ISLANDERS (+130) at FLAMES (-150), 9:30 p.m.
The Islanders (35-17-6) head to Calgary to take on the Flames (36-16-7), who are currently leading the non-Tampa Bay Lightning portion of the NHL with 79 points. The Flames have won two in a row after an 0-2-2 stagger. New York is rolling along at an 11-2-2 pace and haven’t allowed more than three goals in a game since Jan. 8.
The Islanders’ goaltending has been their strong suit this entire season. They are in first place in the Metropolitan Division despite having scored the least amount of goals among those eight teams. Heck, the last-place Devils have out-scored them by a touchdown (176-169). This is definitely a Lou Lamoriello team, with stalwart defense and pristine goaltending. Why score a lot of goals when you only need two to win, right? It’s for this reason why we like the Under here.
The Flames put up five goals in each of their last two outings, but the Islanders can put an end to that. The outcome could go either way, but it’s going to be a hard-fought, low-scoring matchup between these two division leaders.
Pick: Under 6 Goals
JETS (-115) at AVALANCHE (-105), 8:30 p.m.
This one should be some easy money. The Avalanche (24-24-11) welcome the Jets (36-19-4) to their home ice for what is certain to be a long night for Colorado fans. The Avalanche have won a grand total of five games since Jan. 1 and can’t seem to figure things out. (They’ve played 19!) Their top line was one of the best in the NHL at the start of the season but has seriously regressed to the mean as of late. This is a team who had it all and let it slip through their fingers.
The Jets are a wagon this season. They lead the Central Division with 76 points, goals scored (202) and goal differential (+31). They’ve got it all this season and look like a good bet to be representing the West come the Stanley Cup Finals. This team is going to trounce the Avs, by a lot. Any one care to double down?
Pick: Jets To Win (-115)
Pick: Jets -1.5 Goals (+215)