Pro Hockey Betting and Free Picks For Friday’s Games

If you’re looking to fill that football void with a little violence and excitement, look no further than Pro hockey betting. As far as sports betting goes, Pro Hockey is the lost bastard cousin of the other sports because not a lot of public bettors know about the sport. That being said, it’s generally a very good sport to bet.

Don’t be fooled in to thinking that it’s easy. Like betting basketball and baseball, hockey is a grinding man’s game. You have to be patient, do a bit of research and keep in mind that it’s an 82-game season that depends on so many variables.

Why is that a good thing? Well look at the Ottawa Senators, who were projected to be one of the worst teams in the league this year. They’re not only third in their division and 27-22 with just over half the season burned away, they’re a league best 34-22 ATS which means that if you’ve been riding the gravy train for a while, you’re making far more money than you’re losing.

The trick in hockey betting is pretty simple: you ride the hot team and spread your money around. There are always multiple games, and lots of good bets out there. Oddsmakers usually just toss up lazy odds without thinking because hockey truthfully doesn’t generate that much business. That means good (if not great) odds all the time.

Take a peek at some of the Friday matchups and don’t forget these are moneyline picks. The actual Game Odds will go live Thursday night.

DETROIT RED WINGS over Anaheim Ducks
The Red Wings are the Yankees of hockey betting. Consistently on top, consistently winning and consistently overvalued. That being said, they’re 30-25 ATS this season because of a solid point differential. Anaheim is one of the worst teams in hockey but that doesn’t make them a bad puckline bet, especially at 26-27 ATS.

The Ducks are also 7-3 SU in their last 10 games, disproving the idea that the trade rumors swirling around their entire top line are distracting the boys. All said though, Anaheim sucks when they play Detroit. At just 2-7 SU in their last 9 meetings you have to go with an easy parlay stuffer on Detroit’s side.

Carolina Hurricanes over COLORADO AVALANCHE
Carolina is just 20-25-6-4 SU overall, but are also one of the best hockey bets out there at 33-22 ATS and Colorado is an ice-cold team losing going just 4-6 SU in their last 10 games. Home ice won’t be the advantage in this one. I’d even go puckline with the road team if the value is better for your bet.

SAN JOSE SHARKS over Chicago Blackhawks
You have to know which teams are good home bets as well, and San Jose’s one of the stronger plays out there in hockey. The Sharks are 17-9-2-0 SU at home, and while they’re winning by slim margins (which explains their atrocious 21-30 ATS record), they’re beating the crap out of teams in HP Pavilion, which is bad news for the Blackhawks.

Chicago is a dismal 0-8 SU in their last 8 roadies. Poor defensive play has been a big culprit, and if San Jose loves to do anything well it’s ramp up the scoring at home en route to their inevitable playoff collapse.

Pro Hockey All-Star Preview

While the best of the professional football world settle in to the digs in Hawaii, the NHL’s own All-Star weekend descends upon the metropolis of Ottawa this coming weekend. If you’ve been to Ottawa, you know it’s nothing to get excited about and it’s even harder to get pumped about this weekend’s NHL All-Star cavalcade without the sport’s two biggest attractions.
 
This entire season has been filled with drama, but nothing has been a bigger stain on the league than concussions and dirty hits. The untimely and unfortunate deaths of some league tough guys – namely Wade Belak – before the season squashed a lot of excitement about the NHL season. It’s only gotten worse.

The term “draw” is thrown around a lot, and it’s a big deal in the NHL because the sport desperately needs as much good publicity as it can grab. As awesome as Eli Manning and Tom Brady’s presence in next weekend’s Super Bowl is, gabillions of fans would be tuning in to watch the game even if Christian Ponder and Colt McCoy were the leading men.

For the NHL All-Star Weekend to be without the sport’s two biggest names is certainly a void that can’t be filled. Sydney Crosby, who has been missing in action for almost the entire season due to concussions, won’t be there.

Now, Washington’s own Alexander Ovechkin is taking the weekend off because he doesn’t feel that he deserves to be there, which has as much to do with his three-game suspension as his awful production this season.

It’s not like hockey isn’t without some big names. Jarome Iginla, Pavel Datsyuk, Patrick Kane and the Sedin twins will all be there, but those are big names within the sport. They barely resonate with non-hockey fans.

