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.
COL/STL – Some nice pressure on the under, but the point total isn’t low enough to make me think of using a goalie. I will, however, lower the offensive ceiling and limit it to 7 goals at the most, where I’m really expecting 5-6. There is some relatively big movement in the odds, though, and it makes me like COL more than I thought. I’ll set this game at 3-2/4-2 COL where I am probably going to use at least one skater from the Avalanche.
VAN/OTT – Almost the same exact point total situation here that we just saw in COL/STL, so I have the same exact comment and expectation. The difference is that the odds are much closer together. It doesn’t really matter since the offensive ceiling is lower, but I actually think there is some move value with OTT than VAN. The reality is that one team might surprise here, but I will personally only try to grab exposure through one skater and not do much more than that. I’ll go 3-2 OTT.
CAR/DAL – Three games in-a-row with