The NHL action really opens up tonight as 22 teams hit the ice in what should be a great night of hockey. One interesting thing on tonight’s board is the large number of substantial underdogs. There are 9 teams playing tonight whose odds to win the game are currently at +145 or higher. I’m hoping to take advantage and select the right underdog, as well as taking a look at the Battle of Ontario tonight as the Senators renew hostilities with the Maple Leafs in Toronto.
NHL Picks for January 17th
Ottawa @ Toronto
After being cooled off last night at home by the Winnipeg Jets, the Ottawa Senators will renew the Battle of Ontario tonight when they travel to Toronto to do battle with the Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. After winning their first 4 games of the new year, the Leafs lost back-to-back games on the weekend to the Sabres and Rangers, once again dropping them out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. However, with a win tonight the Leafs could put themselves back into a playoff spot, along with gaining ground on a Senators team that was surging until last night’s 2-0 loss to the Jets. The Senators had won 6 of eight 8 games in January, and snapped a 4 game winning streak last night when they were shutout for the first time this season. That halted momentum can work in Toronto’s favour as the Leafs have been hot at home through the second quarter of the season. Even better news for Toronto is the return of Centre Tyler Bozak to the number one line between sniper Phil Kessel and first time all-star Joffrey Lupul. Another Leafs’ roster move sees the return of James Reimer between the pipes for Toronto after giving way to Jonas Gustavsson for 6 straight contests. Reimer is a career 3-0-1 against Ottawa with a 1.97 goals against average and a .929 save percentage. Look for special teams to play a large factor in tonight’s game as they usually do when the Leafs are playing. Although Toronto maintains the last ranked penalty kill in the NHL, they have not allowed a powerplay goals in 6 straight games. Also, their powerplay is near the top in the league clicking at 20.9%, and even better at home at 21.3%. The Leafs are 4-2 in their last 6 games overall, as well as 5-1 in their last 6 home games. Take the Leafs tonight to claim part 4 of a 6 part series of the Battle of Ontario this season.
My Pick – LEAFS (-120) (bet it at www.5dimes.com and get $520 FREE – more information on this 5dimes marketing code guide)
Los Angeles @ Vancouver
The LA Kings are currently playing their best hockey of the year. The team has just one regulation loss in their last 14 games overall, and continue to grab points and move up the tough Western Conference standings. Vancouver on the other hand hasn’t been so great as of late. Since their inspired victory over the Boston Bruins over a week ago, the Canucks are just 2-2 and dropped a poorly played game at home to Anaheim on Sunday night. If you couldn’t already tell, I am taking the Kings as my underdog this evening. One big reason why is LA backstop Jonathan Quick. Quick is 19-11-8 on the year but what is most impressive is his 1.95 goals against average and his .933 save percentage, along with 6 shutouts. Quick has allowed 2 or fewer goals against in 7 of his last 8 starts for the Kings, who actually have been finding ways to score as of late as well. The Kings are still ranked 30th in league offence with just 102 goals so far on the season, but they have found the back of the net 14 times in their last 4 games. Their top players have been getting the job done lately, something that hasn’t happened consistently enough this season. Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams each have 5 points in their last 3 games, Dustin Brown has 4 points in his last 4 games, Drew Doughty has 3 points in his last 4 games, and Mike Richards has tallied a pair of points in his last 2 games. Quick has also raised his spectacular level of play over his last 8 games as he is 4-1-3 with a 1.22 goals against average and a .956 save percentage over that span. LA’s defence has been impressive all season as they are ranked 5th in the NHL in goals against on the year with just 103 goals allowed this season. Their road defence is ranked 4th in the league, averaging just 2.4 goals against thanks in large part to a road penalty kill that is ranked 6th in the league at 86.7%. Vancouver is a great team, but I feel this is the best opportunity for an underdog upset on tonight’s NHL board.
My Pick – KINGS +165 (bet it at www.5dimes.com and get $520 FREE)