Still, there’s easy money to be made on the weekend because everyone’s favorite prop bet is here: the TOTAL of the NHL All-Star game. Even without Ovechkin and Crosby, there are bound to be an inordinate amount of pucks finding the twine in a game where defense is barely played and there is zero physicality. Bad news for the six goalies manning the net. Great news for degenerates.

As for the whole East versus West thing, it’s really a toss-up as always. Nobody ever cares about this matchup because there’s nothing real at stake, but for my money, I’m going with the Eastern Conference. Not only will Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza and breakout star Milan Michalek be on their home turf as Senators, they’ll be blanked by guys like Evgeni Malkin, Steven Stamkos and Joffrey Lupul.

Crosby and Ovechkin’s absence from the weekend will be a bigger story than anything actually going on that weekend. Don’t get me wrong – I love hockey. But I love winning money just a bit more. If you absolutely can’t fill the black hole of actually betting with basketball or UFC this weekend, the NHL All-Star Weekend is the place to start. Go with whatever the OVER is and side with the Eastern Conference no matter the spread.

Friday the 13th Is Nothing to Be Scared Of For Pro Hockey Betting

Friday’s Pro Hockey betting card features five puck drops around the league to spot. Here’s a look at our top three picks on the day’s card: Washington hosting Tampa Bay, Toronto descending on Buffalo and Pittsburgh at Florida.

Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:00 PM EST

NHL Betting Verdict: The Washington Capitals snapped a two-game losing streak with a hard fought win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night at the nation’s capital, but the 1-0 score struck a rather unexciting chord. Crucially, it highlights certain concerning team trends, not the least of which is non-existent offense, namely from their star forward Ovechkin. Of course, it’s not just Ovechkin who is struggling offensively. The entire team lacks firepower, a fact that was made obvious during the two-game losing streak, when they were outscored by a combined score 10-4.

Still, all attention will be focused on the team’s figurehead. And it doesn’t help matters that Ovechkin seems to be well on his way to a mediocre (by his standards) season, what would be his second in a row. Ovechkin is without his wingman centre Nicolas Backstrom and defensemen Mike Green –both of whom are out with injuries, although you’d think that the quality of Ovechkin alone would see him somehow overcome this line-up shortfall.

Something has to give and soon because it is a visit from the offensive-minded Tampa Bay Lightning that looms on the horizon. There is a silver lining here for Capitals fans, though, and that is: Washington has won the last seven of eight at home (15-5-1 to date at home) and such an encouraging record will give them confidence. The Bolts on the other hand have struggled on the road this season: they are a disappointing 6-15-3. Moreover, by the time Friday rolls around, the Bolts will be heading into their third game in four nights. Tuesday saw them play and lose to the Vancouver Canucks in a shootout and Thursday sees them face Carolina Hurricanes.   

NHL Betting Verdict: Washington Capitals to win

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres @ 7:30 PM EST

NHL Betting Verdict: The Toronto Maple Leafs are on a roll to the delight of Brian Burke and, more importantly, diehard Leafs fans that’ve had no joy these past few seasons. Heck, decades. The Leafs take a four-game winning streak to a struggling Buffalo Sabres organization that is barely making the grade with an 18-19-5 record on the season. Indeed, the Sabres will have their hands full with Phil Kessel and Co. Speaking of Kessel, he’s on a tear this year with 48 points already – two-points behind league –leading Henrik Sedin – and 24 goals.

This will be the second game between these two teams this week after the Leafs shut out the Sabres at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Tuesday night. Now, such a loss typically would set up a ‘revenge’ backstory in most cases, except that the Sabres just don’t seem to have that kind of fire in their bellies.

NHL Free Picks: Toronto Maple Leafs to win

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Florida Panthers @ 7:30 PM EST

NHL Betting Verdict: With the Pittsburgh Penguins enjoying a major slump right now, the Florida Panthers might well fancy their chances to win and, in turn, heap more misery on the Crosby-less Penguins on Friday night. Well, that’s not the only reason the Panthers might feel confident. Things are going well for them now. They are after a solid win over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night and into Friday’s clash as the Southeast Division leaders, thanks largely to an impressive 11-4-5 record at home.

