NHL Parlay - 3 Games to Pad the Pocket
by Ian James
In a meeting between original 6 teams, the Boston Bruins play the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto tonight. The Bruins (33-8-5) have lost 2 straight and are reeling with injuries. Leading goal-scorer Kessel is out and they have played their last few games without stars Bergeron and Lucic, who are close to returning. Toronto has a real problem stopping opponents from putting pucks in their net, having given up a staggering 160 goals against, an average of 3.48 goals per game, one of the worst in the league. The Bruins strongest asset is scoring goals. They have scored 162 goals this year, an average of 3.52 goals per game. The BetUS over/under of 6 is low for these teams.
The Maple Leafs are under a lot of scrutiny from the fans and media, and the pressure may be getting to them. Their coach Ron Wilson is always under fire, and does not hide his frustration. The Leafs are only 8-10-4 at home, and a high-powered Bruins team will look to take advantage of a poor Toronto defense.
NHL free pick: BetUS total over 6, Bruins (-1.5)
A match-up between rivals St. Louis and Chicago tonight will be a close game as history has dictated. They have played 3 games already this season, and all 3 contests have gone further than regulation. In fact, the last 5 games between the Blues and the Blackhawks have been decided in overtime or in shootouts. The Blues are 2-1 against Chicago this season, but as previously stated both teams have secured at least one point in all 3 games. Chicago comes in losing 2 of its last 3 games, with its lone win an overtime game against these same Blues. The Blues have also won 2 of 3, and have points in all 3 contests. Expect another close game tonight.
NHL free pick: BetUS St. Louis (+1.5)
The improving Columbus Blue Jackets (22-20-4) will be looking for their third straight win against the Calgary Flames this season. Calgary (27-14-4) is 16-5-3 playing at home this season, but have lost 2 straight games. Calgary’s starting goalie Mikka Kiprusoff was given a game off over the weekend, therefore will be well-rested against the Blue Jackets tonight. Calgary has won 11 of 15 overall, and is head and shoulders above others in the Northwest division. Columbus has won 8 of 12 games overall, and their last 4 contests have averaged 7 combined goals, while Calgary’s last 4 games has averaged a combined 6 goals per game. The BetUS over/under is 5.5 goals, and the trend suggests there will be plenty of goals tonight.
NHL free pick: BetUS total over 5.5
