Rusty Buckets NHL thread

So, an interesting play here. Dallas has been in an awful stretch over their last 5 games and is falling out of playoff contention very quickly. This is the last stop on an awful road trip and they play one of the best home teams in the NHL winning their last 5 home games. Dallas has, oddly enough, dominated Washington in recent history winning 8 of their last 10. Holtby has been awful recently giving up 3 goals or more in 8 of his last 10 and has not looked like himself. The intersting part of this game is that these 2 teams are going in opposite directions and the line is puzzling to say the least. This line should be more like -150/+130 give or take, especially since the public is all over the Caps, and uhnderstandly so. The line opened at -150 and is down to -130 despite being a big public play. This is a play based on line movement more than anything else.

The Jets are a nightmare to play on home ice and can score on anybody when they bring their A game. With the injury to Laine, I fully expect them to be focused and raise their level of play against a team who has had success against them. The thing about the Jets is they are so damn deep. Wheeler, Connor, Ehlers, Little, Scheifele, and the acquisition of Stastny. These guys can fill the void for a week or so while Laine recovers from his bone bruise and I think they get 3 here, even facing a hot goaltender like Gibson. 

Just watched the morning press conference for the Jets and Paul Maurice said Laine was very direct in convincing Maurice that he can play tonight. When a reporter asked about his limitations, Maurice went as far as saying "It was his best morning skate of the year, I can guarantee you that". Looks like Laine is a go and that is huge. Even if he doesn't play I still have a lot of confidence that they get the job done 

Stars are going to smoke the Bruins tonight.