Despite the fact that there are still months to play in the 2010-11 NHL betting season, the points that are earned in December and January are the ones that will make the biggest difference during the push to the playoffs in March and April. That said, there are a few key match ups to look forward to this week in the NHL, including a brewing in-state clash and a classic Original Six rivalry.
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Philadelphia Flyers
Tuesday, 7 PM ET
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been on an absolute tear over the past month, winning 12 straight to pull ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers for first place in the online sports betting division. The biggest reasons for the Penguins’ success are the play of captain Sidney Crosby and netminder Marc-Andre Fleury, who have both been outstanding during the team’s run. Crosby has registered at least a point in each of Pittsburgh’s last 18 games while making a run past Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning for the league lead in scoring, while Fleury has rebounded from a slow start to provide some brilliant play. Meanwhile, the Flyers have lost just once in their past 11 games, and with just one point separating these teams in the standings, Philadelphia could move back in to first with a win on Tuesday.
Pick: Flyers
Boston Bruins @ Montreal Canadiens
Thursday, 7:30 PM ET
After years of these teams exchanging blows in both the regular season and playoffs, nothing has settled in this Original Six rivalry. The Montreal Canadiens have carried over momentum from a stellar postseason run with a new main man leading the way in goal with Carey Price as the No. 1, but the Bruins have a Vezina trophy candidate of their own in Tim Thomas. Those two goalies have been the best in the NHL standings this season, so this one should be low-scoring, but with the intensity that has built from years of hard feelings, this one should be emotional. The team that scores first could very well get the shutout win.
Pick: Canadiens
Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks
Friday, 8:30 PM ET
The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks will look to keep pace in the Western conference without superstars Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, who are both out with injuries. The Blackhawks have struggled to gain any pay per head momentum this year, particularly at home where they are just 8-8 on the year, and it won’t get any easier against one of the most dangerous road teams in the league. The Detroit Red Wings are 8-3-1 on the road this year, one of the biggest reasons why they lead the Western conference standings. The Red Wings will look to make a statement that they are back after a year our of the Stanley Cup finals by gaining a crucial two points on the road against Chicago.
Pick: Red Wings
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