After going 3 from 3 in our first NHL betting preview, we’re back with a second installment with three more games to mark your card.
One of the Stanley Cup favourites, Colorado Avalanche, have the best record in the league. The Central Division leaders are 7-0-1 after 8 rounds. They face their biggest test of the season on Monday night as they face reigning Stanley Cup champions St. Louis Blues in a Central Division rivalry.
Some of this week’s other notable fixtures include the Chicago Blackhawks versus the Las Vegas Golden Knights while the Calgary Flames host the Washington Capitals.
Read on for this week’s betting preview.
St. Louis Blues vs Colorado Avalanche: FT – Avalanche (+115)
Monday 21st October, 8PM
The first meeting of these two Central Division rivals early in the season. Last year’s Stanley Cup champions have made a slow start to this season, winning only three games in regulation. In contrast, their opponents best record in the NHL (7-0-1).
The Avalanche have made a record-breaking start to the season but the success of their season will depend on how they perform against Western Conference rivals like St. Louis. The Blues swept the Avalanche last season (4-0) on their way to glory. The two sides will face each other five times this season and Colorado will have to significantly improve on that record if they want to challenge for the end-of-season honours.
Head Coach Jared Bednar is getting good contribution from his full rotation and this is their first real chance to lay down a marker for the season. A win here will set them up nicely for a tilt at the Division.
We’re backing the Avalanche to take the win back to Denver.
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Calgary Flames vs Washington Capitals
Tuesday 22nd October, 9PM
Both of these sides come into this one off big away wins on Sunday night. The Capitals beat the Blackhawks while Calgary went to Anaheim and beat the Ducks 2-1. That leaves both teams in a good position after the opening few weeks of the season.
The Capitals now lead the Metropolitan Division with 14 points while Calgary are in fourth position in the Pacific Division, both with 10 games played.
There might not be that many eyeballs on this game from the American Capital with their MLB neighbours taking to the field in the World Series for the first time but we think the Caps will make their fans proud none the less.
Todd Reirden’s side should retain top spot in the Metropolitan with a win here.
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Tampa Bay Lightning vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Wednesday 23rd October, 8PM
Only two Wednesday night games on the card this week with the highlight being the Lightning hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both teams have had inconsistent starts to the season and Tampa Bay might struggle to make the Eastern Conference playoffs.
32-year-old Sidney Crosby is still the main man for the Penguins and he will be hoping to extend his and his franchise’s active post-season record to 14 seasons. He has arguably been the best player of his generation and a fourth Stanley Cup win isn’t completely out of the question this season.
Looking ahead to this match, you would have to back the Lightning on home ice. Although they have been less than impressive in the early stages of the season but they will be looking to recapture some form at the Amalie Arena.
Jon Cooper’s side have been involved in a couple of high-scoring games already this year and another could be on the cards here.
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