Xam’s Daily Gems:
Kraken/Rangers Over 5.5 Goals -120
The Kraken have been playing well offensively in their last 10 games. Despite being shutout against the Penguins last night, they have scored 3 goals or more in 6 of their last 10 games. They also scored 4 or more goals in each of their last 4 games before last night. Jared McCann has been playing well and is the leading goal scorer for the team. He has 16 goals on the year, by far the most on the team. The Kraken are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights, so they certainly may be tired coming into this game. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has had an up and down year. He is giving up on average over 3 goals per game. When he’s bad, he’s also REALLY bad. In losses, he’s giving up over 5 goals per game! The Kraken will have some chances tonight. For the Rangers, guys like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad have all had good seasons offensively. The Rangers are averaging 3.4 goals per game this year, so they should continue that successful run tonight.
76ers Money Line -118
The 76ers are playing on the 2nd night of a back-to-back, which is always cause for concern. However, they are one of the best teams in the league at home, posting a 15-6 record. They also know how to score. They’re averaging almost 120 points per game this year. They average more than 123 points per game at home this year. The Nuggets are no joke, of course. They are the reigning champions for a reason and are currently 3rd in the West. However, they’re only 11-9 on the road this year. They’ve also struggled on the road this year. They’re only averaging about 110 points per game on the road. The 76ers have one of the best homecourt advantages in the league. The fans will be rocking and ready to go for a potential preview of the NBA Finals. If Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey can bring their usual heat, the role players should be able to do the rest and get the job done tonight.
Stars Money Line -134
The Stars are 25-12 and sit in 4th place in the Western Conference thanks to their offense. They are averaging a whopping 3.69 goals per game this year! They are tied for 3rd in total goals this season. They are also coming into this game well rested, as they haven’t played since the 13th. The Kings are 21-11 largely because of their defense. They are giving up 2.6 goals per game on average this season. Cam Talbot has had a really good season for the Kings. However, this is the 2nd night of a back-to-back and their 3rd game in 4 nights. Dallas has the better overall team, is more rested, and is at home tonight. Guys like Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski should be able to find ways to exploit the Kings tonight.
Flames Money Line -152
The Flames have been playing well recently, as they’re on a 3 game win streak and have scored 15 goals during that span. They’re also coming into this game with plenty of rest, as they’ve been off the last 2 nights. These two teams met on January 11th in Arizona, and the Flames pounded them 6-2. The Coyotes are averaging less than 3 goals per game on the road this season. In this type of game, that’s not going to work. Calgary’s offense, led by Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman, and Elias Lindholm, is averaging 3.7 goals per game in their last 10 games. That streak of success should continue at home and as rested as can be. As long as Calgary gets a good game from goalie Dan Vladar, the offense should care for the rest.