NHL Picks (Wednesday 2/15): Bruins Canadiens, Penguins Ducks

NHL Picks and Predictions, Wednesday 2/15: Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks at Pittsburgh Penguins, Leafs Oilers, Avs Canucks, Sens Panthers

The Bruins and Habs renew one of my favorite rivalries in hockey, especially after last year’s playoffs battle. The Ducks are tired, but the Penguins are playing mediocre hockey and I want them to lose so maybe they will? The Toronto Maple Leafs are struggling too, but they’re dogs the Oilers, which is always a good bet. The Canucks are playing solid hockey and the Avs have lost four of five road games. Still, isn’t it the MO of the Vancouver Canucks to break our hearts when we least expect it? My favorite game of the night is Sens Panthers. Ottawa and Florida are fighting for their playoff lives. I expect a desperate, fun game.

Oh baby, Happy Valentine’s Day to me. 7-2 last night puts us at 48-44 and it seems February is finally turning around. All small bets from me today, with a +1.5 parlay on the Ducks and Canucks money line. Nice and easy. Live to fight another day. Today is mostly for fun.

Anaheim Ducks (+160) at Pittsburgh Penguins

The Ducks and Penguins have both won their last two games and the Penguins are one overtime win better than the Ducks over the last ten games. These are two streaking teams, one fueled by Evgeni Malkin and the other a desperate push towards the playoffs after a terrible start. I side with desperation here, even on back-to-back games, because in February that’s been the dominant factor as we approach the deadline. I think the Ducks will keep it close, and I personally am betting the +1.5 line in a parlay with the Canucks moneyline. Maybe, the Ducks can pull this one off.

Ducks 3 – Pens 2

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 2/6

Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens (+115)

The Bruins are playing on back-to-back nights against an unstable Canadiens team. But I like unstable. The Bruins have been flirting with .500 this month and fell off in the race for the top spot in the conference. In a statement game against the Rangers, they were dominated. In a rivalry game, why can’t the Habs do the same? There’s value in the Bruins line, but I’ve got a feeling about the Habs.

Habs 3 – Bruins 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 1/6

Ottawa Senators at Florida Panthers (-135)

The Panthers are getting hot, in a desperate push to distance themselves from the Caps. The Senators are starting to lose faith. They need a win – I just don’t think they’ll get one.

Panthers 4 – Senators 3

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 2/6

Toronto Maple Leafs (EVEN) at Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers are hot, but are they as good as they’ve played the past ten days or so? I don’t think so, and it’s only a matter of time before teams like the Leafs are beating up on Edmonton again. The Leafs need to snap out of it, or this long awaited playoff season will slip away.

Leafs 3 – Oilers 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 3/6

Colorado Avalanche at Vancouver Canucks (-220)

I can’t see the upset here. The Avs are pretty miserable on the road and the Canucks are humming along. It’s February hockey and anything can happen as the Avs jockey for the 8th spot, but the Canucks look like the Canucks again – almost.

Canucks 4 – Avs 3

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 1/6

February: 48-44

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