Daily Picks 10/14: Wild Game In Ottawa
The NHL features seven games on Columbus Day also known as Canadian Thanksgiving. Therefore, four matinee games greet us on the schedule. There are also 3:00 and 5:00 pm ET games as well followed by one-night contest. Let’s quickly get down to business.
Here are Today’s NHL Picks:
Anaheim Ducks @ Boston Bruins
- The Bruins easily defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-0 on Saturday night. Tuukka Rask did have to face 33 shots but not too many were highly dangerous.
The Boston Bruins have quite the mastery against the Pacific Division. They have won 13 straight games according to Statschecker. Boston swept the two-game season series last year by a combined score of 6-1. Anaheim has seen the under connect on nine of their last ten road contests against Atlantic Division opposition. Most of the reason why Anaheim hits the under so much is due to the play of John Gibson. The Anaheim goaltender keeps the Ducks in many games they should not be in. One concern Boston may have on Monday is their tendency to play sloppy in matinees at home. There always seems to be a couple a year. The under seems to be an easy pick here.
1u – Under 5.5 Total Goals @ -140
Minnesota Wild @ Ottawa Senators
- Minnesota and Ottawa played two very entertaining matchups as both easily hit the over last season. They combined for 17 goals in those two contests.
The Minnesota Wild certainly do not make things dull. They also are giving up a lot of goals in the early going. Overall, they have yielded 5.25 goals per game on the season. Not surprisingly, they have not won a game in four chances while having a goal margin of -11. Ottawa is not much better, but the Senators did win against Tampa Bay over the weekend. The Senators have given up 4.25 goals per game. Minnesota plays poorly on the road and is one of the three worst teams in high-danger chances allowed. Ottawa expects to start Craig Anderson while Minnesota again counters with Devan Dubnyk. Both are off to inauspicious beginnings to say the least. Twelve of the last 13 home Monday games have gone the over in Ottawa.
1u – Over 6.5 Total Goals @ +140
Colorado Avalanche @ Washington Capitals
- Colorado tries to keep on rolling on the road after a 4-0 homestand. Washington looks to win its first game at home after two missteps in extra time.
This is one game that could see Colorado facing a little bit of reality. They played with fire a few times during their homestand but managed to pull out victories. On the road, things are a little different. Also, Washington has not played well at home. They started off well but could not hold leads. The Capitals will be poised to secure two points here. Statschecker has a few interesting bits of information. For one, the last eight home games Colorado has played in, the home team won. Also, five of Washington’s last six home contests have seen the over connect. There is surprising value in the Washington moneyline as well on Monday evening.
1u – Washington Capitals ML @ -133
1u - Washington Capitals -1.5 @ +200
1u - Over 5.5 Total Goals @ -137
Edmonton Oilers at Chicago Blackhawks
- Edmonton faces Chicago in a game where both teams easily push the pace and Chicago, well, expect at least a half dozen goals combined or more.
The finale of this seven-game “holiday slate” expects to feature a good deal of offense. Edmonton has won five straight games to start the season while scoring 4.4 goals per game. Chicago has only scored three goals per contests but can put up 4+ goals at any time. Six of the last seven games Chicago has played in and have gone the over. No one should be surprised given that the Blackhawks had a stretch where 24 of 25 first periods connected on the over. Edmonton is 3-0 on the road and Chicago does not have a win in three games so far. There just seems to be a lot that could and should give here. Risk is a bit high in this tilt but take the over and Chicago anyway. Hopefully, a little more value brings that moneyline down to around -130 or so.
1u – Chicago Blackhawks ML @ -135
1u – Over 6.5 Total Goals @ +110
If you enjoyed Chris' picks for tonight's NHL, you may be interested to read Ben Rolfe's picks for MNF! Simply click this link to see what our expert NFL handicapper likes in tonight's game!
By Chris Wassel