Xam’s Daily Gems:
Blues Money Line -120
This is a very important game for the Blues, who come into the game as the 8th seed in the Western Conference. Their issue this year has been a mix of offensive and defensive inconsistencies. They’re scoring less than 3 goals per game this year. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington has been good this year, giving up less than 3 goals per game this season. This is the game for the Blues to get the offense going. The Canadiens have given up a whopping 180 goals this year! That’s the 4th most goals against in the entire league. Canadiens goalie Jake Allen has been inconsistent this year. On the year, he’s giving up 3.43 goals per game. At home, he’s even worse, giving up 3.63 goals per game. This is a game where Jordan Kyrou, Jake Neighbours, Robert Thomas, and Pavel Buchnevich should be able to exert themselves offensively. If Jordan Binnington can be himself and give the offense time, the Blues should get a must needed win.
Canucks/Capitals Over 5.5 Goals -140
The Canucks boast one of the best offenses in the league. They are tied for the most goals in the league at a staggering 192! Capitals goalie Darcy Kuemper is surrendering over 3 goals per game on the season, so the Canucks should be able to score as they have all year. The entire key to this game comes down to what the Capitals can do offensively. They scored 3 goals yesterday, but it’s been a struggle overall. They’re averaging just 2.44 goals per game this year. Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko is giving up 2.77 goals per game on the road this year, so the Capitals should have opportunities to score. If the Capitals can contribute offensively, the Canucks should do the rest for us!
Thunder Money Line -158
The Thunder are coming off an embarrassing loss yesterday, where they completely no-showed in Dallas. They’ll be ready to go in this one. Despite the embarrassment yesterday, the Thunder have been one of the biggest surprises of the year. They’re dominating teams offensively, scoring 120 points a game. They’ve also been good defensively, giving up just 113 points per game. The Thunder have been great at home this year, with a 20-6 record in front of the home crowd. They’ll need this home court edge as the Kings know what they’re doing offensively. They’re scoring 118 points per game, but they’re also giving up 118 points per game. The Thunder should have no issues scoring points at home against a poor defense. The key will be what they can do defensively. If they can slow down the Kings just a little bit, they should be able to get back on track today and keep up in the race for the top seed in the Western Conference.
49ers Money Line -130
The 49ers are looking to cap off a dominant season with a win in the Super Bowl. They have elite playmakers all over the field. The 49ers will likely once again go through running back Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey is the best all purpose running back in the sport, and has delivered time and time again for the 49ers this year, in the regular season and the postseason. However, the Chiefs know this, and have been preparing for 2 weeks on how to slow him down. This game will come down to 49ers QB Brock Purdy. The 49ers have elite wide receivers, a great tight end, and a running back who can catch the ball. If Brock can protect the ball and get it to his playmakers, the 49ers should win the game. The Chiefs simply don’t have the offensive talent to keep up. Obviously, Patrick Mahomes is great and nothing short of a magician. The 49ers don’t have a great secondary, but they have an elite pass rush and All-Pro guard Joe Thuney is out for the Chiefs tonight. Expect the 49ers to bring pressure early and often tonight. If the 49ers can contain Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the offense should be able to do the rest.