MetroBet takes a glance at two games on the Monday NHL slate.
Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets
Moneyline: Sabres +, Blue Jackets –
Puckline: Sabres +1.5 goals (-), Blue Jackets -1.5 goals (+)
Betting Total: TBA
Time (Eastern): 7 p.m.
The Columbus Blue Jackets (28-17-3) went into the All-Star break on a sour note, as they were held to one goal each in their final two games, both losses. Perhaps the time off and a matchup with the Buffalo Sabres (24-18-6) will get their snipers back on the scoresheet and the team back in the win column. Despite being significant underdogs in this tilt, Metro Bet thinks Buffalo could make things interesting.
The Sabres are on an impressive 15-2 run against the spread in their last 17 games on the road. Buffalo has been a solid play on the puckline all season (31-17), especially when they’re the visiting team (19-6). However, wins have been hard to come by for the Sabres of late as they’ve been surrendered 35 goals in their last 10 contests (3-7 straight-up record). Columbus’ secondary scorers like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Josh Anderson (two goals combined in the nine games they’ve played in 2019) could really use a confidence-booster, and Buffalo could deliver it.
Still, the Sabres’ offensive dynamos in Jeff Skinner and Jack Eichel will not go down without a fight. Take Buffalo to at least keep it close or force overtime.
Prediction: Blue Jackets win, 4-3
Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers
Moneyline: Flyers, Rangers
Puckline: Flyers, Rangers
Betting Total: TBA
Time (Eastern), TV: 7:30 p.m., NBCSN
The Philadelphia Flyers will look for their sixth straight win over the hated New York Rangers when they head to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
Both clubs have had a hard time keeping the puck out of their own net in recent games. Over their last 10 tilts, the Flyers have given up 33 goals, while the Rangers have allowed 41. This is hardly anything new for these teams, as they’re 29th and 26th, respectively, in team defense.
Henrik Lundqvist has clearly lost a step this season, as he’s played to a 3.01 GAA and a .908 save percentage, far below what Blueshirt fans have come to expect from him. Philadelphia has given “Hank” and company nightmares in recent meetings, as they’ve posted a 23-9 aggregate score over the last five matches.
Despite the Flyers’ recent dominance over their division rival, their 9-16 straight-up record on the road makes a moneyline play on them a little shaky. Instead, take the Over, as these teams give up goals aplenty. Expect big games from Philly’s Sean Couturier (eight points in the final five games before the break) and New York’s Mika Zibanejad (nine points in the same span).
Prediction: Flyers win, 4-3
The play: Sabres +1.5 goals and Flyers vs. Rangers Over Parlay
