We are now over a quarter way through the NHL regular season and we are finally seeing some separation between the top and bottom teams. Stanley Cup favourites Boston Bruins have taken command of the Atlantic Division with a three game win streak. The Edmonton Oilers have continued their great start to the season in the Western Conference. They lead the league with 16 wins.
There are some great games on the schedule this week and we have three of the best covered with all the tips and information you need to make your selections with CanPlay.
New York Islanders @ Anaheim Ducks
Monday 25th November 10:05PM
The New York Islanders are another franchise who have made a surprisingly good start to the season. They sit second in the Metropolitan Division behind the Washington Capitals with 16 wins in their opening 21 games and a strong 8-0-2 record in their last 10 games.
Their opponents, the Anaheim Ducks, are second from bottom in the Pacific Division and are currently on a three game losing streak. They are struggling on the defensive end of late. Goalies John Gibson and Ryan Miller have conceded 40 goals between them in the last 8 games. For that reason we’re tipping over 5.5 goals in this one at a reasonably priced -100.
This is the middle point of a three-game California road trip for Barry Trotz’s Islanders and they would have hoped for at least two wins from their west coast adventure. They opened up with an OT loss to the San Jose Sharks so a win on Monday night is a necessity. We’re backing the Islanders as regular time winners at +125 with CanPlay.
Edmonton Oilers @ Colorado Avalanche
Wednesday 27th November 10:05PM
The Edmonton Oilers have shocked many in the first 26 games of the NHL season. Their preseason Stanley Cup odds have been slashed from +4000 to +2800 with CanPlay and they look set for only their second playoff appearance in the last 12 seasons.
They face Western Conference rivals Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. The Avalanche were hotly tipped to be one of the main contenders for Stanley Cup honours but they have failed to live up to expectations. They opened the season with an 8-2 record but have since gone on to lose eight of their last 13 games. Their one leading light has been Nathan MacKinnon. The Canadian has 14 goals and 19 assists through the opening 23 games of the season. He will have to be at his peak if the Avalanche are to record their 14th victory of the season on Wednesday night.
Dave Tippett’s Oilers have been powered by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid and they are likely to continue their scoring start to the season on Wednesday night.
This one is hard to predict but the momentum is with the Oilers. Back the Edmonton Oilers with CanPlay.
New York Rangers @ Boston Bruins
Friday 29th November 1PM
American Thanksgiving Day celebrations will continue into Friday in Boston when the New York Rangers come to town. The Stanley Cup favourites Bruins lead the Atlantic Division by some margin. In contrast, the Rangers are languishing towards the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. However, the close nature of the Met Division means that a few wins would see them rise up the rankings into the playoff positions.
Brad Marchand and Dave Pastrnak have combined really well together in the opening quarter of the season. The pair have combined for 75 points between them. Tuukka Rask has been equally impressive at the other end of the ice. The Finn has only conceded 33 goals despite having faced 453 shots. That makes the Bruins a formidable force and the Rangers will not find them easy to break down.
It’s important to note that the Bruins will just be returning from back-to-back games on the road in this one whereas the Rangers will have had two games in Madison Square Garden prior to heading to Massachusetts. Fatigue could play its’ part and for that reason we’re tipping the Rangers in the Puck Line betting.
Bet on the NHL with CanPlay.
