Hockey fans who enjoy sports betting online are starting to see a little more focus on the NHL as the betting on NFL football is coming to an end. Hockey fans are watching the NHL scores to see if their favorite team can make a run to the NHL playoffs. Here are some key Eastern Conference games that may have a profound effect on the NHL standings when it comes time for the final NHL playoff push.
Wednesday – Toronto Maple Leafs @ New York Rangers
The Leafs had such a promising start to the season that it looked like they may be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. But as the season has moved along, the Leaf fans have taken to throwing waffles at the team to show how displeased they are. The Leafs are slowly making a move in the Eastern Conference. Toronto has won five of its last 10 games and has jumped over the Ottawa Senators to get out of the Northeast Division basement. But the Leafs are still 12 points out of a playoff spot, and they are going to need a major winning streak to get back into contention.
The Rangers hold down the seventh position in the Eastern Conference, but they are also riding a two-game losing streak. The Rangers are much better on the road than at home, which may not spell good things for New York in this game. At Madison Square Garden the Rangers are 11-10-2, but they have won five of their last 10 games. This is a game that the Leafs need desperately, and the Rangers may not be able to put enough of a fight to stop them.
Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs
Wednesday – Columbus Blue Jackets @ Florida Panthers
Not many people gave the Florida Panthers a chance at making the playoffs this year. When the season started, goaltender Tomas Vokoun seemed to be the only Panther capable of playing at a high level. Lately, the rest of the Panthers have caught up to Vokoun and the team has won five of its last 10 games, and picked up two more points with two losses in overtime. The Panthers are only eight points out of a playoff spot, and they are one of the best home teams in the Eastern Conference with an 11-8-3 record on home ice.
The Columbus Blue Jackets had started to make a surge for a Western Conference playoff spot a few weeks ago, but they have flickered out and may be working their way out of the playoffs. The Blue Jackets have only won four of their last 10 games, and they have a 9-10-3 record on the road. This could be the game that the Panthers need to jumpstart their playoff push.
Pick: Florida Panthers
Thursday – Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins
It is now or never for the Buffalo Sabres if they want to make the playoffs. The Sabres are 10 points out of a playoff spot and they start a string of Eastern Conference games with this match-up in Boston. Buffalo is coming off of a demoralizing loss to the New York Islanders, and are only 9-9-4 on the road.
The Bruins are holding down second place in the Eastern Conference and have only lost two of their last 10 games. The season series is tied 2-2 between the Sabres and the Bruins, but the Sabres desperately need to win this game.
Pick: Buffalo Sabres
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