nhl

Game 1 Preview: Edmonton Oilers @ Toronto Maple Leafs

The worst team in the league is just gearing up for the offseason. Surprisingly, the Oilers are coming off a strong effort against Montreal, but not surprisingly they ultimately lost. The 5-4 shootout defeat was Edmonton’s 45th loss (regulation and overtime) of the season, worst in the NHL. Their season was done long ago; the rest of the year is just a formality for Edmonton.  

A couple classic hockey rivalries highlight the NHL betting schedule this weekend. As most sharp bettors know, nothing holds more value than good old-fashioned hate. And that's just what these matchups are providing hockey fans.

Saturday - Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens

The Boston Bruins have been the subject of plenty of talk after the Matt Cooke hit. They’ll try to keep their focus on the ice on Thursday.

Thursday March 11, 2010 – 7:00 ET
Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NHL Betting Line: Philadelphia -160

Minnesota is quickly falling further away from the postseason race, and their poor performance against Florida on Tuesday didn’t help. The Wild blew a two-goal third period lead to the Panthers, losing 3-2 in a shootout.

Minnesota managed only 11 shots all game, a franchise low for a home contest. The Red Wings blew a chance for three straight wins with an uninspiring third period effort against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.

This is the fifth of six meetings between the Atlantic Division rivals. They split their first four meetings of the season. It's the Rangers' first trip to Newark since Oct. 5, when they left with a 3-2 victory.
Tonight will be a battle between two struggling teams in the Eastern Conference who are both looking to get themselves going in the right direction with the playoffs fast approaching. The difference between these two teams is that one is comfortably locked into a playoff spot, while one is on the outside looking in.

The New Guards in the West

Wednesday night’s NHL action features a game between two of the youngest teams in the league. Los Angeles and Chicago are young, fast, talented and confident not unlike the Pittsburgh Penguins of a few years ago.

Los Angeles Kings (39-22-4) @ Chicago Blackhawks (43-17-5)
8:30 PM ET, Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The United Center, Chicago, Illinois
On: XM Satellite Channel 207

Ovechkin and Ryan Miller in action

The Eastern Conference of the NHL is as tight as usual with some teams running away from the pack and others stumbling their way into the stretch drive of the regular season.

The Islanders, once a surprise playoff threat in the Eastern Conference, have fallen off the face of the postseason earth, losing 11 of their last 14.

Only Toronto and Edmonton have worse point totals than the Isle. The Flyers on the other hand, once the most disappointing team in the East, have salvaged their season with a 21-15-3 run since replacing head coaches, with Peter Laviolette replacing John Stevens on December 3rd. History is not on the side of the New York Islanders.

Original 6 Matchup

One of the longest rivalries in the NHL takes place on Tuesday night. This game usually means something in the standings, but this game is all about the bragging rights.

Boston Bruins (29-24-11) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (20-33-12)
7:00 PM ET, Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
On: XM Satellite Radio Channel 208

Hockey fans buckle in for an exciting week on the ice. NHL betting has nine games Tuesday, with more than a few need-to-wager matchups on tap. Here's a look at Tuesday's top plays:

Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs