The 2015-16 season of the National Hockey League (NHL) continues to prove exciting as Before You Bet are set to offer our first NHL betting tips article for games this Monday, February 22nd - including the live Australian televised Chicago Blackhawks v Minnesota Wild
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Pittsburgh Penguins v Buffalo Sabres (Monday, Feb 22 at 4:30am AEST)
The Buffalo Sabres play host to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a game where Buffalo will be looking to secure a much-needed two points. They currently sit 25th out of 30 on the league ladder with just 24 regulation time wins from 59 games played. The Penguins have enjoyed a more consistent run of late, with a 6-3-1 record from their last 10 games which has been helped along by an excellent season from captain Sidney Crosby, recording 55 points from 56 games.
Both teams will be looking to lock-up a win in regulation time as Pittsburgh have had 8 Overtime losses with 4 of them coming in a Shootout, while Buffalo have a similar record with 7 OT losses and 5 of them occurring in Shootouts. Being the traveling team, the Penguins need to push their captains form in this game to secure an early lead and hold the Sabres off to secure a regulation win, as the game will turn into a coin flip if it heads into overtime with both of their records.
TIP: Pittsburgh to win - $1.80 at Sportsbet
Chicago Blackhawks v Minnesota Wild (Monday, Feb 22 at 7:30am AEST)
- Televised LIVE on Fox Sports 4
Arguably the most in-form team of the competition behind the Washington Capitals are the Chicago Blackhawks, who will take a 6-3-1 over the past 10 games record to the home ice of the Minnesota Wild. Chicago have some of the most feared fire power in the NHL with an amazing season long performance from the league's highest points earner, Patrick Kane. He sits with 83 points from 61 games, miles ahead of the league average of 15. Minnesota will have to contain the Kane line as much as possible early in the game to avoid a home ice blowout.
While not being as consistent as previous Stanley Cup winning seasons, the Blackhawks sit second on the league ladder with 38 wins, along with the second highest Power Play percentage at 22.9%. The Wild have given teams 150 chances to score on their Power Play this season and with Chicago having Corey Crawford in their net, who leads the league with 7 Shutouts, Minnesota has to try to avoid a game that could be quite one-sided if the Blackhawks big guns do fire.
TIP: Chicago to win - $1.86 Sportsbet
Calgary Flames v Anaheim Ducks (Monday, Feb 22 at 11:00am AEST)
The road season for the Calgary Flames has not been an easy one. Out of 57 total games played, the Flames have managed just 9 wins away from home ice and are one of only 5 teams in the league averaging over 3 goals against, at 3.04. The Ducks should use this stat to their advantage and keep their Shots-For per game number at, or even above, their average of 30.8, which is good for 8th in the league.
Anaheim have a top 10 Power Play conversion percentage in the league and will be looking at team top goal scorer (23 goals in 57 games) Corey Perry to hit the sheet multiple times if his good form continues. With the combination of Calgary's road record and goals allowed percentage, Anaheim should be looking to boost their shooting and goals scored numbers in a high scoring affair on home ice.
TIP: Total Goals OVER 4.5 - $1.39 - CrownBet
Make sure to read full terms and conditions of any betting promotion before placing any bets - may not be available to residents of all states.
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
