by It’s a great Saturday full of NHL action, and here are the picks that I am rolling with.
Season Record: 42-28
Tail or fade with caution!
Coyotes @ Blues
Pick: Blues ML (-170) and Blues Puck Line -1.5 (+150)
These two teams have played back-to-back 4-3 games, with the Blues picking up a win in Game 1, and the Coyotes picking up a win in Game 2. The Blues did not play well in the last game, as they found themselves down 3-0 going into the 3rd period. They were able to climb back into it with three goals in the last four minutes of the game, but it was too little too late as the Coyotes were able to get an empty-netter to secure the win. St. Louis outshot the Coyotes 43-30, but they dug themselves into too big of whole that they were not able to get out of. I think they come out stronger in this one. They cannot be pleased with their performance in their last outing, and falling behind 3-0 is something I think they will want to avoid this time around. Jordan Binnington was not on his A-game on Thursday, as he allowed three goals on 29 shots (.897 SV%), but he is still 6-2-1 with a 2.63 GAA and a .915 SV% in nine outings this year. The Coyotes offense is near the bottom of the league (22nd in goals per game and 23rd in shots per game), and I think the Blues will really put an emphasis on their defensive game in this one. Binnington should be better, and I expect the Blues to put together a solid outing. St. Louis is 21-9 in their last 30 games against the Coyotes, and after Thursday’s disappointing loss, I’m taking them on the ML and the Puck Line.
Oilers @ Flames
Pick: Oilers ML (+110) and Oilers Team Total Over 2.5 (-160)
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have combined for 46 points in 12 games. That is insane. They are always on the brink of explosive games, and have made a habit of filling the stat sheet night-in and night-out. They are leading an Edmonton offense that is putting up 3.50 goals per game, 7th in the league, and they have scored 16 goals in their last three games. They are firing on all cylinders, and I am not sure how the Flames will be able to slow them down. The Flames have a solid defensive team and a good goaltender in Jacob Markstrom, but I think the Oilers are hot right now and can keep their winning streak going. Edmonton has won three in a row, and are well rested after having three days off in-between games. The road team is 5-1 in the last six meetings between these two teams, and I like the Oilers superstars to lead them to a win here.
Sharks @ Ducks
Pick: Over 5.5 (-105)
John Gibson has started 11 of the Ducks 12 games this season, and he is not playing well right now. I was on the Ducks last night thinking he had turned things around, but he had a rough go of it surrendering four goals on 30 shots (.867 SV%). The Ducks lost 5-4 in a shootout, and if Gibson gets the start again tonight on the second night of a back-to-back, fatigue is a natural concern. If he does not start, veteran Ryan Miller would get the nod, and he has given up three goals both times he has been in action this season, and has a save percentage under .900. The Sharks scored three goals in the 3rd period last night, and I think they will be able to take that momentum into this game. Anaheim should also have their chances tonight, as San Jose is allowing the sixth-most shots per game (32.5), and the Ducks put 37 shots on net last night. The Ducks have been a low-scoring team this season (30th with 1.92 goals per game), but the 37 shots and four goals last night gives me more confidence in them finding the back of the net again against San Jose. The Over is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings between these two teams, and I think that trend continues tonight.
Best of luck. Cheers.
Title Photo: Jeff Curry / USA TODAY Sports
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