Opening Day Betting Specials – Baseball Is Back

The opening day of a new baseball season is a day filled with hope for baseball betting fans: a new season, a new champion, and new chances to win. BetOnline.com has put together an Opening Day betting special for one of the first games of the season. Let’s start the 2011 campaign off right!

Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees
Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York
Game Time:  1:05 PM ET

Run Line Odds:
Detroit                  +1.5       -165
New York            -1.5        +145

It’s only fitting that the Yankees play in the first game of the season.  New York will begin its 2011 campaign against the Detroit Tigers, a +1600 odds team to win the American League Pennant this season.

Although finishing last season at a disappointing .500 (81-81), the Tigers have great potential to put together a winning season.  Carried by the bats of designated hitter Victor Martinez, first baseman Miguel Cabrera, and right fielder Magglio Ordonez hitting in the three, four, and five spots, the Tigers will put runs on the board.  Not to mention, Brandon Inge is back, after hitting .389 last season.

Detroit will send right-hander Justin Verlander to the mound today to start off the season. Verlander was 18-9 last season with an ERA of 3.37.  The hurler is on a mission to achieve a 20-win season, after coming close three different seasons.  He seems to be in the right mindset to start his campaign, as he was 3-0 in the preseason Grapefruit League with a stunning ERA of 0.96.

The run line favors the Yankees to pull out the first win of the season behind the arm of lefty CC Sabathia.  Making his third consecutive Opening Day start, Sabathia is coming off his first 20 win season, going 21-7 last year with an ERA of 3.18.  Full of experience, Sabathia had 34 starts in 2010, but is looking a bit light on the mound now.  After having surgery to repair cartilage in his right knee, the southpaw dropped 25 pounds in the offseason.

It remains to be seen if the surgery and weight loss have affected Sabathia’s fast ball.  In the Grapefruit League, he went 1-0 with a 3.31 ERA.  However, the pitcher allowed 17 hits and six earned runs in addition to 10 strikeouts.  Against the Tigers’ lineup, Sabathia went 1-1 last season.

For today’s matchup, Verlander looks like the pitcher on a mission.  After sizzling preseason play, the righty is focused and ready to start counting the Ws in 2011.  The Tigers offer the bigger payout at -165 and are the best Opening Day betting pick.  Let the baseball season begin!

Opening Day Betting Pick – Take the Detroit Tigers +1.5!

Opening Day Odds – Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals

The 2011 Major League Baseball season begins this afternoon, as two National League East division teams take the field.  The Opening Day odds are set and it’s time again for baseball betting action.

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals

Nationals Park, Washington, DC

Game Time:  1:05 PM ET

 Run Line Odds:

Atlanta                 -1.5        +115

Washington        +1.5       +125

Total Runs: 8.5

                Over: +100  Under: -120

 Baseball will begin today in our nation’s capital, as the Nats take on the Braves in Opening Day betting action, but without the ceremonial first pitch from the President of the United States.  President Obama will not be making an appearance today as Washington tries to start its season off right.

The Braves are predicted to be a strong team this season, coming off their National League Wild Card berth last season.  Under the new management of Fredi Gonzalez, the Braves has put together one of the most dependable pitching rotations in baseball, behind only the Philadelphia Phillies.  Derek Lowe will get the Opening Day start, finishing the 2010 campaign at 16-12 with a 4.00 ERA.

Braves fans are elated that Chipper Jones is back and playing strong after ACL surgery.  Jones hit .387 with four homeruns in spring training.  Together with the bats of Dan Uggla and Alex Gonzalez, Atlanta should be able to hit Livan Hernandez strong today.

For the Nationals, Hernandez will get his fourth Opening Day start, coming off a 10-12 with a 3.66 ERA season.  Washington is supported by a stronger lineup this season, which should give a bit of offensive relief to its pitching rotation.  Mike Morse, the Nats left-fielder, hit eight homers during preseason play and Washington is now running the bases more aggressively.  Along with the likes of Ryan Zimmerman, Adam LaRoche, Rick Ankiel and Jeyson Werth, the Nats have a well-balanced line up.

Baseball Betting Stats:

-Lowe is 2-3 with an ERA of 6.00 in five Opening Day starts.

-Lowe defeated the Nats twice last September with 13 shut-out innings.

-Six of Hernandez’s last eight games against the Braves have been quality starts.

