By W.G. Ramirez
The Vegas Golden Knights take the night off after last night’s 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. And while they enjoy a day to recuperate before playing the Edmonton Oilers tomorrow night, we’re going to take a look at the rest of the league.
We’re 10-3 with totals involving the Golden Knights after hitting the Over last night, and we are on a 3-2 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
Los Angeles at Calgary (-1’, +130)
We’re laying the Puck Line with the Pacific Division leaders against the worst team in the league. The Calgary Flames, who have a +11 goal differential, host the Los Angeles Kings in a division clash on a Friday night in the Saddledome, and that just doesn’t bode well for the guests.
Calgary, 7-3-2 at home, returned home after a two-game road trip and lost to the Dallas Stars 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday. With a day to let the loss sink in and prepare for the abysmal Kings, we expect a huge bounce back tonight.
The Flames, who have the ninth-best goals-for average in the NHL with 3.36 goals per game, also have a respectable goals-against average, allowing 2.88 goals per game.
The Kings also have the worst goals-for average, scoring just 2.16 goals per game. In playing their third road game in four nights — after games in Vancouver and Edmonton — the Kings will be too tired against the high-flying Flames.
Lay the puck line with CALGARY.
Even Strength Play
Anaheim at Carolina (-1’, +145)
The Ducks have been solid in their last two road games after losing in Nashville to open a five-game road trip. Anaheim is 4-1 in its last five, but now faces a very tough Carolina squad that has also won four of five, including a 2-1 victory in Montreal on Tuesday.
Carolina, which is 7-4-2 at home, is also on a 6-2-1 run and is in double revenge against the Ducks, who were 2-0-0 in this series last season. Goalie Curtis McElhinney has won four straight starts, and has posted a 1.25 goals against average and .967 save percentage during his win streak.
Look for the HURRICANES and McElhinney to earn the win.
Penalty Kill Plays
Buffalo (+140) at Florida
The Sabres will be angry after seeing their 10-game win streak come to an abrupt halt last night when the Tampa Bay Lightning scored the 5-4 win. From Tampa to Miami, the travel isn’t far. BUFFALO bounces back with a huge price.
New Jersey at Washington (-150)
The Devils arrive in D.C. with the reigning MVP, but there is only so much Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall can do for his team, which has lost three straight and five of six. This is New Jersey’s third road game in six nights. Take the CAPITALS.
St. Louis at Colorado (6-over, +100)
We’re going to side with the Over in this one, as the Blues arrive in Denver after a 4-3 loss in Detroit, and looking to bounce back. Colorado will dictate the pace, after putting a 6-spot on the Penguins on Wednesday. This has a 4-3, 5-2 or 5-3 score written all over it. Play it 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.