Well, I’m off to a red hot start going 0-5 in my first five games. We have 5 games today, with some playoff implications on the line, specifically in the West Division. Lets take a look at the todays slate and breakdown some matchups.
Vegas Golden Knights (-190) @ San Jose Sharks (+165)
The Golden Knights look for a bounce back game vs the Sharks after a 2-1 loss against the Avalanche where they could have locked up the #1 Seed in the Western Division. The Sharks are also coming off a 5-4 loss vs Arizona, except this game has no meaning for them as they have already been eliminated from the post season.
The Knights are expected to start Fleury as they continue their goalie rotation as they have all year. Fleury has faced the Sharks in five games this season winning all of them with a GAA of 1.60. The Sharks have confirmed Alexei Melnichuk, who has only started one game this year. He lost 5-4 in OT to the Coyotes four days ago facing 32 shots for a 0.855 SV%.
Vegas has been solid on the road as of late going 7-2 in their last nine, while the Sharks have struggled at home going 3-7 in their last 10. The Sharks have nothing to play for but pride here which makes them a live dog, but Vegas also needs to win this matchup. Vegas hasn’t lost to the Sharks all season and are offered at a better line compared to the previous matchups.
Pick: Vegas Golden Knights to win in Regulation -150 (Risk 1.5 Units)
Los Angeles Kings (+265) @ Colorado Avalanche (-330)
The Avalanche look to gain ground on the Golden Knights in this matchup, against a Kings team who has looked depleted the past few games.
The Avalanche are starting their top goalie Philipp Grubauer who’s undefeated in four games against the Kings averaging 1.25 goal against. Grubauer averages 2.00 GAA on the season which is good news for the Av’s as he’s historically played better against their opponent. The Kings have yet to name a starter but C. Peterson is expected who’s 0-5 against Colorado this season.
The Kings and Avalanche have both struggled to score in the past few games. The under will most likely be a popular play here for bettors given those trends. The Av’s have dominated this matchup all season long and should continue their ways here. Colorado has the best xGF, Corsi %, and Fenwick % in the league compared to the Kings who are in the bottom tier of all of those categories. This is one of the highest prices the Avalanche have been offered in this matchup implying they should take care of business.
Pick: Colorado Avalanche (-1.5) -135 (Risk 1.35 Units)
Year to Date Record: 0-5 (-5.70 Units)