Pittsburgh is in dire straits by contrast, on a six-game losing streak that sees them fourth in the Atlantic Division. Of course, Sidney Crosby’s absence has a lot to do with the team’s struggles. But he’s not the only player that is missing. The injury list is a bit of a who’s who read with Chris Letang and Jordan Staal on it, amongst several others. Clearly, this is not a Penguins team at full strength and as such, beatable by just about any team in the league. Therefore, you have to believe the hot Panthers have a better than average shot.

NHL Free Picks: Florida Panthers to win

Free Pro Hockey Picks for Weekend of December 10

Friday kicks off yet another weekend NHL Betting bill of fare, jam packed with some interesting clashes for hockey enthusiasts to spot, including Toronto vs. Washington, Florida vs. Buffalo and Colorado vs. Edmonton.
Here is a rundown of these three aforementioned clashes for you to consider before the puck drops on Friday.

Toronto @ Washington

NHL Betting Verdict: Toronto is enjoying a decidedly improved season from last, second in the Northeast after two months gone on the season with a positive 15-10-3 overall mark, which includes an equally encouraging 9-6-0 road mark. Recent form is a modest 5-4-1 in their last ten games however, underscored further by an overtime defeat at home to New Jersey Devils. The Maple Leafs will be looking to return to winning form on the road when they descend on the Washington Capitals, who, although are far from top form in the league (14-12-1 overall) are a solid 9-4-1 at home and flush off a solid 5-3 win at Ottawa on Wednesday night. 

The pressure is entirely on Ovechkin & Co. to win this game before the home faithful. No.8 scored a spectacular go-ahead goal in the third period in a 5-3 win over the Senators on Wednesday night and he’ll be looked upon once again to lead his team to victory over Toronto. Phil Kessel however is having a stellar season. Although his side lost to so-so Devils on Tuesday night, Kessel did get on the board, scoring a league-leading 17th goal. He’ll be a key player for Toronto and could be the difference.

All things considered, this game could go either way as both these teams are decidedly offensive-minded. The edge goes to Washington ever so slightly with home advantage and recent winning form. It’s important to note that there is also the small matter of revenge: this will be the second meeting between these two sides and Washington would like nothing better than to put to bed that unmemorable 7-1 defeat at Toronto with a resounding victory in the nation’s capital.

NHL Betting Pick: Washington to win resoundingly.

Florida @ Buffalo

NHL Betting Verdict: Florida is riding high in the Southeast Division, five points ahead of pre-season faves Washington Capitals. Overall, Florida boasts a 15-8-4 mark on the season, largely built on solid home form that stands at 6-2-4. On the road, they are 9-6-0 to the good so far but recent travels reveal a so-so 2-2 record in their last four games. Fortunately for Florida their next clash is against a struggling Buffalo that has gone 3-5-2 in their last ten games and boasts a discouraging 6-8-2 record at home.

On balance, one has to give the edge to Florida in this game. Although Florida’s road form has slipped a tad lately it’s not all that concerning. The Panthers are overall a much better team than the Sabres are, who frankly seem to have lost the plot and are primed for the taking.

NHL Betting Picks: Florida to win.

Colorado @ Edmonton

NHL Betting Verdict: The Northwest Division clash between Colorado and Edmonton should be an interesting clash between familiar foes. These two sides have already met twice this season, splitting the pair with Edmonton winning the first encounter 3-1 at Colorado and Colorado winning the second 5-2 at home to Edmonton. Besides divisional familiarity, what adds fuel to this imminent encounter is a) their proximity in the table – only two-points separate them in the standings – and b) desperation to return to winning form.  

Edmonton (13-12-3 on the season) is after two-straight defeats, back-to-back 5-3 losses to Calgary and Carolina, respectively, a dip in form that saw a two-game home winning streak snapped. Overall, in their last five home games they’ve gone 2-3. Colorado, who are after an embarrassing 6-0 routing in Vancouver on Tuesday night, a second straight shutout to the Canucks in a fortnight, slip to a 13-14-1 overall mark on the season this week. Prior to the startling defeat in Vancouver, the Avalanche were enjoying a three-game winning streak and looked to be heading in the right direction. Can they get back on track in Edmonton?

Colorado were on the ascent before the demoralising defeat in Vancouver. It remains to be seen whether they can put that loss behind them and bounce back in Edmonton. Truth be told, a developing young team like Edmonton is beatable and could be just what the doctor ordered. 

