Ice picks: Monday's best NHL bets

By COVERS.com STAFF | November 22, 2009 |

Washington Capitals at Ottawa Senators (NA)

Is there a more embarrassing feat than losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs? The league’s worst team notched a 2-1 shootout win over the Caps on Saturday night.

“I’m not happy with how I played today, and I’m not happy with how my line played today,” Caps superstar Alexander Ovechkin told The Washington Times. “Yeah, we score one goal, but we have to score more. If we have more ice time than everybody, then we have to use it.”

The under is 2-1-1 in Caps games since Ovechkin returned from injury. Monday might be the perfect situation for Washington to break out of its offensive slump.

Ottawa isn’t expected to have starting goalie Pascal Leclaire between the pipes. The former Blue Jacket suffered a lower body injury Saturday vs. the Sabres that forced him to leave the game at the start of the third period.

Pick: Over

Detroit Red Wings at Nashville Predators (-104, 5.5)

How about those Predators? Not much was expected of the club after a 2-6 start but things are much brighter these days for Tennessee hockey fans thanks to Nashville’s 9-2 run over the last 11 games.

Preds players point to the squad’s disciplined style of play as the main reason for the recent success. No team in the NHL spends less time in the sin bin than Nashville.

“It keeps a better flow to the game – more guys rotating regularly out there on the ice,” defenseman Dan Hamhuis told the Tennessean. “When you’re killing penalties, your penalty-killing forwards are getting (overworked) out there and your skill guys are sitting on the bench getting cold. Those are the guys that will get goals for our team.”

The Red Wings have been playing better recently but they were struck by the injury bug again. Niklas Kronwall, a top-four defenseman, is expected to miss at least two weeks because of a knee injury suffered Saturday against Montreal.

Kronwall joins a crowded group of black and blue Wings. Forwards Johan Franzen, Valtteri Filppula and Jason Williams are all watching from the press box these days.

Pick: Nashville -104

34 comments

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acarl says:

11/23/09 11:16AM

I'll take:

Detroit ML

PITT ML

Phil ML

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Sandman_130 says:

11/23/09 11:30AM

I wouldn't assume an over in the Ottawa game because of a Brian Elliot start. He played solid for them last year, and has played well in each of his starts this year.

Ottawa also plays a very tight game this year.

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lopez8904 says:

11/23/09 12:44PM

WSH ML

CGY ML

PHI/COL U 5.5

NSH ML... Maybe

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ginder123 says:

11/23/09 12:57PM

YTD: 16-12, +2.9 units

Nashville Predators (-110) (1 unit)

*Tough to bet against the Predators with the way they are playing at home. They beat the Sharks, Devils, and Blue Jackets in their last three, and there is no reason why they can't beat the Red Wings.

Columbus/New York - Under 5.5 (-120) (1 unit)

Philadelphia/Colorado - Over 5.5 (-120) (3 units)

* I expect some fireworks tonight. Both teams have been giving them up lately.

Calgary Flames (-110) (3 units)

* The Ducks were good once upon a time.

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StokesChargers says:

11/23/09 01:47PM

Every year you think the Preds are down an out... I do not know how they keep on doing it. In the past they have always made late runs and just squeaked into 7th or 8th place to make the playoffs.

As for the DET/NAS game, I feel it is a tough game to cap. I think the PL parlayed with something else may be good value. I had a feel for the Under but just looked at their matchups last year and they were 5-1 to the over with NAS winning 4 of 6.

I also see some value with the Blue Jackets against the Blue Shirts. Columbus has looked good ever since the embarrassing performance against the wings. Columbus is streaking and the rangers are slumping.

A nice bet in the TOR/NYI game may be a 1st period bet of some sort on the Islanders. Islanders have been getting off to fast starts this year, and we all know what kind of starts the Leafs are giving us. Toronto tends to wake up in the 2nd and 3rd periods, so why not cash the ticket after the 1st?

