Big Juice Friday January 29, 2010

There are a bunch of big juice games on tonight's card in the NHL.  There are a few of them which are way too high and my be worth a shot the on the other side.  One of the games features two teams which are hot right now, and another game where one team has been slumping all year while their opponent as just started on a slide.

With the Washington capitals on fire right now going 9-1 in their last 10 games face off against the Florida Panthers who have been playing some good hockey lately going 6-2-2 in their past 10 games.  The line on this game is set very high, with Washington being favored at -250 as books opened.  This line might be justified with Washington winning the past 4 meetings against Florida and going 10-2 in the Southeast Division. But there is one big factor which as not been accounted for, Florida goalie Tomas Vokoun! He has been on a heater in the past 13 games going 7-4-2.  Over that time he has posted a .951 save percentage and has 3 shout-outs in the past 9 games.  With this line set so high and Vokoun having a shot to keep Florida in the game I think it's worth a shot going with the Panthers here.
My Lean: Panthers +205 or better as long as Vokoun is the starting goalie tonight.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in world of trouble.  From in house fighting, injuries, poor goaltending, players wanting to be traded and players looking past this last stretch of games until the Olympic break have all led to Toronto losing their last 4 games and going 2-7-1 in their last 10.  The New Jersey Devils are also not so hot right now posting a 4-5-1 record in their last 10 outings and 2-5-1 in their last 8 games where their offence has been noticeably missing. The Devils goals per game (GPG) this month is under 2 after only scoring 1 against the Sabres in their last game. This game line is sitting on -205 for the Devils which is high considering how much they have been struggling as of late. The Devils are still banged up as well.  The team has really felt the loss of Patrik Elias and Paul Martin. David Clarkson is still out as well.  This game will not be a barn burner by any sorts. I think there is too much value in Toronto tonight not to give them a shot at +170 or better.  Toronto seems to play the Devils well, and with two struggling teams with similar records lately I'll take those odds more often time then not.  Might make this a puck line bet at +1.5 goals at a reasonable -130.  The under also seems enticing here. Make sure to make sure Brodeur is starting if you are considering the under. My lean on this game is: Toronto +170 or better, Toronto +1.5 -130 or under 5.5 +100 will make a final decision a little closer to game time. 

Bonus Lean: Buffalo -150 in a match-up of team USA goaltenders!  Miller is playing heating up and Tim Connolly is playing super hockey right now!

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!