What a day in the NHL, with all 30 teams in action, setting up a wild day on the ice and oodles of choices for betting odds. For many clubs, the stakes are extremely high and quite volatile.
For Boston, they have to win in early afternoon action just to maybe reach the playoffs and if everything were to work out, the Bruins could improve for last wild card to third in their division. Another early matinee matchup has Detroit needing a victory to stay alive at the New York Rangers, but the Blueshirts have tumbled to wild card status and have to win and hope the Islanders falter twice.
Philadelphia is also still in contention despite three consecutive losses, yet has to face two of the hottest squads in the East in Pittsburgh and the Islanders. Plus, Dallas and St. Louis are fighting for Central crown and top seed in the West and more. If you like making NHL picks or studying the NHL odds, this Saturday could hardly be more fun. Here is what I have for best bets today.
The Kings have won two Stanley Cups in the past four years and while the significance of winning a division titles pales by comparison, it has been 25 years since Los Angeles (48-33 SU) has hung a banner from the rafters that proclaims – Division Champions. The Kings are -235 home favorites to make that happen tonight over Winnipeg (34-47 SU). A victory would also give L.A. its most points in a season (103) in 41 years, when they had 105.
Los Angeles has not lost to the Jets in regulation at the Staples Center in 10 games (7-0-3). The Kings have ruled at home with a 26-12-2 record, while Winnipeg has wallowed at 16-24 SU. L.A. is 65-24 SU at home versus teams with a losing road record.
After losing five of six and placing their postseason hopes in jeopardy, the New York Islanders (45-35) have won six of seven in spite of a battery of injuries. With the Rangers playing in the afternoon, by game time, the Islanders who are currently tied with their rivals, will know what is required. A Rangers victory means the Isles have to pick up three points in the next two days to finish third in the division, but a Blueshirts loss in regulation or OT would mean any win tonight gives this Brooklyn-based club the edge.
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