The BOS/STL looks tempting to take a shot with the over with a total at 5. Also the Bruins may be a nice play with 2 nice roads wins against BUF and ATL.

EDM will probably be my POD against the Yotes. Looks for a let down for Phoenix after a nice win against the Flyers, and look for the Oil to bounce back after a tough loss to the Hawks on HNIC. I feel this is a great spot for them here. Plus PHO has a tendency to rotate wins and losses.

Plus I think Calgary will beat the Ducks. I liked how they played the other night. This is what the Flames do, they suffer a tough loss at home, then go on the road and get on a roll and start winning games.

Nothing set in stone yet. Just thinking out loud. Official plays later.

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root6 says:

11/23/09 02:02PM

i like the Leafs to win which is a huge suprise as i dislike the leafs alot, other plays for tonight for me are Washington to Win Dallas to Win

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AGranite says:

11/23/09 02:09PM

Does anyone know if Kiprusoff will be in net tonight for CAL vs ANA??

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StokesChargers says:

11/23/09 04:49PM

Kipper is probable, nothing confirmed yet.

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StokesChargers says:

11/23/09 04:59PM

Deslauriers in net for the Oil. Not so sure about that POD.

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stumpmaker says:

11/23/09 05:17PM

Nashville (-110) to win... dominates Detroit on the PK and all aspects of Defence...I'm especially Not impressed with how Detroit let the Habs back into their last game...I've watched Detroits last 4 games and seen a lot of defensive flaws...I think their long injury list is catching up to them..Nashville has settled into a nice homestand and are definately getting it done...

NY Isles (P/L) to win...Tor absolutely cannot win as the favorite...on the other hand , Isles are probably the best underdog bet in the league...Isles dominate the leafs in all aspects and phases in the game except maybe Power Play...Isles have now lost 2 in a row and their rhythm suggests getting back to winning form again....Isles are fun to watch this year and sure look like a happening team...

Columbus (P/L) to win...With Drury and Dubinsky OUT, Rangers power play and penalty kill has dropped right off the map...Gaborik, even being good for a goal here and there has never been one to carry a team (ala Ovechkin)...Hithcock has gradually put together a very well balanced team here and have trended toward not losing more than once before winning again...Really like their transition game and speed..

Florida (P/L) to win...Florida is another one of those teams that are quietly getting it done...Pens are a little in disarray with all their back end injuries but of real note here is Florida's PP...I'll tell ya, I've watched Florida's last 3 games and have not seen anybody as defensively stifling as this crew...Trust me , they've FRUSTRATED the opposition and look who they've played...These guys are gonna rise to the top soon..

St. Louis (P/L)...to win...Yeah Bruins have clunked along and pulled out a couple of ugly wins and yeah, wins are wins but they've looked awful doing it with a lot of goal post music behind them and better puck luck than they deserved...It's gonna be all over for them tonight...St. Louis is another one of those "sleeper" type teams...Lot's of speed and grit...Good PK too..I like 'em...Probably the best UNDER on the board as well..

Phoenix (P/L) to win...Dominant on the PK and between the pipes...Edmonton starting to feel the effects of injuries...Phoenix were considered one of the best teams in the west...I still think so...

Anaheim (-110) to win...This series has mainly been a homer type with Anaheim getting BOTH road wins as the UNDERDOG...All the home wins have been the favorite and I don't see any reason for it to change tonight...Anaheims PK and PP should do it...Also Anaheim has a better record with top 10 teams...They're the same with top 16...

All of the above Puck Line choices have a VERY GOOD chance of being Money-Line wins as well (but I don't really want to get greedy...just want the payday...lol...)

Made a nice profit last week even with a couple of really BAD BEATS (BC lions ???)

Have a good one people...

