Randall the Handle
NHL
Season To Date (Since October 2009) 19-17-5 +14.86 Units
ATLANTA +1.31 over San Jose (REG) Pinnacle
We’re really get some pretty sweet value on the Thrashers here, as they continue to be an offensive force and it sure doesn’t appear that it’s going to slow down. Atlanta is coming off a 5-4 loss to the Caps but that was upon returning home from a very successful five-game road trip. Fact is, they own a better winning percentage than the Sharks and already have some very nice wins on their résumé that include victories in Buffalo, New Jersey and St. Louis. The Sharks, meanwhile, are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Lightning. They’ve already lost three road games in L.A., Washington and the aforementioned Tampa Bay and this will be its fifth consecutive on the road. The Sharkies two road wins have come in New York against both the Islanders and Rangers but in that game at MSG, the Rangers started Valiquette as oppose to Lundqvist, built a 2-0 lead and eventually Valiquette was yanked after allowing five goals on 18 shots. Had Lundqvist started that game the result certainly could have been different. The Sharkies look impressive at home but on the road they look very beatable indeed. Furthermore, Thrashers goaltender Ondrej Pavelec has been absolutely brilliant and it’s not an aberration. He’s quick, he’s big and he stands his ground as well as anyone. This guy is the straight goods. Based on this year’s results and play, the Sharkies should not be favored in Atlanta and thus, win or lose, we’re going with the best of it. Play: Atlanta +1.31 (Risking 2 units).
OTTAWA -½ +1.31 over Boston (REG) Pinnacle
The Sens have had one bad game this season and it came in its last when they lost 6-5 in OT at home to the Preds. However, they showed some resiliency by coming back from an early 3-0 deficit after some serious defensive miscues and it’s games like that which helps build character and in reality it could be considered a good loss. Fact is, aside from that game and a 4-1 loss in Pittsburgh the Sens have not allowed more than two goals in any of its other games. The defense has been very good and it could be said that the Sens got away from its style against Nashville. You can be sure they’ll be back playing its game tonight, that being a methodical, strong fore-checking game and getting on every loose puck. The Bruins are a team that had a great season last year but this year they’re without Phil Kessel and both Marc Savard and Milan Lucic are sidelined. That’s a lot of offense gone and it’s also worth noting that David Krejci is still without a goal this year. The Bruins have a lot of young, inexperienced call-ups filling in until they get some healthy bodies back. They’re coming off a 4-3 loss in Philly, which incidentally is a flattering score to the Bruins, as they were outplayed badly. Prior to that they narrowly beat the Preds 3-2, they lost in Phoenix 4-1, they were tooth and nails to win in OT in Long Island and frankly, the Bruins are just not the same team this season and look very beatable indeed. Play: Ottawa -½ +1.31 (Risking 2 units).
Los Angeles +1.26 over PHOENIX (REG) Pinnacle
The Coyotes are this year’s biggest surprise and they’re playing great hockey but this looks like a vulnerable spot for them. For one, the line seems a little low when you consider they’re at home, they’ve won four straight over Boston, St. Louis, San Jose and Detroit and are off to a 6-2 start. Based on that one would think they’d be a higher price and thus, this line seems a bit curious. What I don’t like about the Coyotes here is that its last road game was on Oct 12, thus they’ve been at home for about 12 days and that’s too long. Very often you’ll see teams come out very flat after an extended stay at home and after a win over Detroit, combined with the two-week stay at home, some complacency could definitely set in tonight. The Kings are feisty, talented and lost its season opener to the Coyotes 6-3. The Kings will be very ready tonight while the Coyotes may not. The line says so. Play: Los Angeles +1.26 (Risking 2 units).
Detroit -½ +1.16 over COLORADO (REG) Pinnacle
The Red Wings have not gotten in gear yet but it’s only a matter of time until they get hot and it’s only a matter of time before they put a beating on someone. This looks like the perfect opportunity for the Red Wings, who are well rested and have to be feeling sick about blowing four leads this year already including a two-goal lead at the Joe against these same Av’s one week ago. They also blew a late lead in Phoenix on Thursday. Now they’ll come in here hungry and determined to not only avenge that loss a week ago but to finish the deal. The Wings have only played twice this week and have no excuses whatsoever here. Also, Pavel Datsyuk is back and after watching Detroit, you can just sense that they’re about to pop big time. Enter the Av’s, a team that will be playing its third game in four nights and the tail end of back-to-backs after a tough 5-4 win over the Canes last night. Allowing the Canes to score four times is troubling, as is a 3-2 home loss to the Wild in its previous game. Furthermore, a flu bug is going through the dressing room, spark-plug Darcy Tucker is out and this is the Av’s second game back after a grueling seven-game trip. Man, this one looks just so sweet and the perfect setting for a Red Wing romp. Play: Detroit -½ +1.16 (Risking 2 units).