The combination of Lowe’s sinkerball with the base-running capabilities of the Nats should give an advantage to Washington, although Atlanta is the predominately stronger team.
Due to the possibility of inclement weather and the stiffness of Opening Day pitching, the bats may be lights-out today.  This afternoon’s game presents a strong chance of double-digit scoring combined by these two teams, whereas the total runs odds are listed at just 8.5.  The best bet for today’s Opening Day betting matchup is the Over.

Opening Day Odds Pick – Bet the Over 8.5 runs in the Atlanta vs. Washington game!

Baseball Betting Odds – Giants vs. Dodgers Rivalry Matchup

A rivalry dating back to the 19th century when both teams were based in New York City will be rekindled tonight as the San Francisco Giants take on the Los Angeles Dodgers to defend their World Series title in Opening Day baseball betting action.

San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Thursday, March 31 at 8:05 PM ET
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California

Baseball Betting Odds
Giants                   +1.5       -105
Dodgers               -1.5        -115
Total Runs: 6.5

This Opening Day matchup will be nothing short of grand with two feisty young pitchers facing off.  Tim Lincecum may have his two Cy Young awards and a World Series under his belt, but Clayton Kershaw is not a kid to be overlooked.

The Giants went up to the plate against Kershaw four times last season without much success, batting just .176 as a group.  The Dodgers hit .265 against Lincecum in 2010.  Kershaw boasts of a 1.46 ERA versus the Giants, while Timmy has an ERA of 3.43 against Los Angeles.  This game presents a matchup of pitching aces, so keep the Under in mind, as the run total is set at just 6.5 runs.

These teams played tough last season, with the Giants winning 10 and the Dodgers eight in the season series.  The Dodgers are the favorite in the MLB Sportsbook for this game at -1.5.

With the National League Rookie of the Year in catcher Buster Posey in addition to Aubrey Huff and Cody Ross, the Giants have a fierce lineup despite losing World Series MVP Edgar Renteria to the Reds.

Despite Juan Uribe, the Dodgers’ sluggers struggled last season, as Los Angeles hopes to get more powerful 2011 seasons out of Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and James Loney.

Note that closer Brian Wilson is out for the Giants, officially on the disabled list.  If Kershaw can pitch his Dodgers past Lincecum, the Giants bullpen may be in a bit of trouble.  If the Dodgers hang tough, they have great odds to win this game down the stretch.

Note that the Giants lost the 2010 Opening Day game to the Dodgers, and behind the arm of Kershaw, the best bet is for the Giants to drop their season opener again this year.

Baseball Odds Free Pick – Put your money on the Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 in Opening Day action!

MLB Betting – The Defending Champs Are In Action Opening Day

For MLB Betting fans, it really is Christmas in March: It’s Opening Day!

But entering Opening Day, there will be a different vibe around the San Francisco Giants, who are the defending World Series Champion, for the first time in close to 60 years. Can they start out the season with a win in Los Angeles? Let’s take a look!

San Francisco Giants (0-0 SU, 0-0 O/U, 0-0 O/U) at Los Angeles Dodgers (0-0 SU, 0-0 R/L, 0-0 O/U)

Thursday, March 31: 8:00 p.m. ESPN, Live from Dodgers Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

Betting Odds:

San Francisco: +1 ½, -230, +110

(Tim Lincecum-R)

Los Angeles: -1 ½, +190, -120

(Clayton Kershaw-L)

Total Runs:

Over 6 ½:  -120

Under 6 ½: +100

If they are to start the season with a victory, everything will rest on the shoulder of superstar pitcher Tim Lincecum. The righty is a two-time Cy Young Award winner, who was also a stud in the postseason, winning four of his five starts, including Game 1 of the World Series.

The problem when making your MLB Betting picks on Thursday though, is that despite being World Series champions, it’s easy to forget that San Francisco struggled offensively for the entire 2010 season. They ranked just 17th in runs scored per game, and only had a measly .257 team batting average.

Still, that doesn’t mean they can’t be improved this year, especially with catcher Buster Posey anchoring their lineup. The 2010 National League Rookie of the Year hit .305 with 18 home runs last season, while establishing himself as an up and coming star in the sport. He added a home run and five RBI in his 15 postseason games.

