In today’s betting preview we look at the sizable difference between the Florida Panthers and the Chicago Blackhawks and then turn to the Toronto Maple Leafs who welcome the Winnipeg Jets after playing last night.
Florida Panthers (-350) vs Chicago Blackhawks (+275)
The struggling Blackhawks visit the Panthers who have been rolling with a record of 10-2-1 in their past 13. They are at home so that makes it that much more of a lock to take them in almost any capacity tonight. The Blackhawks have given up a three-goal lead and a four-goal lead in the past two games and lost both. This is on top of dropping five of the last seven games.
I don’t expect the Blackhawks to get a lead of more than one goal, but their track record doesn’t look good against the best team at home in the NHL. The line of Patrick Kane, Dylan Strome, and Alex DeBrincat has been on fire, which reassures me that the over will be hit tonight (O7, +100). Also, stay all over the Panthers.
Toronto Maple Leafs (-225) vs Winnipeg Jets (+185)
The Maple Leafs are coming off consecutive wins against tough divisional opponents in the Panthers and the Boston Bruins. Their opponent tonight, the Jets, will be easier than those tests. The Jets also played last night in a tight game between them and the Buffalo Sabres, so backup Eric Comrie should get the crease. In net for the Maple Leafs should be Erik Kallgren after Petr Mrazek suffered an injury in their previous game. The starting role should be all his until either of the other goaltenders returns.
Despite winning three games in a row and three in a row on the road, the Jets still own a less than ideal away record of 14-12-8, while the Maple Leafs are one of the powerhouses at home with a record of 24-7-2. They are also 5-0-1 in their past six in their building and have won two games in a row. With both backups in, consider going with the over (O6.5, -105) and take the Maple Leafs at home.
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.
