Sports Wagers NHL
N.Y. ISLANDERS +105 over Los Angeles Pinnacle
The Kings play their fifth straight on the road here and in three of those games they scored one goal or less. That's not a good recipe for playing chalk on the road. Their one win on this trip was in Tampa Bay but losses to Carolina and Florida are inexcusable. The Kings’ lack of production and resulting frustration has not been rectified. Defensively, L.A. is one of the best teams in the league, which has been its saving grace. However, when you have to rely on your goaltender to keep coming up big in order to win, it’s an added pressure and it makes it difficult to be slotted in the favourite’s role. The Islanders picked up points in five straight games before losing to the Canadiens in their most recent. They remain a tough out for any opposing team because of their balanced scoring, current run and the suddenly hot goaltending of Evgeni Nabokov. Also note that this game is a 1:00 PM EST start and for the Kings, that's highly unusual. Wrong side favored. Play: N.Y. Islanders +105 (Risking 2 units).
Nashville +140 over BOSTON Pinnacle
1:00 PM EST. The Bruins’ Stanley Cup hangover has occurred much later than expected but it has arrived. Boston has dropped three of its last four games and was outscored 11-1 in the process. That's one goal in three games against Buffalo, Carolina and Buffalo. Now Tim Thomas is being hounded by the media for all his political statements since not showing up at the Whitehouse and instead of letting it fade away, Thomas made more political statements on his Facebook page recently. All this coincides with the Bruins funk and while it may not mean anything, one can't ignore the distractions it has caused and what affect that it's having. Conversely, the Predators are as sound as can be. They're strong defensively, they're scoring goals, they have an outstanding netminder and they rarely endure any prolonged slumps. Nashville had won five straight before losses to Philly and Vancouver in OT and that's nothing to hang one's head over. They've still picked up points in two of their past four games and that includes a 3-1 win over the NHL's hottest team, the St. Louis Blues. The Preds are always a live pup. Against a suddenly fragile B's club, the Preds offer up some strong value here. Play: Nashville +140 (Risking 2 units).
Chicago +101 over PHOENIX Pinnacle
This selection has nothing to do with the “due” factor as that is an angle we don't subscribe to. It has everything to do with the Blackhawks being a high quality club that has to be sick of losing. The Blackhawks’ annual prolonged trip is turning into a nightmare after losing in San Jose 5-3 last night and running their streak to seven straight losses. A game against the Coyotes couldn't have come at a better time. Playing in Phoenix is like playing in a mausoleum. There's no atmosphere whatsoever, as the building is three-quarters empty and it's demoralizing for a host club to endure that. Phoenix has won four in a row but we're not buying it for a second. They didn't outplay any of those clubs but instead got very lucky in wins over Detroit, Calgary, Dallas and San Jose. That has their stock inflated. Now the Coyotes will host a ravenous beast that hasn't eaten in almost three weeks. The superior club digs down deep here. Play: Chicago +101 (Risking 2 units).
Montreal +129 over TORONTO Pinnacle
The Canadiens are playing better than they have all season with three straight wins over Winnipeg, Pittsburgh and the Islanders. They also had a strong showing in a 5-3 loss in New Jersey prior to that but the Devils had four of the most bizarre goals in one game that you'll ever see. The real kicker here is that the Maple Leafs will retire Mats Sundin's jersey tonight. This is an angle we love. The host will stand around for 45 minutes on their own blue line while the Habs will be sitting in the dressing room getting properly prepared. These ceremonies look nice for TV and all but they are a big hindrance to the host. Along with everything else, there is Ron Wilson's stubbornness to go with the lesser James Reimer in net over Jonas Gustavsson. Reimer has been inconsistent and can look shaky in net while Gustavsson's form is sharp. Carey Price is among the best and is playing like it. Toronto has dropped two straight and can feel the pressure of hanging onto that final playoff spot. Current form and goaltending edge both go to the Canadiens. Play: Montreal +129 (Risking 2 units).