Colorado Avalanche at Vancouver Canucks (-200, 5.5)
While it may only be the middle of February, the Canucks are already dialed in like they’re playing playoff hockey.
The Canucks have went to overtime in 10 of their last 13 games and are
7-0-3 in their last 10. David Booth has been a big part of Vancouver’s
success.
With opposing defenses focusing on shutting down the Sedin
line, Booth has 10 points in his last nine games after scoring once in
regulation and again in the shootout to help Vancouver to a 2-1 win over
Phoenix on Monday.
"I feel strong on the puck again and well-balanced out there," Booth
told reporters. "It's fun coming to the rink when the team is winning
and you are playing well. I am really enjoying it. It was a process, but
I am really excited to be a Canuck now, and I think it's showing."
The Avalanche just allowed 44 shots against in a loss to St. Louis, and
if they give up chances like that against Vancouver, the Canucks will
make them pay.
Pick: Over
Toronto Maple Leafs at Edmonton Oilers (-110, 5.5)
The young Edmonton Oilers are probably ahead of schedule in the rebuilding process.
They still struggle with consistency, but have made major strides this
season. The young stars are contributing on the score sheet and learning
from their mistakes as they go along.
Taylor Hall took a pair of penalties in the first period against Ottawa
on Saturday and found himself parked on the bench for a solid stretch as
a result. When coach Tom Renney gave him another shot, he made the best
of it by scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.
"(Hall) responded well and that's what you have to do," Renney told
reporters. "He's such a passionate kid. The last thing he wants to do is
put his team in a bad way. The first thing he wants to do is win a
game, and he ultimately did."
The Oilers may have a tough time with Toronto, which has lost three
straight, but Renney’s boys have been a solid home bet all season.
Pick: Oilers