NHL Betting Picks: Colorado to win

Free Pro Hockey Picks – October 28

Friday NHL Picks: Detroit to stop San Jose streak, Carolina to bounce back against Chicago

The Central Division rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks takes centre stage on Friday night as the Red Wings look to bounce back after two defeats when they host the San Jose Sharks, and the Chicago Blackhawks aim to stay ahead of the Red Wings with a win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings 7:30 pm EDT 

Betting Analysis: After a slow start to the season – one win in the first four games – the Sharks seemingly found their mojo with a 4-3 win over New Jersey Devils last Friday and haven’t looked back since. Now riding a three-game winning streak, capped on Tuesday night with a 3-1 away victory over the Nashville Predators, the San Jose Sharks will aim to make if four in a row at the hallowed Joe Louis Arena.

The Sharks can upset the Red Wings at home because…

The San Jose Sharks 4-3-0 (Road: 3-1-0) have been better on the road than they have been at home, where they are a measly 1-2-0 on the season, but bearing in mind that they were an excellent road team last season, this traveling form is just a continuation of where they left off.

Don’t be fooled by their overall record, which puts them 20thoverall in the league and 11th overall in the Western Conference.  Clearly, through the last three games, the Sharks have been playing as a bona fide playoff contender.
In the off-season, the offensive line was revamped and although the Sharks started the season with a 6-3 win over Phoenix, this frontal makeover needed time to really gel – case-and-point: three straight losses following the victory over Phoenix. Since then, they won three in a row and Joe Pavelski leads the team with 8 points (six goals and two assists) while Joe Thornton nips at his heels with six points (1 goal and five assists), four of which were gained in the last four games. Right wing Martin Havlat is yet to score for his new team but has three assists; surely, it’s only a matter of time before the talented Czech finds his scoring arm.

Detroit Red Wings can win because…

Jimmy Howard is reportedly back and assumed to be starting the game on Friday – a fact that has to inject confidence into their odds to win over the Sharks. Howard has been flawless so far, with a 4-0-0 start for the Red Wings and a solid 1.72 GAA and .933 save percentage.

True, the Red Wings are on a two-game losing streak going into Friday’s game but that’s entirely down to journeyman goalie Ty Conklin, who was called to duty when Howard had to rush to his wife’s bedside for the birth of their son James on Sunday.

Now that Howard appears to be back, why bring up ancient history. No need to talk about those disgusting defeats. I mean, why talk about the 7-1 debacle against the Washington Capitals or the subsequent inexplicable 4-1 defeat to a winless Columbus Blue Jackets when it’s down to Conklin being in net. Wipe the slate clean and start over with the Red Wings as deserved home favourites.

Pick: Expect the Red Wings to play better than they did in front of Conklin with Howard back in the posts and to take the win. The San Jose Sharks are not a team to go down without a fight, so I expect it to be a close game, one or two-goal margin. Finally, when two offensive-minded and big-hitting teams battle for the win the game could easily go ‘Over’ on the totals.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Betting Analysis: The Carolina Hurricanes take an unimpressive 3-3-3 mark on the season into their next game, a clash against the former Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, who boast a solid 5-1-2 mark, which includes a (shootout) win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night that saw them move ahead of the Red Wings in the Central Division.

The Canes might win because…

The Carolina Hurricanes have see-sawed their way through the first nine games of the season, losing the first three, winning the next three and losing the last three. If this trend were any indication they are due to start another three-game winning streak. Of course, such an unequivocal approach can’t be taken to hockey betting or, for that matter, to a team’s form.  
Then there is home form, which is typically a plus for any side. In the Canes case, it amounts to a 1-1-1 mark on the season. Let’s face it, that is rather mediocre and hardly revealing of what is to come down the stretch.

The Chicago Blackhawks must win because…

The Blackhawks are enjoying top spot in the Central Division right now and while it is early in the season it is the best spot to be in and don’t they know it. Last year, they barely squeaked into the playoffs and we all know how that run ended. Speaking of which, is it any surprise that the Blackhawks welcomed back on to the roster 2010 Stanley Cup winning teammates Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd?

