NHL DAILY PROJECTIONS

BY PROFESSOR MJ

 

Today I’m suggesting three picks out of the 9 games on the menu in the NHL. I will also write a few words about the Florida-Montreal game. Here are the day’s projections!

MARCH 30, 2017
	MONEY LINE
	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	PICK	ROI
Islanders	+122	+125	2,22	2,25		-1,3%
Flyers	-135	-125	1,74	1,80		-3,3%
Tip: No value bet.
	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	PICK	ROI
Blue Jackets	-115	-138	1,87	1,72	X	8,4%
Hurricanes	+104	+138	2,04	2,38		-14,3%
Tip: Bet the Blue Jackets.
	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	PICK	ROI
Panthers	+166	+172	2,66	2,72		-2,2%
Canadiens	-185	-172	1,54	1,58		-2,6%
Tip: No value bet.
	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	PICK	ROI
Red Wings	+175	+185	2,75	2,85		-3,5%
Lightning	-195	-185	1,51	1,54		-1,8%
Tip: No value bet.
	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	PICK	ROI
Stars	+183	+188	2,83	2,88		-1,7%
Bruins	-204	-188	1,49	1,53		-2,7%
Tip: No value bet.
	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	PICK	ROI
Maple Leafs	+122	+127	2,22	2,27		-2,2%
Predators	-135	-127	1,74	1,79		-2,6%
Tip: No value bet.
	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	PICK	ROI
Senators	+134	+117	2,34	2,17	X	7,8%
Wild	-148	-117	1,68	1,85		-9,7%
Tip: Bet the Senators.
	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	PICK	ROI
Ducks	-116	-130	1,86	1,77	X	5,2%
Jets	+105	+130	2,05	2,30		-10,9%
Tip: Bet the Ducks.
	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	Pinnacle	PROFESSOR MJ	PICK	ROI
Sharks	+115	+119	2,15	2,19		-1,8%
Oilers	-127	-119	1,79	1,84		-2,9%
Tip: No value bet.

 

I’m taking the Blue Jackets at -115 (decimal 1.87) in Carolina. Both teams have won 7 of their last 10 contests, with the Hurricanes now recording at least a point in 12 consecutive games. I don’t mean to downplay their accomplishments, but they haven’t faced tough opposition recently: the toughest opponents over the last 7 games have been Montreal and Nashville. The Jackets are definitely a step above all of those teams. Columbus has won 2 of this year’s 3 meetings with the Canes. Bobrovsky has started the last 3 games, and with the Jackets playing in Carolina tonight and in Chicago tomorrow, I expect Korpisalo to be the starter. The projections were made under this assumption, and yet I’m picking Columbus. If Bobrovsky starts, that will simply be a bonus. The Hurricanes have been playing above their heads for a while now and I expect them to come back to earth against one of the league’s best teams tonight.

The next pick goes to Ottawa at +134 (decimal 2.34) in Minnesota. As soon as I heard that the Wild had recalled Alex Stalock from the AHL and that “sources said he might even start Thursday night”, I jumped on Ottawa at +144 yesterday afternoon. The line has dropped 10 cents since, but my projections still see value in this line. Stalock has indeed been confirmed as the starter: he will be making his first NHL start of the 2016-2017 campaign. As a member of the Sharks, he went 24-19-7 with a 2.37 GAA and a 91.1% save percentage (respectable numbers). Zach Parise will be out after taking a high-stick in the eye against Washington. During the last 4 meetings in Minnesota, Ottawa has not been intimidated at all: they won 3 of them, with the only loss ending in a shootout. Both teams are struggling as the Wild have won a single game out of their last 10, while Ottawa has dropped six of eight. As I said before, when two struggling teams meet I like to go with the underdog (generally speaking).

Finally, I’m betting the Ducks at -116 (1.86) in Winnipeg. The only thing I don’t like here is Ryan Getzlaf missing the team’s last game with a “surprise” injury that came out of nowhere. Will he be playing tonight? No word as of yet. Now, on to the good news: Anaheim has won 8 of the past 9 meetings against the Jets, including 5 straight in Winnipeg. Also, Anaheim’s head coach Randy Carlyle played his last 9 seasons as a player in Winnipeg: his players will certainly be motivated to get him the W. The Ducks are riding a 5-game winning streak (9 wins out of the last 11 matches, with both losses by a single goal). The Jets are coming off two consecutive victories, but beating the Devils 4-3 in a shootout and the Canucks 2-1 isn’t anything to write home about.

A few notes about the Panthers-Canadiens game: call me pessimistic if you will, but as a Canadiens fan this game worries me quite a bit. I’m not saying you should bet the Panthers, but I would stay away from Montreal with such a money line (-185). Sure, Reto Berra will be in net against Carey Price, which is a great matchup for the Habs. But keep in mind that the Panthers had beaten Montreal 5 straight times before losing 3-2 in overtime last December. They have been doing very well against the Canadiens. After having a great season last year, Florida has disappointed badly in 2016-2017 but I feel like they are being underrated. Huberdeau missed several games, which didn’t help. He has recorded 23 points in 25 games, which is great. He and Marchessault will be highly motivated playing in front of their family in Montreal.

 

Once again I thank you for reading my daily projections!