The 2015-16 National Hockey League (NHL) season continues with a great line up of matches coming our way on Monday, March 14th. Here's our best NHL betting tips for this week!
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Edmonton Oilers v Winnipeg Jets
Even with play-off hopes seemingly out of reach for both the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets, this game will still be hard-fought with a win keeping either team from hitting the bottom of the league ladder. The visiting 27th-placed Oilers have played the most games out of any team so far this season at 70, with only 26 wins coming from all that time on the ice. A just as inconsistent Winnipeg outfit are one win above the Oilers and will want to use home ice advantage to put some space between the teams.
The key factor in this match-up will be the number of goals scored. The Jets need to hit the scoreboard as they are last in the NHL for wins when there is only one goal scored all game (9). On the other hand, the Oilers would love a low-scoring affair as only 30% of their wins have come in games with 3 or more pucks end up in the back of the net. Second to the number of goals scored, Winnipeg will look to take advantage of the Oilers low-scoring Power Play record (2nd last in the league with 33) and if they can force some turn-overs in those situations, add to their high Short Handed Goal tally (10, good for 2nd in the NHL).
If Winnipeg are held to a low-scoring game by the Oilers, they should seal the deal in OT as they only have 2 goals against them when pushed past regulation time.
TIP: Winnipeg to WIN @$1.83 at Sportsbet
Columbus Blue Jackets v Tampa Bay Lightning
The 9th-placed Tampa Bay Lightning visit the struggling 26th-positioned Columbus Blue Jackets in a match where the Lightning will be looking to capitalize on their recent good form to secure 2 points as we edge closer to the play-offs. Tampa Bay are 7-2-1 over their past 10 games and are holding onto 3rd position in the Atlantic. Goal Tender Ben Bishop is having an outstanding season thus far, leading the league in Goals Against Average at 2.06, well ahead of the NHL average of 2.49.
Columbus are sitting out of the play-off picture for this season, only being able to secure 15 home game wins from 68 games played. The Blue Jackets have had a tough time keeping the puck out of their net, currently sitting 4th in the league for Goals Against at 207. Only losing 4 of their past 10 matches is a definite positive for Columbus, but positivity can only get you so far in a season that has had more downs than ups.
Tampa Bay will add to their 186 goal season, plus with a stronger looking defense than Columbus can offer, should secure a road win to hold their position on the ladder.
TIP: Tampa Bay to WIN @$1.69 at CrownBet
Detroit Red Wings v Toronto Maple Leafs
A home ice win for the Detroit against the Toronto this Monday will allow the Red Wings to hold onto their Wild Card position in the Eastern Division. The combination of a two-game win streak and playing the team ranked last in the league is a major advantage for Detroit. A key player who has helped the Red Wings recent good form is Dylan Larkin, leading his team with 40 points for the season and a shooting efficiency of 12%.
The visiting Maple Leafs will find overcoming Detroit on their home ice a massive challenge. 22 wins from 67 games is the worst record in the NHL, with only 12 road victories to speak of. If Toronto wants to keep themselves in the game, they need to keep their shots per game at their current 31.3 and find a way to avoid the match being sent into OT, as they have lost 100% of the 11 times that this has happened this season.
Expect Detroit to extract another 2 points from this match and hand Toronto its 7th loss from its past 11 games, cementing the Maple Leafs in 30th place in the league.
TIP: Detroit to WIN @$1.46 at CrownBet
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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!
