NHL hockey betting - Hockey's oldest rivalry resumes in Montreal
Offshore sportsbook odds: storied franchises meet in rare Thursday tilt
- Habs look to continue strong play against Eastern Conference foes
- Defense meets offense as stingy Wild visit Flyers
- Penguins look to start a winning streak in Music City
NHL betting fans will be treated to a busy Thursday night. The faltering Leafs hope a clash with the rival Canadiens can wake them up. Meanwhile, the Wild look to keep their shutout streak going and the Penguins hope to start a streak of their own after winning on Tuesday.
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens odds
Whether they’re trying to tank to get John Tavares, distracted by trade rumors or just plain tired from playing over their heads, the Leafs(16-18-6) are finally sagging; it’s thus probably a good idea for NHL betting fans to steer clear of picking them for the foreseeable future.
While the Blue and White continue to surprise with their goal-scoring prowess, the rest of their game has more holes than an old dartboard. Vesa Toskala continues to be an adventure in goal and the immobile blueline loses footraces to opposing forwards more nights than not. That makes the Maple Leafs vs Canadiens line an ominous one for the Leafs. A struggling team with inconsistent goaltending and slow defense is a poor NHL betting pick facing Montreal (22-10-6 through Tuesday), a speedy squad playing very well at home (12-4-4).
While the Buds always get up for games against big rivals, as they proved in last week’s win over Ottawa, they’re just too far apart from the Habs talent-wise. Bet online on Montreal.
Wild vs Flyers odds
Remember what it was like to see a goal scored on the Wild (20-16-3)? Neither do they. Any NHL betting fan who had a good hunch about Minny’s four-game road trip couldn’t be happier right now; the Wild shut out Colorado on Sunday and mighty Boston on Tuesday. They face another tall order in the Wild vs Flyers line.
The Wild battle a Flyers team (21-10-9) fresh off a six-game road trip in which they only won twice. NHL betting fans may figure Philly won’t have its legs, but it may be the opposite; while the Wild will be playing their third road game in five nights, Philly will be thrilled to play in front of its raucous home fans. While they probably won’t rout the defensively sound Wild, those who bet on hockey should pick the Flyers to end Minnesota’s winning streak.
Penguins vs Predators odds
Three months ago, a Penguins vs Predators line would’ve seemed like a boring NHL betting pick; it would’ve been a walk for the mighty Pens (20-17-4). A week ago, it would’ve looked lopsided for the Preds (17-19-3), with Pittsburgh seemingly unable to beat anyone. Now that Pittsburgh got the monkey off its back Tuesday with a win over Atlanta, the Penguins vs Predators odds are suddenly interesting.
Did Pittsburgh just get a freebie against lowly Atlanta before continuing its slide? Or is this the start of a turnaround? I’m thinking it’s somewhere in between. While NHL betting fans would be foolish to think these are the 2007-08 Penguins, they still have too much talent not to bounce back a bit. The Preds are ripe for the picking, having lost five straight games. Bet online for Pittsburgh to take out their frustration on the Predators and win…probably in a blowout.
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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.
