NHL weekend preview: Singing the Blues in Columbus
With 17 games scheduled over the next couple of days, we're in for a busy weekend of hockey.
Let's dive right into the best bets.
Capitals (+130) @ Hurricanes (-155)March 18, 7 p.m. EST
The Carolina Hurricanes were spectacularly disappointing Thursday night. Going up against a Toronto Maple Leafs team trotting out a 25-year-old goaltender for just his second career game, the Hurricanes scored only once in the first 59 minutes.
Ultimately, despite a five-on-five advantage and what should've been a massive edge in goal, the Hurricanes were defeated 3-2 by a team also missing by far its most important player. Not ideal.
I still like their chances of rebounding with a victory to kick off the weekend. They enter play with a significantly stronger profile at five-on-five, which was evident in their previous two meetings with the Washington Capitals. Carolina controlled at least 58% of the expected goals in each of those games.
A similar outcome in this game seems likely - especially if T.J. Oshie is unable to play. His absence would really sting Washington's second line.
I also like that the Hurricanes will draw Ilya Samsonov in goal. He owns a highly mediocre .901 save percentage this season and has conceded 5.7 more goals than expected. He's prone to poor outings, which is problematic when going up against a team that generates shots and chances at the rate Carolina does.
The Hurricanes should rebound and put up a relatively big number.
Bet: Hurricanes in regulation (+102)
Blues (-180) @ Blue Jackets (+140)March 19, 5 p.m. EST
The Columbus Blue Jackets remain a target almost every time they hit the ice. They're playing truly horrendous hockey that stems mostly from their inability to defend. Columbus controlled just over 42% of the five-on-five expected goals over the last 10 games and conceded 2.91 expected goals per 60, ranking ahead of only the Arizona Coyotes in that span.
Giving up that kind of volume is hugely concerning considering the level of goaltending the Blue Jackets are getting. Although Elvis Merzlikins is better than Joonas Korpisalo, he's struggled mightily of late as well. Since the calendar flipped, Merzlikins has posted a putrid .896 save percentage and allowed 71 goals on just 57 expected.
While the St. Louis Blues don't actually generate opportunities at an overly high rate, they do convert on a high percentage of them - much like the Capitals have over the last decade.
Expect the Blues to score early and often en route to a win inside 60 minutes.
Bet: Blues in regulation (-113)
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.
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