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.
NYR/PIT – Odds are shifting to the over, and it feels like protection as it is following the move of the people. That puts at 5-6 instead of 6-7, where it’s obviously possible we get more. The odds have jumped dramatically in PIT’s favor, and I have to think there is some news about an injury or goalie start, as it is a significant enough move to mean something. I’d have to think this all favors PIT, and it probably pushes us into the 4-2 range where the Penguins’ offense becomes a must in some capacity.
BUF/PHI – It’s really hard for me to look at a low point total, see the odds on the over, and not question why it hasn’t moved higher. Still, whenever this happens, we have seen a tendency for the under to be right. I’m going to lean on it again and cap the offense hard at 6 goals, where 5 or less is more likely. The odds are overwhelming in PHI’s favor, and why wouldn’t that be the case? They also have ridiculous odds to win by at least two goals. The reality is that people will probably be overloading with PHI, where I set this closer to 2-0/2-1/3-1 where the offense might not be worth using. PHI G is in-play.
NSH/CAR – Similar