Written by Graeme on Sunday, August 16th, 2020
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After some real bangers, it was a bit of a quieter day yesterday in the NHL with only the one upset victory. That was then the Coyotes were impressively able to pull out a victory over the Avs.
If a team wants to make it in the playoffs they need a goalie that can win a game for them. Leafs are you paying attention? Darcy Kuemper is that guy and he was able to make 49 saves as the Coyotes ran out 4-2 winners.
The Bruins had a late changeup in the goaltending position which was a surprise as Rask left the bubble. Halak stepped in and the Bruins won 3-1.
Tampa threw in a great performance and got a much needed win over the Blue Jackets, and the Knights extended their lead against the Hawks to 3-0 in a quiet one.
It’s another super busy day in the NHL with 5 games on the go all beginning at 12pm EST. Let’s see what we got and hope for no shock lineup changes:
Capitals vs Islanders Betting Tips:
Graeme: The Islanders have two convincing victories in their series against the Capitals and lead 2-0. Two years ago the Caps lost their two opening games before winning a tight double OT game over the Jackets. 2-0 down, this is a massive game for the Caps. I think it should be a statement game too for them – at least that’s the plan. I’m fine with Over 5 Goals incl OT. Looking at the (very few) times the Caps lose a couple, there’s no trend indicating they go ultra defensive etc.
Scott: Well the Isles have made this look easy up go this point. They are up 2-0 and have outscored the Caps 9-4.
I liked the Caps to win this series but have second thoughts now after the first two games. I’ll go with the over for this game as the first two have already and the Caps are due for a burst. The Caps are a team that has success though their offense and if they are to make a series of this they will need to start scoring.
Over 5 including OT
Canada: 1.74 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: -135 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.74 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2020/08/16 10:55:02 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Stars vs Flames Betting Tips:
Graeme: While I enjoy the “right it’s the Stars turn to win” deal now – and man I hope they just keep flip flopping like that – I’m instead going to look at the 3 games and go for a trend. Always fun as it allows me to dig deeper into it from a different perspective. I have a sneaky suspicion that the 2nd period will be highest scoring. I also kind of like the over as I feel Stars respond like they did in Game 2.
Sadly after looking through all that and approaching the game from different angles I’m not seeing anything. Looking at regular season stats, both teams concede the most goals in the 2nd period so screw it let’s go with that. Highest Scoring Period = 2nd.
Canada: 3.75 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv.
USA: +255 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 3.75 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv.
(Odds correct as of 2020/08/16 10:55:02 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Scott: The Flames are leading the series 2-1 after trading wins. The Flames have scored 2 short handed goals over the last two games. The Stars need to fix that as you can’t keep allowing goals when you have the man advantage.
In what seems to be a trend for me in these playoffs I’ll back to Stars to win as they keep trading wins. Although after Talbot had the shutout it could change things but I’ll still go with the Stars
Stars win incl OT
Canada: 1.89 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: -112 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.89 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2020/08/16 10:55:02 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Golden Knights vs Blackhawks Betting Tips:
Graeme: Hate to say it but I think the Hawks are done. I think Knights not only sweep but also win a bit bigger here. I was going to go for Knights -1.5 and initially posted that however after doing odds lookup changed it to Knights in Regulation as didn’t feel getting enough value on handicap compared to that line.
Scott: Well as expected the Knights again beat the Hawks and now have a chance to be the first team to move onto the next round with a sweep here.
I love my Hawks but they really didn’t deserve to make the postseason. But they beat the Oilers and now have their backs against the wall against the Knights. Lehner won the first two games but went with Fleury for the first of the back to back.
I hope I’m wrong but…
Knights win in regulation
Canada: 1.94 Odds at 888 Sports.
USA: -115 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 1.94 Odds at 888 Sports.
(Odds correct as of 2020/08/16 10:55:02 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Flyers vs Canadiens Betting Tips:
Graeme: The big question – that we will get answered today – is whether the Habs win was an anomaly or not due to Julien. I’ve said it a few times but it is funny how many people obsess over Price and how important he is and are sleeping on the other big performers in this Habs team. My gut says Flyers bounce back today. I’m going to stick to my player props though. That was a fun one last time as I took Gallagher over 3.5 and he had 3 early in the 1st then I had to sweat the majority of the game before he got the 4th.
I’ll go Gallagher Under 3.5 Shots this time. Just one of those things where I looked a lot at the numbers and that one leaped out at me rain man style.
Canada: 1.91 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: -110 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.91 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2020/08/16 10:55:02 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Scott: Who was that last game? The Canadiens looked amazing and won 5-0. The team came together for Claude Julien who is recovering from having a stent placed in a coronary artery.
At the end of the game with the Habs up 5-0 and on the powerplay Kirk Muller put out the teams top powerplay unit which pissed off Flyers coach Alain Vigneault.
With the Flyers upset from not only the embarrassing loss but the top PP unit being used at the end of a blowout I like the Flyers to get some revenge.
Flyers win incl OT
Canada: 1.76 Odds at BetOnline..
USA: -130 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 1.76 Odds at BetOnline..
(Odds correct as of 2020/08/16 10:55:02 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Blues vs Canucks Betting Tips:
Graeme: The Canucks lead 2-0. Yet hey they’re still decent underdogs. It’s funny seeing people take the Blues and Capitals today because “They’re too good to get sweeped”. Ask Tampa fans last year about that one. I said it last time when I tipped the Canucks – Horvat is a star right now and the team is all working well around him. A dude like that is able to pick a team up when they are down. Blues did a better job last game but still weren’t able to contain him.
This is an odd one where I want to back the Canucks. Mathematically it is 100% the right play. I even had it written in here initially and had reasons to back it up. Yet I just have a weird gut feeling that Blues take this one. Considering their price there is ZERO value in that. I’m going to skip this one.
Scott: Well I liked the Blues to win the series but now I’m not so sure.
Horvat has been incredible and the Blues need to find a way to slow him down.
The Canucks for some reason are the underdogs here and after the first two games I’ll back them as they look to take a huge 3-0 lead in the series
Canucks win incl OT
Canada: 2.20 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv.
USA: +115 Odds at BetOnline..
Everyone Else: 2.20 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv.
(Odds correct as of 2020/08/16 10:55:02 AM EST but are subject to change.)