Yet on Opening Day, we can’t forget a dangerous Dodgers team as well. Now with Don Mattingly in charge of this club, they are young and talented, and primed for a breakout.
What Thursday’s MLB Betting in specific will come down to is the role of pitcher Clayton Kershaw. It’s easy to forget that Kershaw just turned 23-years-old last week, considering everything he’s done in his short career. Last year he led this club with 13 wins and a 2.91 ERA, while also striking out 212 in just 204 innings.

And when you factor in Kershaw with an explosive lineup that is finally healthy, we expect the Dodgers to be an MLB Betting winner on Thursday. This is a club which is led by Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, two emerging stars who saw their seasons sidetracked by injuries and disappointment last year. Ethier hit .292 with 23 home runs, but missed 23 games with nagging injuries, while Kemp was just a straight up flop. Despite playing in 162 games, he hit just .249, after hitting .290 or better in his previous two full seasons. We expect improvement across the board for Kemp.

It’s Opening Day, but the Giants are going to start the year by doing something they barely did at all last fall: Losing a game.

Make the Dodgers your Opening Day MLB Betting Pick!

MLB Betting Pick: Los Angeles Money Line (+190)

Huge NHL Betting Showdown between the Ducks and Flames

It’s all come down to this game for the Calgary Flames. If they lose this one, I’m officially eliminating them from the NHL Betting playoffs. Reason being, they will have played 78 games, three more than the Dallas Stars who are tied with them right now in the standings at 87 points, three back of the Blackhawks for 8th place in the West. Anaheim sits one point up on the Hawks and one back of the Predators for sixth, which means they could take over that spot tonight with a win. And winning is something the Ducks have done all year against the Flames, taking all three of their meetings this year.

Anaheim Ducks (43-28-5) vs. Calgary Flames (38-28-11)
Monday, March 30 – 9:30 PM ET
TV: FS-W, TSN

We’ve been talking about make or break games for a while now, but with just five games remaining in the season for the Flames, a loss tonight would be devastating. Their second half resurgence has been something to be proud of as it looked like they were going to finish near the bottom of the West just a few months ago, but if they don’t make the playoffs, it will all be for not. The thing is, they just haven’t been playing great hockey lately. They’re 4-4-2 over their past ten and needed a miracle comeback against Edmonton on Saturday night to even keep their hopes alive.

NHL Betting Line:
Anaheim Ducks +1 ½ (-260) ML (+125)
Calgary Flames -1 ½ (+220) ML (-145)

Total: 5 ½   

Although that comeback win against the Oilers was nice boost, they have no business being down 4-1 to the worst team in the league, especially when they’re fighting for their playoff lives. The Ducks had a pretty impressive comeback of their own against Colorado on Monday, as Selanne was in on every one of the five Ducks goals on route to the 5-4 win. Tonight could also mark the return of Jonas Hiller who is back from injury several days ago but was held out as Ray Emery has returned to the NHL with a bang by winning his past two games.

Here are some NHL Odds Betting Trends:

• Ducks are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
• Home team is 40-13-5 in the last 58 meetings.
• Favorite is 21-7 in the last 28 meetings.
• Under is 10-4-2 in the last 16 meetings in Calgary.
• Ducks are 5-12 in the last 17 meetings in Calgary.

Although every game has been close between these two, the Ducks are the better team and will put the final dagger in the hearts of Flames fans tonight. Corey Perry has been the offensive juggernaut leading the way all year, tied for the NHL lead in  goals, and I have a feeling he’ll have a big night tonight, leading the Ducks to a big win. My NHL Betting play is on Anaheim.

NHL Betting Pick: Anaheim (+125)

Baseball Best Bets – Lincecum vs. Sabathia Pitching Edge

Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants became a bit of a celebrity last season, leading the Giants to win the World Series with his long hair and unorthodox mechanics.  The Giants are hoping for another run at the World Series in the 2011 season, and are again relying on their starting rotation to get the job done. 

However, the New York Yankees are always a team in the running for the World Series and with the highest payroll in baseball, the team has several quality pitchers in their rotation, including CC Sabathia.

Before the season hits off, let’s take a look at some baseball futures for Lincecum vs. Sabathia for the Most Regular Season Wins.

