Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes (-155, 5.5)
The Hurricanes' start to the season has been stormy, especially trying to put the puck in the net.
Through three games, Carolina has totaled just four goals. One of those came by way of shootout in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Things took a turn for the worse this week when winger Erik Cole suffered a fracture in his lower left leg, keeping him out for four to six weeks.
The team has preached aggression since taking a 7-2 beating from the Boston Bruins last weekend. The Canes came out firing in the first period of Tuesday’s game, peppering the Lightning with 14 shots. However, they totaled just 14 more shots over the next two periods and only two in overtime.
Pick: Under 5.5
Dallas Stars at Calgary Flames (-163, 5.5)
The Dallas Stars are learning that close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. They’re 0-2 to start the season, losing both contests in shootouts.
"You can say it’s just a skills competition or whatever, but it’s really important," said defenseman Stephane Robidas told the Star-Telegram. "It’s an extra point for the winner, and that can be big at the end of the year."
The Stars have been monsters when it comes to the shootout. Despite their recent SO losses, the team posts a 32-16 record in shootouts since it was introduced in 2005. However, the team knows it needs to avoid these situations by getting the job done in regulation.
"I think we are very close," coach Marc Crawford said. "I think we have the players who can score goals, and Marty Turco has a very strong history in stopping shots."
Dallas will face one of the NHL’s fastest starters in the Calgary Flames Friday, who will be coming off a hard-fought game against the rival Edmonton Oilers last Thursday night. The Stars took Wednesday off and will practice at Pengrowth Saddledome Thursday, coming into Friday night’s tilt well rested and focused on avoiding another shootout.
Pick: Dallas +150