We take our usual spin across the hockey betting universe on Pick The Winner for Saturday, March 31st.
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Back tonight with a handful of smaller plays on a big Saturday NHL board. You’ll notice I’m laying some chalk on a lot of my plays, but at this time of the season I feel more confident laying some chalk – especially on teams in a playoff hunt.
Buffalo Sabres @ Toronto Maple Leafs – SABRES TO WIN (-145)
(Note: I’m risking 1.45 units to win 1 unit)
The Sabres sit 9th in the Eastern Conference tied in points with the Capitals after a loss to Pittsburgh last night. Fortunately for the Sabres they will head to Toronto tonight to face the struggling Maple Leafs. Toronto looks like their summer has come early, losing 11 straight home games and 20 of their last 26 overall. The Sabres are 4-0 in their last 4 vs a team with a losing record and have been one of the best teams over the last month or so. This is more of a play against the Maple Leafs who have looked awful and may be the leagues worst team right now. Take the Sabres to win.
Los Angeles Kings @ Minnesota Wild – KINGS TO WIN (-142)
(Note: I’m risking 1.42 units to win 1 unit)
Los Angeles jumped up to 3rd in the West with the win last night, but they are just 2 points up on 10th place Colorado and could see themselves fall out of a playoff spot if they don’t keep up their intensity. The Kings have won 8 of their last 10 games overall, and are 4-1 in their last 5 road games. Minnesota has had an epic collapse since once sitting first in the West. The Wild have won just 16 of their last 51 overall, and are 5-11 in their last 16 home games. The Kings have taken 2 of their 3 meetings this season, including a 4-0 win in Minnesota in their most recent meeting February 28th. Averaging almost 3 goals per game over their last 10, compared to the Wild at 1.80, I like the Kings to continue to roll tonight. Take LAK.
Chicago Blackhawks @ Nashville Predators – PREDATORS TO WIN (-125)
(Note: I’m risking 1.25 units to win 1 unit)
Nashville returns home after a big 4-1 victory in Detroit last night. The Preds have now won 3 of their last 4 games, scoring 13 goals over that span. Nashville is a stellar 24-9-5 on home ice this season. The Blackhawks have played well lately, but have lost 2 of their last 3. Chicago is 16-18-4 on the road this season, and have won just 6 of their last 21 road games. Note that Nashville has won 20 of their last 26 home games. This will be the 6th and final meeting between these two teams, and the Predators have won 4 of the 5. The only win for Chicago was a 5-4 overtime win at home back in October. Both teams are playing well, but Nashville is very tough to beat at home. I like the Preds laying only a bit of chalk here at home.
Calgary Flames @ Vancouver Canucks – CANUCKS -1.5 [Puck Line] (+165)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.65 units)
The Flames playoff hopes are all but done now after a loss last night at home against the Avalanche. Calgary has dropped 7 of their last 8 games to put themselves out of the playoffs. On the other hand the Canucks have won 5 straight after a slump, and look to continue to play well heading into the postseason. The Canucks beat Dallas 5-2 last night giving them their 3rd straight home win to start their 5 game home stand. Luongo was supposed to start last night but had some stiff neck issues, so he was given the night off. He will be back in net tonight coming off a 38 save shutout against LA. Luongo has allowed just 4 goals in his last 3 starts.
Note that the Canucks are averaging 3.05 goals per game at home this season, while the Flames are allowing 2.83 goals against on the road. The Flames are just 14-17-9 away from home this season. These two teams have split their 4 meetings this season, but Vancouver’s wins were both by 4 goals (5-1 final scores). The Canucks are 9-3 against the Flames in their last 12 meetings. With the way Calgary has been playing lately I don’t see them keeping stride with Vancouver tonight. Look for Luongo to continue his solid play and give the Canucks a good chance to win by a couple tonight. I like the value on the Canucks by 2 or more
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Take the money and run. More importantly, let’s win some money while helping the fantasy hockey cause.
