Daily Picks 10/22: Pick Up A Penguin

The NHL gives us ten games on Tuesday so there are lots to choose from. Let’s get into the meat so hopefully later, we can enjoy the pudding.

Here are Today’s NHL Picks:

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Florida Panthers

• Sidney Crosby has 15 points in his last nine games against Florida including ten goals on just 30 shots.

This game looks like an up and down, run and gun type of contest. Pittsburgh allows lots of quality chances and so does Florida. At home, Panthers games typically end up around 70 shots combined which is considered high-event hockey. Pittsburgh has won three of the last four matchup and according to Statschecker, Florida has lost nine of their last ten games on Tuesday. Both teams are at least rested in this game. Pittsburgh has its share of injuries, but Florida’s top line will play (albeit not 100%). Pittsburgh also has a very good history against Sergei Bobrovsky.

**1u – Over 6.5 Total Goals @ -140**

Pittsburgh Penguins ML @ +120

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Boston Bruins

• Toronto managed to win against Boston at home by a 4-3 score then lose to Columbus of all teams by the same score.

Toronto has a combined goal total of 7.3 goals per game on the season and the last two games have been right along those lines. Boston and Toronto also combined for seven goals in their previous meeting. The Maple Leafs could be a bit sloppy on the back end of a back-to-back. Look to see who starts for Toronto (Michael Hutchinson is projected). There is a high probability of shots going above 35 for both teams. Chances will be elevated on both sides as well. Boston is 2-0-1 at home this year and the last four games between Boston and Toronto have gone to the home side. Bring on the goals and the Boston win!

**1u – Over 6.5 Total Goals @ -133**

Boston Bruins ML @ -150

Los Angeles Kings @ Winnipeg Jets

• Los Angeles is trying to right the ship defensively while Winnipeg beat Edmonton 1-0 in a shootout in their last game.

The teams historically play to the under and especially last year. Statschecker notes that the under hit in the previous four contests. Two of the games ended up as 2-1 scores, while there was a 3-2 and a 4-1 mixed in. Winnipeg has taken three of the four matchups in that span. Last night, we took St. Louis when the line shifted later and the under at a higher rate. Tonight, we take a bigger risk and push down the under, going with the home team.

**1u -- Under 5.5 Total Goals @ +140**

Winnipeg Jets ML @ -135

Vegas Golden Knights @ Chicago Blackhawks

• Vegas thudded last night in Philadelphia as they allowed six goals in their worst defensive performance of the season. They go into Chicago where a high pace is expected.

This game pits a Vegas defense that suddenly is leaking shots, chances, and now goals. The Golden Knights yield 35+ shots per 60. Also, the over has hit in all seven games following a loss for Chicago where they are the home underdog. Why is that? Vegas is 6-0 in their franchise history against the Blackhawks. If pressed, the Vegas moneyline would be a solid choice. However, the over seems safer even at an elevated number. Vegas takes the most minors in the NHL and at some point, playing with fire, that will burn them. Chicago’s penalty kill is worse and that can play into Vegas’ hands as well. The over is likely to hit because of the likelihood of okay goaltending combined with 70+ shots by the two teams. If they shoot ten percent, that means seven goals at least.

1u – Over 6.5 Total Goals @ +130