Most Regular Season Wins:

Tim Lincecum                     +1.5       -120

CC Sabathia                        -1.5        -110

The Sportsbook lists the New York Yankees Sabathia as a 1.5-regular season win favorite over Lincecum for the upcoming season.  Sabathia, a former Cy Young Award winner and the recipient of American League Championship Series MVP honors is confident in his team’s ability to “win it all” this season.  And Sabathia should be a motivating factor for his team, having the biggest pitching contract in the history of the game.

But Sabathia struggled mightily last postseason, allowing 10 earned runs and 22 hits as opposed to Lincecum’s dominant playoff performance.  Although the postseason is no indication of the next season’s success, it’s a great starting point for baseball futures betting fans to get an idea of where each pitcher is at the beginning the 2011 season.

 Lincecum also has two Cy Young awards under his belt. Lincecum went through a bit of a slump last September, but pulled it together to lead his team in the postseason. He broke the Giant’s postseason strikeout record with 14 Ks against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series.  In addition, Lincecum clinched the World Series title for the Giants over the Texas Rangers by throwing for eight innings and getting 10 strikeouts in Game 5.

In addition, Sabathia was diagnosed with a meniscus tear after the season, which required surgery.  It will be a test to see how strong he comes back this season.

 The best futures bet between Lincecum and Sabathia for regular season wins in the 2011 season is on the Giant’s man.

Best Bet for Regular Season Wins – Lincecum +1.5!

ATP Miami Masters – American hopeful Mardy Fish bids for Miami semis

Miami, Florida – American Mardy Fish is on the verge of a semi-final spot and of becoming the top-ranked American player today, but standing in his way of accomplishing these two objectives is an in-form David Ferrer as the first of the men’s quarterfinal matches takes to court today.

Tennis Betting Line:

David Ferrer  -2½  -140   -225   23  O -115   U -125  

Mardy Fish  +2½  +100   +175 23  O -115   U -125  

First Set Line: David Ferrer -190         Mardy Fish     +145  

Match Time: 03:30 PM Eastern Time (12:30 PM Pacific Time) Wednesday March 30, 2011

Tennis Betting Verdict: Ferrer, the No. 6 seed, goes into this match as the firm favourite at -225 to win outright while Fish, the No.13 seed, is tipped as the mere underdog at +100. It’s obvious though that while Ferrer is the bookies favourite, Fish, with home-field advantage, will be the crowd favourite.

Head-to-head, the pair is level 3-3 lifetime with neither player stringing more than a two-match winning streak over the other. That they match up well favours both players but then again, because the last time they met was in 2007 at the Masters in Paris, which Ferrer won 6-1, 7-6(4), makes this a rather out-dated series that bears little significance for today’s meeting.

If it is going to come down to one thing, it is form. Ferrer is an exemplar of hot form this season with a 17-3 mark that includes two titles – Auckland and Acapulco. It should also be noted that Ferrer enjoyed one of the best starts on the season through the Australian Open series, reeling off a nine-match winning streak before it ended in the Australian Open semis to Andy Murray but not before he beat Nadal in the quarters.

Ferrer did suffer an early exit at Indian Wells last week when he lost to Ivo Karlovic in his opening round match. However, he’s rebounded nicely in Miami to reach the quarterfinals, proving that that surprising loss at Indian Wells was nothing but a mere hiccup – happens even to the best players at times.

Now, with a distance of two-match wins from the final and a chance to bid for the biggest title of his career, the motivation is there for the taking but it remains to be seen whether Ferrer will indeed seize the moment at the expense of the home fave.

Overcoming Fish is not going to be easy either. Fish is certainly enjoying good form this season. He has no titles yet to show for his efforts but with two consecutive semi-final appearances in Memphis and Delray Beach, he’s making the necessary strides towards that end.

He too suffered an untimely exit in Indian Wells when he lost to Milos Raonic in his opening round match. But he’s back on track in Miami. In addition, more significantly, he could force the issue in American tennis by usurping his pal Andy Roddick as the top-American tennis player with a win today. Now that is incentive.

With so such significant storylines converging on Centre Court today, priming this match to be potentially one of the best contests of the tournament, tennis bettors will not want let this one get by them. Of course, those very same storylines make the betting on this match a less than straightforward affair.

In reality, the odds are split evenly between both players and as such, a bet on either is a good bet. If there were a balance to tip the scale in favour of one over the other, it would be  “consistency.” That is entirely Ferrer’s domain. He’s synonymous with consistency and that is why he’s the favourite – over and above ranking edge and form this season. And that is why he’s my pick to win today.