Pick: You can bet the Blackhawks will be looking to maintain the edge in their division by going for the win in Carolina. The way the Canes have been playing is not going to inspire any fear in the audacious Blackhawks. Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Dave Bolland and Jonathan Toews have been racking up the points at will, combining for 33 in total and I don’t even think this will be a tight game. Look for the Blackhawks to blow out the Canes; take the Over.

***BREAKING NEWS

The Boston Bruins have tied the series at 2 games a piece.

Updated Odds to win the Stanley Cup:

Boston +155
Vancouver -190

The Vancouver Canucks slipped 2-1 in the series following a resounding thumping at the TD Garden on Monday night but in spite of the setback, they remain the runaway faves to win the Stanley Cup.

The Bruins meanwhile revived their bid after steamrolling the Canucks 8-1 and now they will look to ride the wave as they attempt to send the series level 2-2 back to Vancouver.
In terms of betting on which team will win the Stanley Cup, the Canucks are listed as the hot faves at -375 while the Bruins are tipped at +275.

Yet, as the NHL finals are heading into game 4 of the series, bookies are pricing the Vancouver Canucks as the significant puppies tipped at +100 while tipping the Bruins at a hot, solid fave price of -120. This is rather interesting.

The second period in Game 3 proved to be a turning point in the series as a hit by Aaron Rome that levelled Nathan Horton sparked the Bruins to life and after which they didn’t look back.

The score tells one story but the reality is a bit different. The Bruins did everything right and the Canucks everything wrong. Perhaps the Canucks were a little complacent, overconfident even. As well, a little luck went the way of the Bruins as they benefited from two own goals.

Many pundits are drawing similarities between this series and the opening series when a similar hit by Raffi Torres in the opening round of the playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks saw the Canucks, up 3-0, nigh lose the series before clinching the win in the deciding seventh game.

While there are similarities, there are differences as well and it is too soon to start panicking or jumping off the Vancouver bandwagon, evinced by the futures market to win the Stanley Cup.
During that series, Roberto Luongo came under harsh criticism, the blame placed entirely on his shoulders and his team unravelled in the wake of his existential crisis.

 I don’t believe this is the same situation because between the Canucks and Blackhawks was a deep-seeded rivalry, a history of disappointment and failure. Twice the Canucks had lost to the Blackhawks in the playoffs and rather badly so it was bound to be a heated and topsy-turvy series.

In the end, the Canucks persevered and advance into the next round, and since that crucial opening series they haven’t looked back.

As far as the Bruins are concerned, while they are the underdogs they were always going to win a game. I mean, they got to the final didn’t they and they have a Vezina Trophy goalie that is just as good as Luongo is.

Winning at home was important for them and the challenge for them will be to carry the momentum into the next game. Vancouver is rattled but they were the best team this season and they know that one defeat is not the be all end all of the series.

NHL FREE PICKS: Vancouver to win the Stanley Cup

With the Stanley Cup finals a few weeks away, who has the best chances of winning sports oldest and most revered trophy?  The NHL future betting odds have the Vancouver Canucks as the favorite after beating the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks and the stingy Nashville Predators.

Stanley Cup Betting Odds:
Vancouver Canucks +175
Boston Bruins + 250

The dominance of the Canucks all season can be described on every aspect of the game; they were the best squad on both sides of the ice. 

Vancouver was the highest scoring team in the regular season recording a league leading 265 goals mark. On defense the Canucks were as impressive allowing just 185 goals. The next best team was the Nashville Predators, who the Vancouver Canucks just sent to the golf course.

Vancouver’s best player by far has been center Ryan Kesler who is leading the Finals in points with 15.  After being held scoreless in the open round, Kesler has exploded with 5 goals in the series against the Predators.

Goaltender Roberto Luongo also has bounced back from a shaky first series and made crucial saves against the pesky Predators.  Luongo will have to play his best games in the weeks to come.

In the Eastern Conference the Boston Bruins are the best bet to go to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Boston and Vancouver are the best teams left in the mix, but the best bet to win Lord Stanley’s Cup are the Vancouver Canucks.

Before the weekend descends upon us the complete billing for the Stanley Cup finals will be revealed. At the time of writing, only one finalist is known: the Western Conference champions Vancouver Canucks. It remains to be seen whether Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning will join the Canucks in the best-of-seven-games race for the Stanley Cup (they are set to decide a spot in the final on Friday 27 May) but that missing detail shouldn’t preclude hockey fans eager to flex their betting muscles from some early, heady speculation.

