Montreal Canadiens vs. Vancouver Canucks
February 1st, 7:00 P.M. (ET), Centre Bell
For those of you that have read my work on BetPicks, you know that I love goals. And what do I love about Vancouver taking on Montreal?
I think we will see numerous goals scored in this contest.
Both Vancouver and Montreal are two of the most lethal scoring teams in the NHL season. The two clubs are near the top of the scoring charters, whether it’s total goals or goals per game. When Vancouver or Montreal hit the ice, you know goals will be scored.
The Canucks struggle to stop opposing teams from scoring as well. Vancouver is a team that has sniped their opposition but have allowed their fair share of goals as well. This concoction of high-scoring offenses plus defenses that allow goals has me licking my chops.
Looking at the latest betting trends, the Canucks and Habs hit the over back on January 23rd. In recent games, the Canucks failed to reach the over but did their part in scoring goals. Against a team like Montreal, Vancouver should see a ton of offense (which is great for bettors like me that love seeing goals).
The Canucks’ defense has been solid over the past weeks against Winnipeg and Ottawa, allowing no more than one goal in four straight contests. However, it’s safe to say that Montreal’s offense is stronger than the Jets or Senators, so I am confident that this selection will cash.
This contest has all the makings of a high-scoring affair. Two strong offenses, paired with struggling defenses (against above-average teams) has me thinking Vancouver and Montreal’s total goals will go over 5.5 (888Sport).
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
February 1st, 7:00 P.M. (ET), Madison Square Garden
As always, it’s the Sidney Crosby show in the NHL.
Crosby continues to be one of the premier players in the league. This season, the Penguins were projected to be a middle-of-the-pack team and have done exactly that. Meanwhile. there is a ton of drama in the Rangers’ locker room as New York is in the basement of the East Division.
The first thing I notice about Monday’s matchup is that Igor Shesterkin and Tristan Jarry are both projected to start.
Jarry is the starter for Pittsburgh but is 2-3-1 on the season with a 3.91 GAA and .859 SV%. Shesterkin is the back up for New York and is currently 1–1 with a 2.73 GAA.
Shesterkin has faced a ton of offense in the early going of the season and still has decent stats. With only 1 victory under his belt, this means that New York is struggling to score goals.
The Rangers rank near the bottom in goals scored per game. Coupled with the fact that New York allows 3 goals per game, this matchup has me thinking Pittsburgh will win.
Pittsburgh is currently -5 in goal differential. If they can clean up on defense, I see this contest going in favor of Pittsburgh.
The Penguins are stronger in every facet of the game aside from goaltending, which I think the Rangers have a clear advantage in. Even with Shesterkin in net, the Rangers however are not winning and I think that holds Monday night.
I am adding the Pittsburgh Money Line (-110) to my slip.
Calgary Flames vs. Winnipeg Jets
February 1st, 8:00 P.M. (ET), Bell MTS Place
After choosing a game that has the ability to be high scoring, I think the opposite will ring true between Calgary and Winnipeg.
I project this game to be a goaltending battle. Both teams come stacked in net. Connor Hellebucyk and Jakob Markstrom are two of the highest-rated goalies in the North Division. Even with the snipers on both sides, I see this being a defensive game.
Both goalies have a GAA under 3 and save percentage over 900%.
Focusing on offense, the Flames have scored 20 goals so far this season. That has them ranked for 20th in the NHL. Winnipeg has a scoring touch. The Jets’ 29 goals is good for 8th in the NHL.
When these teams met to open the season, the two teams combined for 7 goals in a 4-3 victory for Winnipeg.
Calgary has had trouble scoring as of late. Since January 24, the Flames have only scored more than 2 goals once in four games.
Defensively, they were able to shutout the Montreal Canadiens in a 2-0 victory, but the Habs dominated puck possession and shots.
I think this will be a super defensive battle. Both teams have found success with their defense and ability to keep the puck out of their net.
I am adding total goals under 5.5 (+115) to round out this NHL parlay of the day.
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