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AGranite says:

11/23/09 05:36PM

Found the answer to my own question:

Kiprusoff vs Giguere tonight

http://communities.canada.com/calgaryherald/blogs/insideflames/defaul t.aspx

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isles19404ever says:

11/23/09 06:03PM

Stump, nice write ups, especially like the Jackets pick, but to win outright, as the Rags continue to slide, no play, just pulling for ya pal. Still licking my wounds from that Minnesota game, don't think Blake Comeau will be seeing any ice time soon after that horrible clearing attempt that led to the winning goal, as he sits again in TO tonight. Isles have been golden all year on that PL play, but after the rather dismal effort in STL on Saturday night, even with Rolo in goal, well, I knew they would be flat vs. the Bluuuuuuuues and they were, even Rolo let in some cheesers. Not sure about tonight as the Leafs have been playing much better Hockey lately, especially with Phil Kessel in the line up. Let's hope JT has a good game playing back home and Rolo shows...

Port, loser buys tonight, ok? I guess your pulling for JT to light the lamp a couple of times and the Leafs to win a close one 3-2...

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stumpmaker says:

11/23/09 06:25PM

Hey Isles...

Nice insights as always...Toronto is under major pressure rigt now, especially their back end and goaltending...Luke Shen is under immense pressure and they have to play in front of a murderous home crowd...That Washington game was no big deal...Caps have major defensive issues as well and Ovie can't carry the team every nite...some nites at home , yeah...but not on the road...

On reflection (and on new information here), the Anaheim pick isn't as perfect with Giguere in goal as the Ducks are DEFINATELY playing looser and better in front of Hiller...as an ex player myself, I know how that goes...Giguere is also raising a stink in the dressing room about playing time...That'll just make the D men grip their sticks a lot tighterand that's BAD...Haven't locked in my picks yet so I'll think about that one for a bit...

I'm actually thinkin' to elevate Florida , Columbus , Phoenix and St Louis to M/L status ... (look at that I'm gettin' GREEDY.. lol..)

Good Luck to ya Bud...

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jgmjgm says:

11/23/09 06:52PM

DDH - Are you around??? Want a free ticket to the game tonight?

http://www.leftwinglock.com/2009/11/23/edmonton-residents-want-a-fre e-ticket-for-tonights-game/

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stumpmaker says:

11/23/09 06:54PM

One more quick thing here, Columbus has to play tomorrow nite in Montreal...That probably will temper my pick for tonite slightly...Still think they're good and all, just taints it a bit...Team tends to try and save something in the tank for the next game...Especially in this sport...

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jgmjgm says:

11/23/09 07:04PM

In the spirit of my favorite holiday of the year - American Football Day, (a.k.a. American Thanksgiving) I have devised a:

Pay-For-All-Your-American-Football-Day-Party-Favors-in-One-Swoop-5-Teamer- Parlay

Tennessee (-3.5) + Columbus + Ottawa + Florida + Anaheim

Pays 90-1... so if it comes in I expect everyone to bring a healthy appetite for debauchery!

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Nordiks says:

11/23/09 07:35PM

WAS ML

BOS ML

PHI ML

EDM ML

and NAS ML

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LeeK3 says:

11/23/09 07:46PM

Good afternoon hockey fans. Yesterday I shoulda bet the Black Hawks after all but did not because Niemi started. However, I won my only play (Tampa Bay) for +1.25 units, bringing the week to minus 2.8 units, and the year to date to minus 5.25 units.

Hopefully this will be a better week betting on hockey. Too many games for a Monday but I made a few plays.

Nashville -110 over Detroit. Just going with the HOTTER team (5 wins in a row and 9 wins in their last 11 games) with the better goalie and better defense in this one.

Ottawa -115 over Washington. Ottawa has won 3 in a row at home over Buffalo, Pitt and Toronto and they're facing a Capitals team who just lost to Toronto (2-1) and Montreal (3-2). I'll throw the season stats out the window here and just take the "what have you done for me lately" team who's at home on such a low ML over a Caps team who couldn't score much against the Habs and Leafs.