That said, if Fish does win, which would be an upset in market terms but not as far as the crowd will be concerned, I can’t say that I would be surprised. Let’s just say, it wouldn’t go down as a shocker.

Tennis Free Picks: Ferrer in three sets

WTA Sony Ericsson Open Quarterfinals – Clijsters vs. Azarenka

Miami, Florida – In arguably the most spectacular comebacks (or collapses, depending on which perspective one takes on the rain-soaked last 16 clash between Clijsters vs. Ivanovic clash) Kim Clijsters stormed back from down 1-5 and love-40 in the third and deciding to set to win 7-6(4), 3-6 7-6(5).

Certainly, one can’t help but feel sorry for the maligned Serbian starlet Ivanovic (and former World No.1), who admitted later in her post-match interview that she broke her racquet and shed lots of tears, but not at the expense of appreciating the fight back Clijsters showed. I mean, let’s take a moment to appreciate the momentous feat. It’s not every day that a player, even if she is the best in the women’s game right now, can dodge the bullet so.

Indeed, the comeback is a major talking point of the tournament. Yet, momentum swings have been a major part of Clijsters game. All too often tennis enthusiasts have been treated to (or frustrated by) her seesawing form through a match that oscillates, from game to game, between amazing to downright abysmal , forgettable tennis. But I have to admit that I don’t recall her making a comeback quite as spectacular as this one was.

It is therefore only understandable that all eyes are trained on Clijsters today, all beady, matching sets eager to see which Clijsters will be making an appearance against Victoria Azarenka, as the last women’s quarterfinal match gets underway on centre court tonight.

Tennis Betting Line:

Victoria Azarenka +4 -145 +185 20½ O -135 U -105

Kim Clijsters -4 +105 -250 20½ O -135 U -105

Match Time: 07:00 PM Eastern Time (04:00 PM Pacific Time) Wednesday March 30, 2011

Tennis Betting Verdict: As the market currently stands, Clijsters is firmly installed as the favourite at -250 to win outright while Azarenka is tipped as the mere +185 underdog but based on the Clijsters vs. Ivanovic clash, more than a few might look on Azarenka as the tempting betting option here.

I suppose that is understandable in light of the topsy-turvy affair but, alternatively, the match itself doesn’t merit a bet on Azarenka simply because there is a huge difference between Azarenka and Ivanovic. And the Grand Slam credentials and former top ranking of the latter are the least of it.

Azarenka has threatened before on the big stage but alas, more often than not, she has failed at the time of asking. That is what I expect in this match from her. Sure, a “shaken” Clijsters compared to a solidly stirring and confident Clijsters is an opportunity to capitalize on. And well she might but after her moving account against Ivanovic, which speaks to a motivation to win currently unparalleled in the women’s game, I have to cast my lot with her.

Tennis free Picks: Clijsters in straight sets

ATP Masters Miami Quarterfinal Betting –Djokovic vs. Anderson

Miami, Florida – Novak Djokovic continues on a tear through the season as he reaches the ATP Miami Masters quarterfinal on the back of another convincing win over his whipping boy (and pal) Viktor Troicki in the R16. This last win extends Djokovic’s incredible run to 21 straight matches (23 if you include the two wins at the tail end of last season), and for many tennis enthusiasts this hot streak that he’s enjoying is enough to install him as the real time No.1 player this season in their minds.

Djokovic is chasing history in Miami, attempting to complete the transcontinental Masters double (Indian Wells and Miami) which along with winning the Australian Open and Dubai Open would cap the best run to start a season with in the Open Era.

However, before he can look that far ahead, he has the small matter of revenge on his mind. He said as much during an interview about his upcoming match, “I will have an opportunity to get my revenge in the same court where I lost in 2008,” said Novak Djokovic.

Kevin Anderson has earned his place opposite Djokovic and the right to challenge him when the second men’s quarterfinal hits Centre Court later this evening. It may surprise some to learn that Djokovic has never beaten Anderson; he trails 0-1 to the big-serving South African.

In fact, Anderson is credited for ending a similar (sort of) winning streak by Djokovic in 2008 when he beat the Serbian starlet in his opening round match at this very same event. At the time, Djokovic was riding a high after winning both the Australian Open (his first-ever Grand Slam) and Indian Wells titles.

