Wednesday January 27 NHL Breakdowns and Leans
Early Games
The New Jersey Devils @ The Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo returns home from a 7 game road trip which covered about 7,200 miles to face the New Jersey Devils at HSBC arena. Both teams have been on a slide as of late with Buffalo losing there last 4 games and New Jersey losing last night to Ottawa 3-0 and going 4-6 in their last 10 games.
I will give Buffalo the edge in this game. I think the Devils are starting to feel the effects of injuries. Even with Zubrus returning from his broken kneecap last night they are still without Elias, Pelley, Martin and David Clarkson. Buffalo is healthy with the exception of Drew Stafford who should return to action tonight.
Buffalo should get back on track tonight. My Lean: Buffalo -130
The Anaheim Ducks @ The Washington Capitals
Washington is on fire right now! They have the best power play in the NHL, they score more they any other team and are playing a team which gives up more power plays then any other team. This one looks real easy on paper which would explain the line opening at Washington -230.
Anaheim is coming off a 2-1 loss to Atlanta a game which goaltender Jonas Hiller looked solid. I think Anaheim could stay in this game if Hiller has a repeat performance. Anaheim is 6-4-0 all time in Washington but only have 3 wins in their last 11 road games.
Washington should win this game, with should being the big word there. My Lean is I was forced to pick would be: Over 6 -130 but I might just steer clear of this one here!
The Montreal Canadians @ The Tampa Bay Lightning
Both teams are clawing at the eighth spot in the eastern conference. Montreal just lost the spot with a loss to the Panthers yesterday. Montreal is 4-4-2 in their last ten games while Tampa Bay has a 5-5 record. This match up will be and should be a straight up dogfight. Stay away from any -1.5 puck lines this isn't the game to try and score a big plus money win. In back-to-back games this season, Montreal has a record of 5-4-1 in the second game.
I think Montreal +120 is just too good to pass up in this spot tonight. My Lean: Montreal +120
The Carolina Hurricanes @ The New York Rangers
Wow the New York Rangers have hit the wall as of late! I don't know what else to say. They have lost 3 straight and have just 3 wins in their last ten games. Tonight they face-off against a Carolina team which is playing some solid hockey this month and who just beat Boston 5-1 on Sunday. I feel that Carolina is well rested and should be coming in to this game with some confidence from the win in Boston. But on the other hand the Canes are flat out terrible on the road. Posting a record of just 5-16-4 when they are the visiting team.
This pick is just as much a fade of the Rangers as it is a pick for the Canes. My Lean: Canes +140 - +145 if I can find it that high.
Good Luck tonight boys and be careful with those late games!