The NHL is trying not to compete with the NFL playoffs, so it scheduled two games yesterday and ten today. (It's also MLK day in the US.) No game starts after 8 PM while six will see the puck drop before 4 PM. I could get used to the idea of afternoon hockey!
Here are three picks for tonight's games on the schedule.
Odds Shark's NHL Betting Resources
Los Angeles Kings vs Carolina Hurricanes - Canes ML (-148)
The Game: Los Angeles Kings vs Carolina Hurricanes, 3 PM
Carolina is 12-3-4 overall on home ice. They're 6-4SU at home with only one loss in regulation. And while the Kings boast a good away record (13-4-3), they're struggling mightily of late.
LA is 0-4-5 in their last nine games including a 0-2-2 record away from home. This a great time for the Canes to face the Kings.
Nashville Predators vs Vegas Golden Knights - O1.5 P1 (-135)
The Game: Nashville Predators vs Vegas Golden Knights, 6 PM ET
On the year, Vegas has been great at keeping the first-period total UNDER 1.5 goals with a 24-18 (57%) record. But that record has started to trend in the opposite direction lately with a 5-5 record.
Meanwhile, the Preds have been "great" against the OVER in P1 at 27-14 (66%) all year and 6-4 in their last 10 games. This one goes OVER 1.5.
Colorado Avalanche vs Montreal Canadiens - Habs +1.5 (-142)
The Game: Colorado Avalanche vs Montreal Canadiens, 7 PM ET
Maybe I shouldn't be betting against Colorado right now. I recognize that I'm taking a risk here because Colorado won its last two games by two goals or more. But the Avs aren't what you'd call "good" when a -200 fav or more on the road. They're 1-3SU and they didn't cover a -1.5 puckline in that one win.
Montreal has only lost by two or more goals while being a dog of +165 or more seven times.
I don't like the Avs' chances to cover tonight.
