Hockey NHL Betting – Push To The Playoffs Continues With Key Early Week Matchups

With the regular season winding down, every point is crucial in the push to the NHL postseason. Here is a look at some of the key online sports betting matchups for early this week.

These teams met in consecutive Stanley Cup finals in 2008 and 2009, but there are major question marks for at least one of them on the road to the 2011 championship. The Penguins are without captain Sidney Crosby, with no timetable set for his return as he continues to battle post-concussion symptoms. Pittsburgh is also without Evgeni Malkin, and although they have managed to clinch a point in eight of their last 10 games, there are concerns about how deep the team can go without their two superstars. They'll look to move one step closer to clinching a postseason position against a Red Wings' team that is second only to the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL standings. Detroit has been one of the most consistent teams all year, and shouldn't have a problem at home against the hurting Penguins.

NHL Betting Pick: Detroit Red Wings

Calgary Flames @ Los Angeles Kings

Just 10 points separated fourth place from tenth in the Western conference heading into the weekend, with the Flames and Kings right in the middle of the playoff race. Calgary is just .500 on the road this season, and have been hindered even more by the absence of top sports betting centers Brendan Morrison and David Moss. They'll have a tough time keeping up with a talented Los Angeles team looking to close on the Phoenix Coyotes for a top-four spot and a shot at home ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.

NHL Betting Pick: Los Angeles Kings

New Jersey Devils @ Boston Bruins

The Devils have been the league's hottest team in 2011, and will need to continue their winning ways to have any shot at clinching a playoff spot. New Jersey was six points back of the eighth and final spot heading into this past weekend, but they've had a tough stime on the road. The good thing is that the Bruins have actually played better away from the TD Garden than at home, and are comfortable in third place in the East.

NHL Betting Pick: New Jersey Devils

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Minnesota Wild

The Maple Leafs continue to struggle in games that they are favored to win, the biggest setback in their quest to return to the playoffs. One night after taking down the Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto was shut out 4-0 by the Florida Panthers. The buds aren't out of the race just yet, but will need to be at their best the rest of the way to overcome three teams for the final playoff spot in the East. That journey continues on Tuesday at Minnesota, against a Wild team that had lost four straight heading into the sports betting bonus weekend.

NHL Betting Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs