It’s fair to say that it has been a wild few weeks in the NHL. Firstly, Philadelphia’s mascot Gritty was investigated by the police for assaulting a teenager, the All-Star break featured great 3-on-3 games for mens’ and womens’ teams and just this weekend, a section of ‘refs’ invaded the New York Islanders game and cheered every call made by the men in stripes.
On the ice, things seem to be returning back to normality. The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins reign supreme at the top of the standings while Detroit and the LA Kings languish at the bottom, way out of playoff contention.
Florida Panthers @ Toronto Maple Leafs
3rd February 2020 7:05PM
Last week’s predictions on the Maple Leafs went 2/2 so we thought we would continue this week. This game has actually taken on some significance with the Panthers breathing down the neck of the Leafs in the Atlantic Division.
This is the second game of a three game road trip for the Panthers having lost to the Canadiens 4-0 on Saturday. Apart from that loss, they have been on a good run of form. Joel Quenneville’s team have won seven of their last ten games.
The Maple Leafs are on a three game winning streak, including last week’s win over the Dallas Stars. As predicted, Auston Matthews got his name on the scoresheet in that one and we’re backing him to do likewise on Monday night. Back Matthews to score first at +700 with CanPlay.
We think Toronto are too strong on home ice. Bet on the Maple Leafs to win at -110 with CanPlay.
Vancouver Canucks @ Boston Bruins
4th February 2020 7PM
The Bruins have maintained their hot streak post-All-Star break and retained their top seeding in the Atlantic Division. They have won their last three games on the bounce and are joint-second favourites in the Stanley Cup betting.
Stanley Cup favourites (as of 3rd February 2020)
- Tampa Bay Lightning +750
- Washington Capitals +800
- Boston Bruins +800
- St. Louis Blues +900
The Canucks are in pole position in the Pacific Division too. Winning seven of their last ten, Vancouver lead their Canadian counterparts, the Edmonton Oilers, by three points.
Looking ahead to this one, it has all the makings of a classic. Boston has the best defense in the league and the fourth best offense while the Canucks have the best defense and offense in their division.
Elias Pettersson has been one of the standouts for the Canucks and you can expect him to hit the net on Tuesday night. The big Swede has scored 23 goals this season. Back him to score again with CanPlay.
In the win markets, we have our eyes on the Bruins to make it four in a row. Back Boston to win with CanPlay.
Colorado Avalanche @ Ottawa Senators
6th February 2020 7:30PM
The Ottawa Senators seem to have finally fallen away from the playoff picture in the Atlantic Division. It looks like another season will pass by without the Senators having a chance to reach the holy grail.
In contrast, the Avalanche look well on their way to sealing another playoff spot. They will be hoping to make it at least one better than their second round loss to the Sharks in last year’s post-season. Jared Bednar seems to have decided that the best form of defense is attack and it is working well for them. The have the best scoring return in the West with 188 goals to their name. Nate McKinnon leads the way in goals and assists and he is favourite to score on Thursday night.
The Senators don’t have anyone as potent as McKinnon on their roster. Anthony Duclair is their main man with 21 goals this season. He will have to be on top form if the Senators are to have any chance of coming away from this one with a win.
Back the Avalanche to win with CanPlay.
