New York/Boston u5.0 (+115) 1u
At first glance I really liked getting the Rangers at plus money, but it is pretty easy for someone to see that trying to cap a side in this game is pretty tough. I instead decided to go with the game total as I feel I have a pretty good feel for this game. It is always good to have 2 of the top 5 goalies in the league facing off against each other.
New York enters this game having struggled on the offensive side of the puck lately, but the same can't be said about their defense. Their defense has been as solid as it can get, and Lundqvist has been down right filthy. New York ranks #10 overall in the league scoring an average of 2.76 goals per game. On the road, we see an insignificant decrease in production where they are ranked #8 overall scoring an average of 2.67 goals per game. The Power Play has been absolutely atrocious so far this year where they rank #24 overall in PKR% at 14.1% and #25 having netted only 22 PP goals this season. On the road, we see a drastic decrease in production where they currently sit #29 in PP at and abysmal 9.5% and #29 having scored only 7 PP goals. New York's defense on the other hand has been nothing short of extraordinary. They currently sit #28 in the league allowing an average of only 2.02 goals against per game. On the road things remain fairly consistent where they currently sit #28 allowing an average of 2.12 goals against per game. To go along with their lights out defensive play, their Penalty Kill is equally impressive where they currently rank #3 in the league in PK% at 87.0% and #29 having allowed only 19 PP goals against so far this season. On the road, things remain consistent where they sit #6 in PK% at 86.9% and #22 having allowed only 11 PP goals against this season.
Boston comes into this game as the best team in the NHL, although they have come back down to earth in the last couple weeks. Boston's offensive stats are still inflated due to their unbelievable streak, but should start regressing back to the means. Boston currently sits #1 overall in the league averaging 3.55 goals per game. At home, we they remain fairly consistent where they currently sit #2 scoring an average of 3.58 goals per game. Despite the incredible offensive production, the Power Play has been rather average this season. They currently sit #11 in the league in PP% at 18.6% and #12 having scored 29 PP goals this season. At home, we actually see a decrease in production where they sit #20 in PP% at 15.2% and #18 having scored 14 PP goals so far this season. Their defensive performances have been as equally impressive as their offensive performances. Boston currently sits #29 in the league allowing only 2.00 goals per game. At home, things again stay fairly consistent where they sit #27 holding opponents to an average of 1.96 goals per game. Boston's Penalty Kill has also been very good where they rank #6 overall in the league in PK% at 86.5% and #25 having held opponents to only 22 PP goals against all season. At home, things basically stay the same where they currently rank #6 in PK% at 87.0% and #20 having held opponents to 20 PP goals against this season.
Both goalies have been absolutely lights out this year. It is a rare occasion when you can get 2 amazing defensive teams, and 2 of the top 5 goalies in the same game. That is the only thing that scares me about this under. Regardless, here are both goalies stats this season.
Lundqvist: 20-10-4, 1.93 GAA, .936 SV%
Away: 10-5-2, 2.00 GAA, .948 SV%
Rask: 11-4-1, 1.61 GAA, .948 SV%
Home: 8-2-1, 1.53 GAA, .948 SV%
Both goalies have no problem playing at home, or on the road as both of their stats stay almost exactly the same. I'd like to go into more detail on a few other things but unfortunately I have run out of time as I want to post this at least 20 minutes before the game.
Will certainly have another play later. As always, Good luck everyone.
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