SPORTS WAGERS
Chicago +127 over BOSTON
Blackhawks are coming off a big win last night in Detroit but Chicago has somehow allowed itself to be put in this pressure situation of needing wins. The talent-laden Blackhawks taking back a tag against the Bruins is sweet under any circumstances but even sweeter under these. Boston is coming off a 2-1 win over Philly, the team that knocked them out of last year’s playoffs. They also whacked the Habs 7-0 last week and for the first time in a long time they have separation from Montreal for the division crown. The Bruins can exhale a bit here and with games on deck against Toronto, the Islanders and Atlanta in three of its next four, Boston is in a cozy spot. Boston’s offense continues to have problems scoring (two goals in its last two games) and along with the aforementioned situation, it hugely adds to the risk of laying a price with them. Chicago was very sharp last night and will undoubtedly maintain that level of play here. Play: Chicago +127 (Risking 2 units).
Minnesota +164 over ST. LOUIS
After losing eight in a row and losing to the Blues 6-3 on Saturday before being booed off the ice, you can expect a spirited effort from the Wild here. After seeing its season implode, Minnesota assumes the loosey-goosey role now that playoff activity has been eliminated. They were in fifth place in the West just three weeks ago and now they’re in 11th place, 12 points behind Chicago for the final playoff spot. The Wild will now take the road without pressure and without partisan fans ragging on them. The Blue Notes can’t be trusted laying a tag like this. They have less points than the Wild and they’re in a difficult scheduling spot here. St. Louis is just recently off a four-game trip through the West Coast in Anaheim, L.A., San Jose and Phoenix that ended on Feb 22. They came home for one game before heading out for two more in Edmonton and this past Saturday in Minnesota. That’s about as odd as it gets for NHL teams, that being to play out west, come home for one game and then play in Edmonton of all places. Additionally, one of the Blue Notes top players and hardest workers, T.J. Oshie, skipped practice yesterday and reports are he’ll be disciplined and likely miss this one. One has to wonder why that happened. Was he sending a message to this organization? Whatever the case, the Blue Notes are way overpriced here. Play: Minnesota +164 (Risking 2 units).
Atlanta +178 over MONTREAL
There are several reasons to endorse the Thrashers here. Firstly, the last seven games these two have played the biggest price on the Habs was –123. Atlanta won four of those seven games and one loss went into OT. Then we have current form. Montreal hasn’t scored a goal since Feb 20, four games ago. That’s 180 minutes and counting and over that three-game stretch they’ve been outscored 11-0. Atlanta has won six of its last 10 with all four losses over that stretch coming against three of the leagues hottest teams. Atlanta lost to New Jersey twice, Buffalo and Vancouver and they didn’t look a bit out of place in any of those games including the misleading 8-2 loss to the Sabres (everything went in, it was one of those nights). Are the Habs really better than Atlanta? In net they are but that’s where the Canadiens superiority ends. On its best day, Montreal is not worthy of this tag against anyone. Atlanta had one prolonged rough stretch this whole season, much like the Islanders otherwise they’d be gearing up for the playoffs. As for the Habs, well, when you haven’t scored in three games, it gets tougher to score with each passing minute, not easier. The Thrashers are really playing well right now and absolutely have a great chance to beat these reeling and way overpriced Canadiens. Play: Atlanta +178 (Risking 2 units).