Panthers are both in a dark spot lately. Predicting tonight's winner feels like a coin toss to me as both teams are struggling and they will start goalies who are at cca. 88.8 saves %. Edmonton has scored only 1 goal in last 3 matches so coach Eakins dedicated some time to address the issue. Ryan Smyth will return to the 2nd line to play along Gagner and Yakupov which should add some weight to the offensive power. Florida has awful defense, they are 3rd worst in the league allowing more than 3 goals per game in average (Edmonton is last though). It is definitely time to start moving things again in Edmonton's offense and team like Florida is a good chance for that.

**ZdenoK** · 11-05-13, 07:26 PM

Buffalo Sabres @ +650 Bwin 0.2 unit
Buffalo Sabres ML @ +410 MarathonBet 0.3 unit

Seems like David vs Goliath. San Jose is averaging 3.71 goals (4.67 at home) and 37.4 shots per game which makes them the #1 offensive team in the league. They have decent powerplay (8th in the league, 5th at home) and decent penalty kill (5th in the league). Their defense allows only 24.8 shots against and 1.79 goals against per game in average which is 2nd lowest in the league. You can see they are a scary team. On top of it Sharks have recently lost 2 matches in OT vs Pacific rivals where they seemed a better team or at least they have outshot their opponents so tonight they have a chance to get their anger out and stress it on Buffalo. To add further Dan Boyle is back in the line-up and they are going with Niemi tonight which gives you a clear picture they will go out there on the ice to win. Sabres are the least offensive team in the league with scoring only 1.56 goals per game. Their powerplay on the road is 4.8 % which ranks them last. They have lost last 2 matches covering the -1.5 spread. Statistics don't lie, the game will end 6-1 in favor of San Jose. Well, maybe so but these odds are too rediculous not to take them. I made some profit last night with NBA so I have half a unit to "waste" on the biggest underdog play of the season.

San Jose Sharks/Buffalo Sabres over 61.5 shots on goal @ -118 Betsson

An additional play for Sabres/Sharks match. I think this one has nice chances to hit. Sharks as the fearful offensive power will fire more than 40 SOG vs one of the worst defenses in the league. Sabres will most likely become subordinated to Sharks' gameplay but they should be able to fire 15-20 shots at Niemi. Even if Sabres totally choke, I can see San Jose still firing up enough to cover the line. Hopefully Miller will come out strong to frustrate Sharks and they will start firing more shots from various positions they otherwise wouldn't.

**tombuckers** · 11-05-13, 07:31 PM

Awesome video Z. Thought you were going to take Sabres after that but didn't!!!