Written by Graeme on Sunday, January 17th, 2021
Follow @BetNHL
Well an unfortunate 0-2 last night with stinkers from the Islanders and Hurricanes on the back of two excellent performances.
I must admit I never even considered Sorokin being in net. Everything I saw early on pointed towards Varlmaov. Not that I’m blaming Sorokin or anything – poor dude could have stood on his head last night and it wouldn’t have helped considering that performance. But I certainly wouldn’t have backed them with that wild card. Oh well. We try to make a note if a pick is reliant on a goalie but nothing I saw even suggested that. My bad on that one.
Hurricanes were just meh. Shortly after posting the tips it was announced that Staal was out due to COVID rules however I looked into it right away and that wouldn’t have affected the bet – I would have still taken the Hurricanes in that spot. Just a crap one from the Canes. Absolutely brutal first two periods.
Was interesting listening to Rod after the game. Saying that he felt Friday hurt them just sitting about at the hotel etc and he thinks that was a reason they were sluggish. I love reading stuff like that as it’s always neat to consider it.
How about my Habs? Gotta love it and also gotta love that I didn’t pick that Over 6.5. My gosh I was so close to that I would have been mad. Generally pretty happy with my leans yesterday and seeing a few games go just as I expected. Pity they weren’t the ones I tipped!
Only two games today:
Penguins vs Capitals Betting Tips:
You know I initially wasn’t going to tip this one, but after looking at it I think we have a play on the over.
On one side we have the Pittsburgh Penguins who have atually performed well in the advanced metrics but been blown out twice by the Flyers. On the other side we have the 2-0 Caps who apparently played without a goalie on Thursday, then on Friday got dominated by the Sabres yet came away with a 2-1 win.
These two often have fiery battles that go over. Not all the time but a fair amount.
If you look at the metrics, the Capitals play a more open game against the Penguins and have a higher xGA. Samsonov is expected to bet in net and based on Game 1 I am good with that.
Penguins you’ve got to think will be super desperate for the win here to get their season going. Unless this is a let down game spot for the Caps – which is possible – we should hopefully see some goals. Caps sometimes need to concede a couple of goals to wake them up and that bodes well for this one.
Over 6 Goals incl OT
Canada: 1.80 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 1.80 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv.
(Odds correct as of 2021/01/17 9:48:43 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Panthers vs Blackhawks Betting Tips:
It’s the first game of the season for the Panthers. I can’t believe they are so heavily favoured. Yes the Blackhawks got rocked twice by Tampa but I mean it’s Tampa. Hawks also looked a lot better in that 2nd game.
I can’t advise a tip on this game but man – based on that Blackhawks performance vs Tampa I think they’ll come out feeling a bit more confident and the underdog price might be worth a bet.
