NHL betting – Sharks odds, Penguins odds lead weekend action
Posted on 11/28/2008 3:02:51 PM
By Don Melrose
Devils vs Penguins odds: Crosby and Co. ready to roll
-
Sharks to prey on wounded Coyotes
-
Explosive Penguins enjoy backup goalie
-
Plenty of offense on display
NHL betting fans will enjoy a bountiful slate of hockey odds once again this Saturday, as the busiest day on ice lives up to its billing. While there are 12 games on the board, there are two games that offer tremendous value for those scouring through NHL odds this weekend.
Hockey bettors have to be ruthless when making their NHL picks, and that means chasing teams with injuries and those forced to start their reserves or backups. In a lengthy season like the NHL’s, those opportunities can often be found on any given night, and this Saturday is no exception.
Devils vs Penguins betting
The New Jersey Devils have been bit by the injury bug harder than any team in the league this season. Not only is future Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur on the shelf for at least two more months, but free agent acquisition Brian Rolston is right beside him with a nagging lower body injury. As a result, the Devils have been forced to put greater defensive responsibility on Zach Parise and Travis Zajac, and the weight of the team is on career backup netminders Kevin Weeks and Scott Clemmensen.
Unfortunately, New Jersey will do battle with the explosive Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, which will truly put their ravaged defense to the test. The Pens are 13-8 against the spread this season and will have a leg up in improving that record with Weeks or Clemmensen in net.
Sidney Crosby is back in MVP form after a slow start, with 28 points and a responsible plus-7 rating on the season. As expected, Crosby is already favored on NHL betting lines to regain the Hart Trophy.
Expect the Devils vs Penguins line to favor the home squad and the total to be around 5.5. After returning home from a Western New York road trip, Pittsburgh will be well-rested and looking to prey on some backup goaltending! Bet on the Penguins.
Sharks vs Coyotes betting
Everything was rosy for the youthful Coyotes this season, enjoying a nice resurgence with tools they hadn’t had before—a strong head coach, a proven No. 1 goaltender, and a superstar center. That is, until that star sniper, Olli Jokinen, fell victim to a serious shoulder injury that will keep him out of action for three weeks or more. His injury certainly won’t help Phoenix’s side of Sharks vs Coyotes odds.
The Coyotes aren’t particularly deep at center, which is why Jokinen was such an important addition. Phoenix must now rely on youngsters like Kyle Turris and Peter Mueller to defend juggernauts Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski on Saturday night, when it meets San Jose in a late night NHL betting matchup.
San Jose is an incredible 18-4 against the spread this season, and 6-0 in games when the total is 5.5 or more. Those who followed the Sharks vs Coyotes line in the past know that oddsmakers tend to predict a high scoring game—which is fair considering the amount of offensive talent on both sides. However, the loss of Jokinen may be the only advantage the Sharks need to prey on the Coyotes on Saturday. Bet on the Sharks.
For more Devils vs Penguins betting, Sharks vs Coyotes odds and other NHL anaylsis from Don Melrose, be sure to check in with the Betting Edge every week.
Who
better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian?
Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey,
making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email
Comments@BetOnline.com.
