Nashville is playing Columbus in second game of back to back between the two teams. Oddmakers setting a total of 5 (-135) at most places. This line has been posted with the probability of seing two no 1 goalies in net. In fact this is not the case. Columbus no 1 netminder has been injured to a hand last night. Frederick Norrena gets the start for Columbus with a 0-8 record and a GAA near 3.00 lifetime against Nashville. Predators no 1 netminder Chris Mason has two career shutout against Columbus but it was with a better defensive corps than what we see this year. Mason gave up 2 goals on 20 shots in relief last night. Both team combined for 8 goals last night on a wide open game. I see value here with a total of 5, I think this total is a half goal too low. Both teams have been involved in high scoring games in their last two games. Last year oddsmakers were slow to react to low scoring games by posting totals of 6 early in the season. This year, oddsmakers are posting totals of 5 and 5 1/2 despite increase scoring in the NHL early in the season.
Columbus-Nasville (over 5 goals -135)
Chicago has made a coaching change bringing aboard reliable veteran Joel Quenneville to be in charge of young Hawks squad. Chicago had a slow start with some new faces and so so goaltending from new comer Cristobal Huet. Nikolai Khabibulin was in goal for the win in the last game coached by Dennis Savard. He is expected to go tonight. St-Louis is up to good start against low opposition. In fact, Blues lost to the NY Islanders. We are in a situation where you can buy Chicago at a good price because of the Blues start. Hawks are a better team. I think you also have the new coach factor going here. Getting plus money with the Hawks is a value bet. Most of the early action going on St-Louis but the line is holding or going Hawks way.
Chicago (+110)
Columbus-Nasville (over 5 goals -135)
Chicago has made a coaching change bringing aboard reliable veteran Joel Quenneville to be in charge of young Hawks squad. Chicago had a slow start with some new faces and so so goaltending from new comer Cristobal Huet. Nikolai Khabibulin was in goal for the win in the last game coached by Dennis Savard. He is expected to go tonight. St-Louis is up to good start against low opposition. In fact, Blues lost to the NY Islanders. We are in a situation where you can buy Chicago at a good price because of the Blues start. Hawks are a better team. I think you also have the new coach factor going here. Getting plus money with the Hawks is a value bet. Most of the early action going on St-Louis but the line is holding or going Hawks way.
Chicago (+110)