Xam’s Daily Gems:
Red Wings 60 Minute Money Line +100
(For this bet to win, the Red Wings must win in regulation. Bet loses even if the Red Wings win in OT/Shootout.)
Risk: 1 Unit
To Win: 1 Unit
The Red Wings have lived and died with their offense this year. They have scored 196 goals on the year, good for 3rd most in the Eastern Conference. However, they’ve given up 180 goals on the year. Fortunately for Detroit, the Blues aren’t really the team that’s best suited to take advantage. They are averaging less than 3 goals per game on the year. They’re also just 13-13-1 on the road while the Red Wings are sporting a 16-8-5 record at Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings have won 3 straight games and are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games. They also have impressive wins against the Avalanche, Canucks, and Golden Knights recently. They should be well rested coming into this game as well, as they have only played one game since the 19th. As is usually the case, this game will likely come down to how the Red Wings perform defensively. They have the better offense in this game. They’ve shown they can beat really good teams when they bring their defense to the stadium. If they can keep guys like Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich in check, Dylan Larkin, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat should be able to get the offense rolling and keep their playoff push rolling.
Sacred Heart Money Line -132
Risk: 1.32 Units
To Win: 1 Unit
The Pioneers have had a powerful offense this year. In their last 11 games, they’re averaging about 77 points a game. In 4 of those games, they’ve scored 87 or more. They’ve also been a dominant home team, and are undefeated at home against the NEC this season. All of this spells bad news for Central Connecticut. They’re averaging just 70 points per game in their last 5 games. The Pioneers are averaging about 80 points per game in front of the home crowd this year. If they can deliver that kind of offensive performance, they will likely keep their perfect record at home against the NEC intact. If Kyle McGee, Joey Reilly, and Alex Sobel can continue their run of good play, the Pioneers should be able to get the job done and continue moving up the NEC standings.
Lightning 60 Minute Money Line +145
Risk: 1 Unit
To Win: 1.45 Units
(For this bet to win, the Lightning must win in regulation. Bet loses even if the Lightning win in OT/Shootout.)
The Lightning have been pushed to the brink of missing the playoffs. They’ve lost 3 straight games and desperately need a win today. They have struggled this year because their defense has been virtually nonexistent. They have scored and given up 198 goals! The Islanders have also seen their playoff hopes fade because of their poor defense. They’ve given up 191 goals on the year. However, their offense hasn’t been able to overcome the defensive lapses. They’ve scored just 165 goals on the year. That’s the 3rd fewest goals in the Eastern Conference. Tampa Bay has only played one game since February 19th, so they should be rested and prepared to go in this matchup. Meanwhile, for the Islanders, this will be their 4th game since February 18th and 2 of those games went to OT, which is a lot of extra hockey recently. At the end of the day, Tampa Bay is simply too good to keep playing bad defense like this. If they were ever going to get their defense on track, this is the game to do that. Tampa Bay desperately needs a win. Expect them to play with a level of urgency in this one. They’re the better team, with better offensive players, and the more rested team. If the defense shows up, guys like Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, and Steven Stamkos should get the offense going and get the Lightning a much needed win.
Devils 60 Minute Money Line -170
Risk: 1.7 Units
To Win: 1 Unit
(For this bet to win, the Devils must win in regulation. Bet loses even if the Devils win in OT/Shootout.)
The Devils are doing everything they can to scratch and claw their way into the playoffs, but they’re constantly being let down by their defense and poor goalie play. They have scored an impressive 186 goals this year, but have let up 196 goals. That’s the 4th most goals given up in the Eastern Conference. Fortunately, they’re playing a Canadiens team that is just not scoring a lot this year. They have scored just 160 goals this season, which is the 3rd fewest in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens also give up goals like it’s Christmas morning. Their 205 goals against is the 2nd most in the Eastern Conference. It’s a big game as we get closer to the playoffs. Can the Devils get any good defense or goalie play today? That always seems to be the question with them. This is not a team they should struggle with. The Devils know how to score and Montreal is giving up 3.59 goals per game this year. Simply put, the Devils need this game. They need to be better at home down the stretch if they want to make a serious playoff push. They’re 13-14-2 at home this season. Look for the leaders like Jack Hughes, Tyler Toffoli, and Jesper Bratt to come out swinging early. They’re well rested and Montreal is playing their 3rd game in 4 days. There’s no excuses for the Devils today.
North Carolina Money Line -152
Risk: 1.52 Units
To Win: 1 Unit
Kentucky Money Line -140
Risk: 1.4 Units
To Win: 1 Unit
Panthers 60 Minute Money Line -165
Risk: 1.65 Units
To Win: 1 Unit
(For this bet to win, the Panthers must win in regulation. Bet loses even if the Panthers win in OT/Shootout.)
The Panthers are sitting 2 points out from the top seed in the Eastern Conference because of a dominant offense and stifling defense. They’ve been dominant at home and on the road. At home, they’re 17-8-2 coming into today. The Capitals, despite winning 3 straight games, have seen their playoff hopes dissipate because of an anemic offense. They’re scored just 142 goals on the year, by far the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference and the 2nd fewest in the entire league. That’s a bad matchup against a team who’s surrendered only 138 goals on the year. This is just a bad matchup for the Panthers. The Panthers have legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations, but for them to get there they need to win games like this today. Look for the defense to clamp down like they always do. This will also their powerful offense, led by Sam Reinhart, Aleksander Barkov, and Carter Verhaeghe to get the offense rolling and keep their push for the top seed going.
Bruins/Canucks Over 5.5 Goals -134
Risk: 1.34 Units
To Win: 1 Unit
Both the Bruins and Canucks are the top seeds in their respective conferences thanks to dominant offenses. These two powerhouses have combined for 412 goals this season! The offensive firepower on both sides speaks for itself. Both teams have played strong defense this year, but their have been lapses recently. The Canucks in particular have been giving up goals in spades in recent games. During their 4 game losing streak, they have given up 22 goals! The Bruins are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights, but their offense always brings it and they should be able to get the offense rolling. As for the Canucks, there has to be a sense of urgency for them. They’ve scored the most goals in the entire league and simply need to show that they can get back on track. They’re simply too good to keep losing like this, and they won’t keep getting bailed out with the Stars losing in the race to be the 1 seed in the Western Conference. Look for their offensive playmakers to come out fired up and ready to put the puck in the net.
Knicks/Celtics Over 224.5 Points -108
Risk: 1.08 Units
To Win: 1 Unit
Oilers 60 Minute Money Line -115
Risk: 1.15 Units
To Win: 1 Unit
(For this bet to win, the Oilers must win in regulation. Bet loses even if the Oilers win in OT/Shootout.)
Predators 60 Minute Money Line -140
Risk: 1.4 Units
To Win: 1 Unit
(For this bet to win, the Predators must win in regulation. Bet loses even if the Predators win in OT/Shootout.)
Kraken 60 Minute Money Line +115
Risk: 1 Unit
To Win: 1.15 Units
(For this bet to win, the Kraken must win in regulation. Bet loses even if the Kraken win in OT/Shootout.)