BREAKING NEWS – Stanley Cup Finals Schedule released:

Wednesday, June 1
Stanley Cup finals Game 1: Boston or Tampa Bay at Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Saturday, June 4
Stanley Cup finals Game 2: Boston or Tampa Bay at Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Monday, June 6
Stanley Cup finals Game 3: Vancouver at Boston or Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. ET (Versus)

Wednesday, June 8
Stanley Cup finals Game 4: Vancouver at Boston or Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. ET (Versus)

Friday, June 10
Stanley Cup finals Game 5 (if necessary): Boston or Tampa Bay at Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Monday, June 13
Stanley Cup finals Game 6 (if necessary): Vancouver at Boston or Tampa Bay, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Wednesday, June 15
Stanley Cup finals Game 7 (if necessary): Boston or Tampa Bay at Vancouver, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

What we already know: Vancouver Canucks are in the finals

The Vancouver Canucks have come through on the predictions made on their behalf with panache and a soupcon of drama (ulcer-inducing, if you are a diehard fan).

Vancouver ousted archrivals and defending Stanley Cup champions Chicago Blackhawks, the tenacious Nashville Predators and the hard-checking San Jose Sharks to earn their first visit to the Stanley Cup finals since 1994, when a Pavel Bure-inspired Canucks gave it their all only to lose a heartbreaking game 7 and thus, ol’ Uncle Stanley to the New York Rangers.  

Now, for the second time in franchise history the Canucks will bid for the Stanley Cup and if pre-playoff market predictions, which had the Canucks installed as the runaway juggernauts for the coveted trophy, were any indication, smart money has to be on them to win irrespective of who their opponent might be. Simply put: the Canucks were the best team in the league, finishing on a club-defining 117 points, courtesy of a season high record 54-19-9. And in a perfect world, the best team wins.

Well, it’s not always that simple. But the fact they were the so-called best this season lends them certain advantages and considerations in the broad spectrum of the competition.

Being the top team, NUMERO UNO, in the NHL alone guarantees home-ice advantage to start a series in the NHL Playoffs for the duration of their campaign, which now reaches the ultimate stage, as it so happens. And such a boon can be huge because not only does the series start at home but it also finishes at home when it comes down to the wire, to the nail-biting, nerve-wracking game seven that will decide it once and for all.
As far as the playoffs are concerned, Vancouver totted up a 12-6-2 record. Over this 18-game stretch, the Canucks registered with a 2.78 goals per game average and a 2.56 goals against average. Nothing to write home about but, then again, those numbers are skewed largely by the brouhaha with the Blackhawks, an opening series that went seven games and saw the Canucks oscillate from euphoric highs to epic bouts of Luongo-esque depressions before recovering by the skin of their teeth. 

In the Western Conference semi-finals and finals though, the Canucks significantly tidied up their act and played some of their best hockey, which was nowhere more evinced than in the increasing winning efficacy of each series – from seven games to dispatch the Blackhawks, followed by six to dismiss the Predators, to needing only five to send the Sharks packing. Now, I am no mathematician but do I sense a sweep coming on?

In the interest of hockey and enthusiasts and fans that love the verve and swagger of the game, a sweep – though nothing to balk at indeed (nor am I dismissing it entirely) – let’s face it, would be somewhat anticlimactic. But I don’t need to tell you that. Realistically, it’s not likely, as both the Bruins and Bolts have shown spirit and heart throughout the playoffs that it would be a complete turnaround by either to fold so, like a deck of cards. No, expect that whichever team advances to give the Vancouver Canucks a right battle royale.

Bruins or Bolts, does it even matter?

Interestingly, on paper very little separated these two in the regular season. Both finished with 103 points on a 46-25-11 mark and in the goals for category both teams are comparable: Tampa scored 247 while Bruins scored one less. Where the Bruins have the edge is on defence as they allowed fewer goals 195 to Tampa’s 240.

All this amounted to one difference: that is, for Boston it was enough to clinch the Northeast Division while for Tampa it only earned them second place in the Southeast Division behind the Washington Capitals –not that that matters anymore after the still-somewhat-hard-to-believe sweep of the Capitals in the Eastern Conference semi-finals by Tampa preceded by an even more astonishing feat against the Pittsburgh Penguins. If there is one thing the Bolts have impressed upon us in these playoffs: it’s to never count them out!

