The NHL continues despite having some issues with COVID… We have 10 games going tonight with some solid matchups.
I also offer some news and notes related to the current outbreak the NHL is suffering. Calgary is continuing to postpone their games with 17 more cases recently confirmed. There is really no end in sight for this squad or an expected return date. It may be after Christmas break at this point.
Also, the majority of the NHL game totals tonight are listed at 5.5 which is extremely rare given the amount of goals we have seen this year. Just something to note.
News and Notes COVID related:
- Los Angeles Kings @ Florida Panthers
- The Panthers are favorited in this game but, do have a COVID outbreak. They also have a few key injuries so be very careful playing Florida at home here.
- Philadelphia Flyers @ Montreal Canadiens
- This game is also injury ridden so be sure to check the final lineups before placing a bet if you have an angle on this game.
- Vegas Golden Knights @ New Jersey Devils
- The Devils do have two players out with COVID so be sure to check that they’re not more players out.
- Detroit Red Wings @ Carolina Hurricanes
- The Hurricanes are experiencing a COVID outbreak with several key pieces missing in their lineup. Detroit only currently has one player out with COVID.
- Colorado Avalanche @ Nashville Predators
- Nashville is currently experiencing an outbreak while Colorado only has one guy on COVID reserve.
- Vancouver Canucks @ San Jose Sharks
- While Vancouver is red hot under their new coach, they are experiencing an outbreak with several players out.
Boston Bruins @ New York Islanders
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- TV Coverage: ESPN+
- Boston Bruins: 14-9-2, 5th Atlantic (7-4-1 Away)
- New York Islanders: 7-12-5, 8th Metropolitan (1-5-2 Home)
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Boston Bruins | -129 | +110 | +1.5 (-250) | o5.5 (+115) |
| New York Islanders | +117 | -130 | -1.5 (+210) | u5.5 (-125) |
Trends:
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston’s last 8 games.
- Boston are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road.
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Islanders’ last 6 games.
- NY Islanders are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games at home.
Preview:
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins start a three game road trip tonight as they face the Islanders tonight. They’ll be off tomorrow but will have back to back’s against Montreal and Ottawa.
The Bruins have had a decent start to the season but are currently suffering some COVID-19 issues. Their top scorers Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron are both out for tonight’s matchup. In addition to those two, Craig Smith is also out.
Offensively, Boston has one of the worst Goals For Above Expected with a -9.55. This number would be less concerning if they were generating an absurd number of scoring chances but they’re not. They have 52.55 Expected Goals For which ranks middle of the league and have only scored 43. The Bruins are averaging 2.11 Goals For Per 60 with 2.55 Expected Goals For Per 60. Without Bergeron and Pastrnak in the lineup, Charlie McAoy is their leading scorer with 15 points through 24 games.
On the opposite side of the puck, the Bruins have a +0.93 Goals Against Above Expected. They’re averaging 2.11 Goals Against Per 60 with a 2.06 Expected Goals Against Per 60. One positive for the Bruins is that they have allowed the lowest High Danger Shots Against (32).
In net, Boston has had some struggles. Jeremy Swayman has been their best goalie with a +1.5 GSAx while Linus Ullmark is right behind him with a +0.9 GSAx.
New York Islanders
The Islanders finally got their first win in their new building on Saturday against the Devils. New York has struggled this year after making it to the Eastern Conference finals last year season.
Just like the Bruins, the Islanders have a few key players out with COVID-19 as well. Matthew Barzal and Zedeno Chara are both out for tonight’s matchup.
Again, like Boston, the Islanders are struggling on offense. The Islanders have a worse Goals For Above Expected with a -10.67. They’re averaging 1.76 Goals For Per 60 with a 2.26 Expected Goals For Per 60. New York’s leading scorer is Barzal but without him in the lineup it’s Oliver Wahlstrom who has 13 points in 24 games.
The Isles have been better defensively with a -2.43 Goals Against Above Expected. They average 2.36 Goals Against Per 60. New York’s Penalty Kill has been good this year ranking 8th which is good given their undisciplined play style.
Ilya Sorokin is expected to get the start in net with a +5.8 GSAx through 18 games played.
Picks:
- UNDER 5.5 (-125)
With both teams top scorers out, I’m looking at the under in this matchup tonight. While Boston and New York haven’t been stellar defensively, they have been worse on offense. In addition to the lack of production up front, both expected goalies do have a positive Goals Saved Above Expected which is another encouraging sign.
Other Plays for Tonight:
- COLUMBUS/ EDMONTON OVER 6.0 (-115)
- Both of these teams have high powered offenses and sub par defenses. Even though the Oilers have been going under as of late, I think this game still goes over. Columbus is also allowing more goals on the road by a significant margin.
Given all the injury news I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of close games tonight with several of them going into overtime. So if you’re looking for some fun bets tonight, I would look at “Draw” on the 60 Minute Line. Here’s some of my favorites:
- Boston/ New York Islanders 60 Minute Line – Draw (+320)
- Ottawa/ Tampa Bay 60 Minute Line – Draw (+370)
- Detroit/ Carolina 60 Minute Line – Draw (+350)
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
