Written by Graeme on Friday, December 22nd, 2023
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Unfortunately despite a ton of chances and a very high xG, the Florida Panthers just couldn’t convert last night and lost to the Blues 4-1.
One team who had no issues converting were the Buffalo Sabres, who put a whopping 9 goals past the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Wild got the regulation win but it was a tight one as expected, and Oilers came to life in a big way against the Devils.
Let’s look at todays 4 game slate:
Wings vs Flyers:
These two teams just recently played which always turms me off. I lean on the Wings, but so do the sportsbooks and the odds aren’t there for a play.
Rangers vs Oilers:
I’m fine avoiding the Oilers right now, especially on a B2B. This has the potential to be a high scoring game but the B2B plus just general coldness based on the Islanders & Panthers game might affect the Oilers there.
Jets vs Bruins:
Jets coming in on a good run. They are underdogs here. Goaltending has been a big factor for them as they have a brutal xGA, but the Bruins offense have been very hot and cold and may not be able to take advantage of that.
But then it’s also a case of if the Jets offense can produce. Bruins defense is nothing to be scared of.
I’m fine backing the Jets here with Hellebuyck confirmed.
Jets incl OT/SO
Ontario: 2.05 Odds at Sports Interaction
Canada: 2.06 Odds at BetOnline.
USA: +106 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 2.05 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/12/22 10:35:45 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Blackhawks vs Canadiens:
I’m fine passing on this ame. The Habs offense is better but they’re on the B2B and on the road and that negates it somewhat.
New York Rangers Kreider to score +160
To WIN moneyline: Rangers
Play money?:
Ties in reg: Bruins/Jets, Philly/Detroit
Oilers on a back-to-back on the road, 3rd game in 4 days, looking at 5 days off on the ski hills, they won’t care much about this game. Just avoid injuries so the ski hills happen! The rested Rangers should show up, they play at home tomorrow against Buffalo and may have circled that game as a “take the day off” type of situation, before going into ONLY 3 days off at home. Edmonton is full of holes this year, they can be shut down by the top 30% of teams.
In this pre-break game situation, I can’t predict results for Boston, Winnipeg, Philly, Detroit. Habs are better than the Hawks, but maybe not tonight. Montreal is looking at 5 days off. Teams sometimes start holidays early. Chicago plays St. Louis tomorrow, so if they’re hoping for 2 points, should look at burning the energy tonight, not with what’s left tomorrow. I just feel these two teams present a very low level of predictability, regardless of situation.