By W.G. Ramirez
It’s time for another installment of our Betting Spotlight. Let’s jump right in before you head out to the books.
Power Play
Detroit at Ottawa (+105)
The Senators haven’t necessarily taken the league by storm, and certainly don’t look like they’re going to make a run at the postseason. But they do carry value on certain nights, and we think this is one of those nights.
Detroit has won four straight games, with wins over Vancouver, the Rangers, Carolina and Arizona. Now the Red Wings hit the road for a quick two-game set in Ottawa and New Jersey, and they’re poised to suffer a letdown.
Ottawa is 5-3-2 at home, where it gets plenty of offense from a balanced effort. Max Lajoie, Mark Stone and Colin White are tied for the team lead with five goals each at Canadian Tire Centre, while Thomas Chabot leads the club with 11 assists there.
And with the fifth-best power play on home ice, the Senators could certainly take advantage with an extra man. Colin White leads the team with four power-play goals while Mark Stone (two goals, six assists) is the Senators’ leader with eight points on the power play this season.
The Red Wings are 3-4-1 with a suitcase in hand, albeit they’ve won three straight on the road. They’ll overlook this Ottawa team, and the home pup is the right play.
Even Strength Play
N.Y. Rangers at N.Y. Islanders (-135)
The Isles have had a great start to the season, and roll in against their crosstown rival with a 4-1-2 mark at home. And tonight they’re putting a six-game home point streak on the line. Last season, the Islanders went 4-0-0 against the Rangers, outscoring them 16-6.
Lay the home chalk with the Islanders, as captain Anders Lee, who has 14 points in 17 games this season, will lead the charge in this Big Apple rivalry.
Penalty Kill Plays
New Jersey at Philadelphia (6-over, -115)
The Devils enter this contest after snapping a three-game skid with a 4-2 win over the Pens, but face a Philly team off a loss in the midst of five-game homestand. Oddsmakers put a 6 up for the total for a reason — it’s going OVER.
Tampa Bay (-110) at Pittsburgh
The Lightning have followed a four-game win streak with two straight surprising losses to Ottawa and Buffalo. The Penguins have struggled during a 1-5-1 slide, and won’t be able to stop an angry Tampa Bay team. Lightning strikes.
Florida (+105) at Columbus
The Panthers’ defensive efforts of late have led them to five straight victories. During the stretch, they’ve outscored opponents 19-7. Tonight they face Columbus in a sandwich home game. Panthers worth a look.
Vancouver at Minnesota (5 1/2-over, -120)
With the line so high on this game, and the puck line a little sketchy to late against a dangerous Canucks team, we’re thinking these fast-paced, high-scoring teams will send the total soaring. Play the OVER in this game.
Nashville (-130) at Arizona
It’ll be rare you’re going to find the Predators laying such a cheap price to Arizona, so we’re going to take advantage of a price that obviously is low due to this being the end of Nashville’s five-game road trip and a two-game losing skid. Play the Preds.
Montreal at Calgary (-140)
The Flames are laying a hefty price, but it’s one we’re willing to lay considering how many goals the Canadiens are letting in net. Montreal has lost three of four, and has allowed 21 goals along the way. With Calgary back home for four straight after three on the road, we like the Flames.
Toronto at San Jose (-140)
The Maple Leafs continue a three-game trek in California — part of a four-game road trip — after beating the Kings 5-1. This one is tougher, in facing Pacific Division-favorite San Jose, which has won the first two of a six-game homestand. Another big price, but we like the Sharks.
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.