As far as the Bruins are concerned, they were always the team to watch in the Eastern Conference, in my humble opinion –even if the markets didn’t quite price them as the top dogs in the East.

In the playoffs, the similarities continue in many ways as the Bruins have an 11-6-0 mark while the Bolts have an 11-6-1 mark. Goals for and against are commensurate as well and the list continues….

What all this means is two things a) both have a legitimate shot to reach the Stanley Cup finals and b) whichever team makes it, in no uncertain terms they pose an almost similar threat to the Canucks.

Who will win the Stanley Cup Finals?

As far as the Canucks are concerned, they’ve always maintained that it doesn’t matter which team comes up against them in the race because no matter who tries to stare them down, they’ll still play their game. And so it follows that it won’t make a difference to them whether it is the Bruins or Bolts that emerge on Friday. And I dare say it won’t matter to the bookmakers either because they’ve been riding the Canucks bandwagon since the beginning. To put a finer point on it: the Vancouver Canucks are the next Stanley Cup champions. They were the hot bet to start the playoffs and they remain the hot bet to finish the playoffs in winning style.

NHL FREE PICKS: Vancouver Canucks to win Stanley Cup in seven games!

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2

The final round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs officially got underway last night at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver and to the utter delight of the home crowd – they went berserk – the Canucks took a 1-0 series lead on a goal by Raffi Torres in the dying seconds of the third period, just when the game, deadlocked and scoreless, seemed almost certain to go into overtime.

Vancouver Canucks were the betting faves in both the to win the Stanley Cup and to win Game 1. This sends them with even better odds into the second home game on Saturday night and sees their odds shorten in the futures market.

In Game 1 the first two periods, you’d be hard pressed to find a difference between the pair and credit goes to Boston entirely for playing an excellent road game. They played the Canucks tight and had ample opportunities to nudge ahead. In the third period however Boston did let up a bit and that’s when Vancouver took over, its depth showing up the Bruins and capitalizing with a soupcon of luck on a lone shot that beat Tim Thomas.

Going into Game 2, the Bruins have everything to play for yet and should come out with even more punch. It’ll be important for them to put the opening game behind them, prevent it from becoming a defining moment in the series. After all, going into the series they were the betting underdogs.

The challenge for the Canucks will be to keep a level head in Game 2 after the euphoric ending to another epic at Rogers Arena. Coming down from such a huge high is not easy but the Canucks have managed to keep it cool throughout the playoffs, taking each and every game in stride. They might be the hot faves in online hockey betting markets but they know better than anybody that the next game is going to be even bigger in the broad spectrum of the series.

Who is the next Stanley Cup Winner?

As far as the markets are concerned, Vancouver Canucks are the runaway faves to win the Stanley Cup, now tipped upwards of -500. The Bruins, following the loss in Game 1, have moved beyond the +300 mark.

But game 1 was a tight game, in which both teams showed plenty of potential. Arguably, the main battle came down to goaltending, the fierce contest between the two Vezina Trophy candidates – Tim Thomas and Roberto Luongo. Now, Luongo has one “W” in his column but you can’t exactly say he outplayed Thomas when it was just the one shot that beat the Bruins net minder can you?

Game 2 is pivotal to the broad spectrum of this final series because there is a huge difference between levelling 1-1 and being down 0-2 before returning to Boston. Thomas is a big-time player and I expect he’ll do his best to outshine Luongo and get his team back into the series. It’s what he’s done for his boys throughout the playoffs so it would be hardly surprising if he does it in the next game.

Vancouver has more depth and quality in both offense and defence than the Bruins have and that is an area that they’ll need to capitalize on if they want to win the Cup. I don’t doubt that they do but if Game 1 were any indication, they really need to up the ante. I mean, they simply can’t sit back on their laurels and leave it to the goalies to duke it out and decide the series because, in that case, I believe Thomas to be psychologically steadier than Luongo is, especially the deeper the series goes. To put a finer point on it: the Vancouver Canucks, who were the best offense and defence in the NHL this season, need to show up en tandem in Game 2 and onwards if they hope to win their first-ever Stanley Cup.