I'm going with Calgary -110 over Anaheim. The Flames have a great road record and after those two tough losses at home last week to the Avalanche and the Black Hawks, they bounced right back on the road versus the Kings on Saturday afternoon, and now they play an even more inferior team in the Ducks. I know the home team dominates this Series, but the Ducks have only beaten Tampa Bay in their last 6 games and lost the other 5. The Kings have the better offense, better defense And better goalie, so I'm going with Kipper & the Flames.

And last is a 2-team parlay on the Isles PL to the Stars ML. As stated a lot last week, the Isles +1.5 appears to be one of the safest plays out there, but you just have to deal with the high juice that goes with it. I'm parlaying it to the Dallas Stars for the simple fact that Carolina has not won on the road all year and I still don't trust Manny Legace. Good luck to everyone!!

NASHVILLE -110 vs Detroit, to win 1 unit.

OTTAWA -115 vs Washington, to win 1 unit.

Calgary -110 vs ANAHEIM, to win unit.

2-team, Isles +1.5 (-250) vs TOR, DALLAS -200 vs Carolina, 1 unit wins 1.1

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LeeK3 says:

11/23/09 07:54PM

Shoot, I forgot to say thanks to Stumpmaker and StokesChargers for their input above. And hey Isles, good luck tonight and Roloson is in goal which SHOULD be a victory, after that poor performance in St Louis on Saturday.

And hey, since the Isles have NOT gone to Overtime in their last 3 games, and since the last two meetings between the Isles and Leafs DID go to OT, I added 1 last play.

Leafs and Isles WILL go to Overtime = +280, a half-unit wins 1.4 units.

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GatsbySteve says:

11/23/09 07:57PM

Tonight I'm liking

Toronto over New York Islanders

Nashville over Detroit

Philly over Colorado

Dallas over Carolina

Bol everyone

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jgmjgm says:

11/23/09 08:00PM

Hang in there DDH. I'll send you some special "Rhum Soup"...

Lepers bad. Rhum Soup Good!

Hey I saw the opening line on the Grey Cup. It is Montreal -9 and the O/U is 55.5.

I preliminarily like the Under in this game as it should be cooler on the weekend, but for the life of me I have no idea how Vegas expects to get action on the Montreal side at -9.

I looked at the numbers last night after both games finished and thought the Als would be a solid -3.5 Road Fav as this is essentially a home game for the Riders.

I like the Als in this game with the revenge factor of winning the Cup in Calgary after losing it at home last Grey Cup. But there is no way I'm giving 9 pts. That's ridiculous!

This is going to be under a TD game easily.

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StokesChargers says:

11/23/09 08:03PM

Locked in some plays tonight...

#1: Boston Bruins/St. Louis Blues (O 5) (-118)

Take a shot with the low total here. Thomas is out. Just have to get to 2-2 for a push.

#2: Philadelphia Flyers vs Colorado Avalanche (PHI ML) (-127)

As stated above, tough loss for the Flyers on Saturday. Should bounce back here.

#3: Parlay: New York Islanders (+1.5) and Washington Capitals (+1.5)

I think both will win the game. So I will take the PL's paying almost 1 to 1.

#4: Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators (NAS ML) (-107)

Injuries catching up to the Wings. May as well ride the hot team here. You have to think the Preds show up here tonight and at least make a game of it.

Decided to lay off the Oil with the backup in.... Had a few other plays I liked but trying to limit myself. GLA. May play on the Flames later after I have seen that Leek is on them as well.

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tyler1985 says:

11/23/09 08:21PM

det ml

clb ml

nyi ml

col ml

was +.5 first period

nyi +.5 first period

tenn ml

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jgmjgm says:

11/23/09 08:24PM

DDH - good reasoning there with the public's love for donating money.

It's going to get lousy here with Watermelon Heads staggering around everywhere. Might be a good time to put a cow-catcher on the front of the car until everyone goes home to Regina.

I truly think there will be 3 to 4 fans in the stands for every 1 fan cheering for Montreal or just there to watch the game and party.

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jgmjgm says:

11/23/09 08:27PM

3 to 4 Riders fans for every 1 fan cheering for Montreal...

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