Only one game on the NHL schedule, as it’s NFL Sunday, and we all know where the bettors have centralized their money. But for those diehard hockey fans, there is value to be had with the lone NHL game.
The sharps had quite a day on Saturday, sweeping the board with plays on Utah, Vegas and Nashville.
The money has fluctuated with the Utah Hockey Club visiting Toronto after a win in Pittsburgh on Saturday.
No word whether the public money has outweighed the smart money, but I know which way I am going.
Let’s do a deep dive into this one:
WHY UTAH: The Hockey Club could pick up where it left off after last night’s 6-1 shellacking of the Penguins, an impressive display of offense to snap a three-game slide that saw Utah lose at home to Vegas and Washington and then in Boston to start the four-game trip. Utah has won five of its nine meetings with Eastern Conference teams, including wins over both New York teams in their rinks, and home victories over Boston and Carolina. This team isn’t shy on confidence, and if it can carry the momentum over, the Leafs will have their hands full.
WHY TORONTO: Speaking of full hands, the Maple Leafs will provide Utah with plenty to deal with, as they come in riding a three-game win streak and off a few days of rest. Toronto last played Wednesday, when it defeated visiting Vegas 3-0. The Leafs have won six of their last seven to take over the Atlantic Division, sitting one point in front of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, who are idle.
All betting lines are from Bet365 and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.
THE PICK – MAPLE LEAFS PUCK LINE +135: The fact the Leafs are playing their seventh home game in their last eight contests has me thinking they’ll be much fresher for this one than the road weary Hockey Club. Toronto played four straight at home, skipped down to D.C. for a 4-3 overtime win over the Capitals, and came back home for wins over Edmonton and Vegas. Before heading to Sunrise to play the Panthers on Wednesday, one day before Thanksgiving, I would imagine we’ll see the Leafs in full gear with a chance to increase their lead before that notorious Thanksgiving deadline. Look for a rout here, as the Leafs will be at their best against a Utah squad skating in its third road game in four nights.
(Season Record: 5-5-0, Net: -$35, based on $100 units)