NHL Free Picks: Take Vancouver Canucks to win Stanley Cup

Hockey Friday Night Preview

Pro Hockey Betting is back at BetUS Sportsbook as the 2011-2012 season picks up its pace. On Friday night, two standout games are on the menu: Carolina at Buffalo and San Jose at Anaheim.

Carolina (1-2-1) (Road 0-1-1) vs. Buffalo (2-0-0) (Home 1-0-0)

NHL Betting Analysis: The Hurricanes are off to a slow start this season with a 1-2-1 record ahead of Friday’s clash against Buffalo, a team that is enjoying contrasting fortunes having won their first two games, bursting out of the NHL season gates with verve and swagger to win convincingly in each.

The Hurricanes are looking to return to the playoff picture this season after missing three in a row, but they are not off to a positive start, which can become an issue while playing in a tough Southeast Division. In fact, Carolina has lost to division rivals Tampa Bay and Washington already this season, the two teams that decided supremacy in the Southeast Division last season.

Carolina opened the season by taking a 5-1 thrashing from the Lightning at home. The next day, while an improved Hurricanes side showed up in the nation’s capital they still lost in overtime (4-3) to the Capitals. It is early in the season yet and many things can change but there is no underestimating the importance of division rivalries and if the Canes fail to measure up to the Bolts and Capitals this early in the season, the question that must be asked (and will continue to be asked if the trend persists): what chance do they have of a playoff spot, really?

On the Upstate New York side, new owner Terry Pegula left no doubt about his intentions when he took over the Sabres, coming out of the pocket to keep several stalwarts from absconding on free agency and beef up his team with new acquisitions, such as former Canuck Christian Erhoff and young gun Ville Leino (Flyers).

So far, the first two games are a positive indictment of his shrewd wheeling and dealing in the off-season. Opening night for the Buffalo Sabres saw them thrash the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 in Helsinki before flying down to Berlin to route the Los Angeles Kings 4-2.

NHL Betting Verdict: Although last season the pair split four meetings evenly, from this early vantage point, one has to like what the Sabres offer. The ‘Under’ is worth a look where these two teams are concerned; last season, all four games went under.

San Jose (1-0-0) vs. Anaheim (1-1-0)

NHL Betting Analysis: The Sharks and Ducks are set to renew their rivalry on Friday night. After fighting for first place in the Pacific Division most of last season, the same can be expected this year. The pair finished a point apart in the standings but San Jose took four out of six meetings with the Ducks last year, so it is hard not to overestimate the importance of any meeting between the teams.

Anaheim opened the season with a 4-1 defeat against Buffalo, in Helsinki, Finland; the following day they rebounded with a 2-1 shoot-out win over the Rangers in Stockholm. Having played their NHL season opening two games in Europe, the Ducks next play at home on Friday night, gaining only five days (or so) to acclimatize to their surroundings and recover from jetlag.

That’s not a whole lot of reprieve after a gruelling opening weekend, playing back-to-back games in neighbouring countries on the other side of the Atlantic Pond. This gives the San Jose Sharks, who have only played one game to date, a home NHL season opener at that, an edge over the Anaheim Ducks for their first of many clashes this season. 

The Sharks hosted the Phoenix Coyotes on Sunday night, treating them to a 6-3 thumping in the Shark Tank, to the delight of home fans. The win was a complete team effort with all four lines scoring, power-play hitting the mark and newbies falling in-line with the game plan. Thomas Greiss, who was making his first NHL appearance since March, 2010, made 26 saves.

NHL Betting Verdict: These teams know each other well as long-time division rivals. There should be few surprises, even if it is a new season. Home-advantage is diluted by this to a certain extent.

Anaheim is 1-1-0 ahead of Friday’s clash but both games were played in Europe and the unfamiliar surroundings together with travel have to be considered a factor in the lopsided results. The Sharks, on the other hand, played only one game, a winning performance granted but not necessarily indicative of what is to come.

Based on the Sharks’ strong start and record last season over the Ducks one would have to give them the slight edge, however if Corey Perry, one of the offensive leaders last season and a game-changing player, gets going then he could swing the game for the home team.

Best bet on this game, hands down, is the Over; four of the six games last season went over, proving the strength is in the offense where these teams are concerned and if it’s clicking, it’s a scoring bonanza.

NHL Free Picks: Anaheim Ducks to win, Over on the team totals.