The important difference between those two seasons is that in 2008 his winning streak, which included both the Aussie Open and Indian Wells, was actually interrupted by a defeat in Davis Cup action and a second round loss in Marseille. So not as pristine a run as this year’s is, although that hasn’t stopped some pundits from drawing parallels between the two seasons or wondering whether the outcome might be the same, for that matter.

Going into this matchup the question tossing about: can Kevin Anderson beat Djokovic for a second time? Is not just idle speculation but a sound question begging desperately for an answer. One response can be found in the market on this clash, which has Djokovic installed as the untouchable, runaway juggernaut to win outright. So, No. But is the market right?

Tennis Betting Verdict:

Kevin Anderson +5½ +115 -2000 19 O -115 U -125

Novak Djokovic -5½ -155 +800 19 O -115 U -125

First Set Line: Kevin Anderson +750 Novak Djokovic -1800

Match Time: 09:00 PM Eastern Time (06:00 PM Pacific Time) Wednesday March 30, 2011

Tennis Betting Verdict: The market is predictable. I mean, it can’t take a stand against a player that is the indisputable best player right now. It’s simply not done. However because the market prices are par for the course, fitting and all that, it doesn’t mean that the outcome won’t go against the market. I mean, it’s not as if bookies have a fully functioning crystal ball and know the outcome with unshakeable certainty.

Fact, Djokovic will lose. One day, that is. It is inevitable that winning streaks would end. And why not end today. Really.
Bearing in mind that Anderson has beaten Djokovic before, has even beaten some credible players in Miami this week – lest you’re thinking his run is a fluke. It’s not – it follows, in theory, that he could beat him today.

Frankly, one cannot NOT bet on him in case he just might pull off the unthinkable (because it is unthinkable, make no mistake). That and the odds are just too tempting to ignore. Granted, it is more likely, than not, that Djokovic will win today (I know that better than most) but for the sake of some excitement, drama and just because I feel like being the contrarian, I pick Anderson to win today.

Tennis Free Picks: Anderson in three sets

NHL Odds for an Eastern Conference Showdown between Montreal and Carolina

Around this time of year, there are always a couple teams doing anything they can to get into the playoffs. Carolina is one of those bubble clubs on the wrong side of the NHL Odds line, sitting three back of the Sabres for the eighth and final playoff spot. Tonight they’re taking on a Montreal team that definitely isn’t playing their best hockey of late, but is also a club that has taken all three meetings from them this year. The past two have been about as tight as they come though, and that was when Montreal was playing some of their best hockey, so if there was ever a time to beat the Habs, this is it.

Montreal Canadiens (41-29-7) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (36-30-10)
Monday, March 30 – 7 PM ET
TV: FS-CR, TSN, RDS

Montreal finally put a couple in the net last game as they had been shutout three games in a row heading into their tilt with Atlanta on Tuesday night. But the two points Carolina got last night were of much more significance as the Maple Leafs got past the Sabres which meant that their shootout win over Washington moved them within three points of 8th place. The guy really leading the charge right now is rookie Jeff Skinner, who is really pulling away in the running for the Calder Trophy. He notched a big goal in the 3-2 win over the Caps, giving him 27 on the year, and he also buried one in the shootout. Although Logan Couture and Michael Grabner have more goals, Skinner is the leading point getter and is the most valuable to his team.

NHL Odds Line:
Montreal Canadiens +1 ½ (-265) ML (+110)
Carolina Hurricanes -1 ½ (+225) ML (-130)
Total: 5 ½   

Both net minders are a big reason why these two teams are where they are right now as Carey Price and Cam Ward are both near the top of the league in wins and save percentage. When you consider that Montreal has been having trouble putting pucks in the net, a play on the under may be a nice parlay with our winning pick tonight.

Here are some NHL Odds Betting Trends:

• Canadiens are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
• Under is 15-7-1 in the last 23 meetings.
• Underdog is 12-5 in the last 17 meetings.
• Hurricanes are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
• Hurricanes are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.

The Habs did get a big win last time out, but I just don’t see where they’re going to continue to get offense from. Scott Gomez hasn’t scored in what feels like years and he’s actually lucky he’s even in the line-up tonight after head-butting Evander Kane last night. That kind of negative energy is infectious and I just don’t see Montreal finishing strong this year. My NHL Odds play is on the Hurricanes.

NHL Odds Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-130)

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