By W.G. Ramirez
The Vegas Golden Knights take the night off after an 8-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, which means we’re going to take a look at the rest of the league.
We’re 9-3 with totals involving the Golden Knights after dropping the last two over/unders, but we are on a 3-1 winning run with top-rated power plays throughout the league.
Let’s take a look at tonight’s brief card, with a note on each game.
Power Play
Dallas at Calgary (-1 1/2 goals, +135)
The Calgary Flames will victimize the Dallas Stars tonight, and with the price installed rather high, we’re going to play this one on the Puck Line.
With Calgary jockeying for position in the Pacific Division, along with the San Jose Sharks, who lost in Buffalo last night, and now the Vegas Golden Knights after last night’s 8-3 win in Chicago, the Flames find themselves in must-win mode right now.
Calgary and San Jose are tied with 29 points, while Vegas and Anaheim are just behind with 27 points. And the way Vegas has been playing of late, the Flames aren’t about to falter at home, where they’re 7-3-1 this season.
Dallas, on the other hand, continues its four-game road trip in eight days, with this being the third stop in five days. The Stars are mired in a 1-3-1 slide, during which they’ve been outscored 14-10 overall, and 11-4 in the losses.
Dallas has been held to two or fewer goals in six of its last eight games, and the Flames have outscored their last five opponents 23-10, and have scored at least four goals in four of their last five games.
Take CALGARY on the Puck Line tonight, as it secures the dub with ease.
Even Strength Play
San Jose at Toronto (-1 1/2 goals, +160)
The Sharks were supposed to contend for the Western Conference this season, but right now they’re going to be lucky to stay near the top of the Pacific Division. San Jose is tied with Calgary points-wise atop the division, but has two less wins. It also has Vegas nipping at its skates, just two points behind. Now the Sharks arrive in Toronto mired in a two-game skid, after last night’s grueling 3-2 overtime loss in Buffalo.
The Maple Leafs will be chomping at the bit in the finale of a three-game homestand, looking to skate circles around what should be a tired Sharks team. Toronto has won two straight, outscoring Philly (6-0) and Boston (4-2) by eight goals. The rested LEAFS will win this on the Puck Line.
Penalty Kill Plays
Anaheim (+155) at Florida
The Ducks look like the best underdog to invest in tonight, especially at this price. Anaheim has won three of four, including an impressive 3-1 win in Tampa last night. The travel to Miami is a short jaunt, so I don’t expect the Ducks to be too tired. Florida has lost three of four and five of seven. Live dog play on the DUCKS.
St. Louis (-120) at Detroit
The Red Wings have the better record, but St. Louis has the better team. The Blues have lost four of five, but the lone win came against Western Conference-favorite Nashville. The Blues will be looking to start this three-game road trip with some momentum. Detroit has lost three in a row, and won’t be able to keep up with the BLUES.
Pittsburgh at Colorado (6 1/2-over, -110)
The altitude won’t effect the Penguins, and the Avalanche will be pushing the tempo. Pittsburgh arrives after a 4-3 win in Winnipeg last night, so there will be some momentum flowing with Sidney and company. The Avalanche had gone high in three straight before a pair of five-goal games kept their last two low. Colorado is due for another big offensive push. Play this one OVER.
W.G. Ramirez is a freelance reporter in Las Vegas who covers the Vegas Golden Knights for The Associated Press. Follow him on Twitter at @WillieGRamirez.