Here were our picks tonight thanks to Kevin from NHL Predictions. Enjoy.
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Two 1 unit plays going tonight in the NHL…
Toronto Maple Leafs @ New York Rangers – OVER 5.5 GOALS (+106)
The Maple Leafs look to bounce back from back-to-back losses against the red hot Boston Bruins, while the Rangers look for their 6th straight win and 8th straight win at home. The Maple Leafs are averaging 3.1 goals per game this season, and 3.80 goals per game over their last 5. Toronto is also giving up a high 3.23 goals against per game. New York is averaging 3 goals per game on the year, and a high 4.20 per game over their last 5. Jonas Gustavsson is back between the pipes tonight and is 8-5 on the season with a 2.97 GAA and .898 SV%.
Note that the OVER is 4-1 in the Leafs last 5 games overall, and 13-6 in their last 19 road games. The OVER is also 4-1 in the Leafs last 5 games as an underdog, and 19-7 in their last 26 vs Eastern Conference opponents. The OVER is 4-1 in the Rangers last 5 overall and 8-3-1 in their last 12 home games. The OVER is also 5-0 in these two teams last 5 meetings in New York. These two teams have met once this season in New York, with the game going OVER the total in a Leafs 4-2 win. Take the OVER here at plus money.
Phoenix Coyotes @ Chicago Blackhawks – UNDER 5.5 GOALS (-113)
The Coyotes have dropped two straight games, and look to get back on track in Chicago, where they won 4-1 on November 29th. The Blackhawks have won 4 of their last 5 games, with their only loss coming to the Coyotes at home. Phoenix has been struggling scoring with just 1.8 goals per game over their last 5, where they have failed to score a powerplay goal. On the season the Coyotes are averaging just 2.6 goals per game. Nothing is confirmed but we fully expect Mike Smith and Corey Crawford in net tonight. Smith has a low 2.24 GAA and very solid .932 SV% on the year, while Crawford has a 2.91 GAA and .899 SV%.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the Coyotes last 5 games, and 6-2 in their last 8 road games. The UNDER is also 6-2-1 in the Coyotes last 9 games as an underdog. The UNDER is 5-2 in these two teams last 7 meetings, and 16-4-1 in their last 21 meetings in Chicago. Phoenix has averaged just 20 shots per game in their two meetings with Chicago this season. Expect this one to fall under the posted total – take the UNDER.
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Do note that the Blackhawks game was our featured play for tonight. Good luck everyone.
