Let’s start with a quick recap of last night.
- 1–4 in featured picks. WSH three-way only winner
- Parlay was busted from the start with Leafs not hitting the over
- 0–3 in props
We keep going today, though. It was a rocky start, but it is only the beginning. Let’s get into my picks for Thursday night.
(All odds courtesy of BetRiversIL)
Arizona Coyotes (+138) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (-162)
O/U: 5.5 -112
The Arizona Coyotes gutted their team. Darcy Kuemper is in Colorado, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Conor Garland were traded to Vancouver and Christian Dvorak wound up in Montreal. There was a lot of shakeup in Arizona as the focus turns toward the youth.
On the other side, the Columbus Blue Jackets want to make some noise. Their forward group is solid, led by Patrik Laine and Oliver Bjorkstrand. They have invested in Elvis Merzlikins to tend the pipes, and new head coach Brad Larsen was hired after eight years as an assistant in Columbus. Their defense will have a chip on its shoulder, as there is plenty to prove.
My pick: Columbus three-way -103
New York Islanders (+108) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (-124)
O/U: 5.5
The New York Islanders play a style that suffocates their opponent. Barry Trotz is one of the best coaches in the league. As many say, they bore you to sleep, but they get the job done. Anders Lee is back. They re-signed Kyle Palmieri, who is a perfect fit for their style of play. Zach Parise was added for forward depth. In addition, Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock may be the best defensive pairing in the NHL. I had them in a future bet to win the Stanley Cup last season, but they fell just short to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the semifinals.
The Carolina Hurricanes are a loaded squad, too. While losing Dougie Hamilton was not ideal, Ethan Bear should help pick up the slack. And, they snagged Jesperi Kotkaniemi from Montreal. They should run the tables this year.
My pick: Islander ML. Hard to get against Mathew Barzal and the boys. Ride the Isles.
I will have a bonus play at 5:30 p.m. CDT on my Twitter, @ThomasGibbons_3.
Basics of hockey bettingMoney line — Winning team Puck line — Team wins by at least two goals (-1.5 when placing a bet) Three-way line — Team wins in regulation Over/under — Total goals scored during a game including overtime but not a shootout Parlay — A combination of two or more bets |
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