The unique 54 game schedule keeps trucking along. We are lucky to be able to have live NHL hockey to view during this pandemic but it’s almost universal that most will welcome back a more varied schedule next season. Having fans in the stands will add excitement as well. Some teams are slowly allowing a reduced capacity into arenas as we speak. Despite the unique circumstances, we continue to add to our winning record after going 2-0 last time out. Here are tonight’s best picks for your Saturday evening NHL card.
Season record: 15-10-1
Betting Odds provided by Jazz Sportsbook. Please gamble responsibly.
Carolina Hurricanes at Florida Panthers
Two top 10 offenses will collide in what should be a very entertaining matchup. Both teams like to push the pace and excel at putting pucks on net. Florida averages a league-best 34.1 shots per game while the Canes come in with the fifth-highest total of 31.8.
The Panthers’ goalie tandem of Chris Driedger and Sergei Bobrovsky has been adequate this season with an 11th best save percentage of 91.05. The Hurricanes have had to turn to James Reimer mostly with Petr Mrazek injured. As it has been for the last few years, goaltending is the club’s weakest position. They rank 22nd in save percentage at 90.00.
Carolina will come into this one hungry for a win as they have dropped three straight to the Lightning scoring just three goals all toll. Before the three-game set, they had scored at least four goals in five of seven games.
The Panthers are 7-3 in their last 10 and have registered at least 35 shots on goal in six straight games. This will be just the second game between these two. Florida eeked out a 4-3 O.T. win at home on February 17th.
Expect head coach Rod Brind’Amour to have his troops ready for this one after losing some ground to the Bolts. They want to keep pace with the division’s best teams which now include the Panthers. This coupled with the Panthers being more than capable of exploiting the Canes week goalie situation has me dialed in on the over.
Ice Pick: Over 6 -115
Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks
You’d be hard-pressed to find many backing the hopeless Detroit Wings. They enter this one vs their Central Division rival having lost all four matchups this year. The Hawks meanwhile have been red hot winning eight of their last 10. Patrick Kane has been a force of late and is suddenly gaining some MVP talk. He has totaled nine points in his last five.
The Wings continue to be a nonfactor and are getting beat consistently this season. Arguably their best player, Dylan Larkin hasn’t scored in his last 12 contests. The Wings are averaging just 2.00 goals a game. Their powerplay chimes in at a laughable 6.1%, dead last in the league.
Many had pegged the Hawks to regress and fall in the standings. Instead, they have held ground and have lost just two games this month, the fewest in the league. With Kane leading the way, the Hawks are also getting contributions from their many rookies in the lineup. They have recorded 32 points and 16 goals, both league-best totals.
Ice Pick: Chicago -190
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