In this column, I go through the night’s NHL games and give my reads solely based on lines, odds, betting trends, and how I perceive others perceive the game. It’s the reading of all lines, and I try to keep a free-flowing, train-of-thought approach. The purpose of these reads is to find an edge either in DFS, actual picks, or both. Sometimes, no edge exists — or simply can’t be found. I make it a point to note that, as well. As always, please do your own research and due diligence and play responsibly.
Main Slate — This are a little shorter today:
FLA/CAR – 5-7 goal range now in play, 6 is probably “the” answer. 3-2 is the expectation of the people, and I want to push it to 4-2. The difficult part is the winner, and I think there’s a nice edge with CAR. I’ll go 4-2 Hurricanes.
NJD/BOS – Nothing fancy here, as the matchup and odds are both lopsided with pressure on the under. 4-1/4-2/3-1/3-0 BOS where BOS gets 3-4 and NJD gets 1-2
WSH/PHI – Probably 6-7 range with possibility at 5 if it’s a close, OT game. Have to give 2 goals apiece. It’s 3-2 WSH in OT or it’s 4-2 PHI overall. That makes me think PHI is a nice high floor, high ceiling play where WSH can have a wide range.
NYR/PIT – Slight drift toward lower-scoring, and I think that works with the game’s puckline odds so strong on a “close” matchup. 3-2 in either direction is likely, where PIT is probably the right answer.
NSH/DAL – Really like DAL and how its odds have strengthened. Have to say the same about the under, as well. This is 3-0/2-0/3-1 DAL where NSH is not in-play for me and I’m probably going with DAL G.
OTT/CGY – Expect right around the 6-goal target, but the edge is with CGY. It’s important to note that the oddsmakers are taking OTT a little more seriously because it keeps randomly thriving when it shouldn’t. People are also noticing, based on how the PL is being bet. I’m staying away from OTT this time and saying we get a 3-1 CGY win.
Overall Goal Expectations
3+ Goals: BOS, CAR (maybe), PHI (maybe)
2-4 Goals: CGY, DAL, FLA, WSH, NYR, PIT
Want no part of: OTT, NSH, NJD