NHL Saturday: Puck Bucks
by Scott Rickenbach
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Another Saturday Night on the Ice has rolled around and, as noted in the last few installments, we have changed things up a bit here on the other side of the All Star Break. We now have gone with a bit of a different approach to this weekly article. Here we take a quick look at all the Saturday Night NHL action with the key word being quick. This is short because it is intended to be a quick read. This is a sentence or two that pops into an NHL mind when looking at the Saturday Night card. The intent is to help you focus in on match-ups where you feel there might be enough value to put your hard earned money to work for you! Let's get to work:
Van @ Tor - The Canucks are hot. They've simply gone on a tear since they've made some line changes that have triggered great offensive production. However, we're not one to lay a lot of juice - especially on the road - but, at the same time, as we've mentioned before, the Maple Leafs can't be trusted. Toronto is about as inconsistent as any team in the league.
Bos @ Fla - This looks like what we refer to as a "stay away game". We have a lot of respect for both clubs here. Boston is currently the top team in the NHL race for the President's Cup Trophy. As for the Panthers, they've been playing their best hockey of the season. However, they are coming off of a shutout loss against the Blackhawks and that means they'll bring a strong effort here. That means a tough battle is on tap here.
NJD @ NYI - The Devils are a big favorite here and with the total set at a five, there could be value with the over. The Islanders gave up six goals in their last game and the Devils offense has helped key their strong long-term run while goalie Martin Brodeur was out.
NYR @ Buf - The Rangers have been slumping badly but is there enough line value here with the Sabres laying quite a price at home? The Sabres are off of a loss to the Flyers so it is a good bounce back spot for Buffalo. The money line could be a little pricey though.
Ana @ Cbs - Ducks are struggling but playing at Detroit last night didn't help matters. Here they get a shot against a Columbus team that is off of a shootout win at Toronto. Lot of line value here with a Ducks team that still has a lot of talent on their roster. This could be a good spot for them to get back on track as the Jackets are a little over-rated right now. Mason is a very solid goalie but, other than that, the Ducks have a number of edges in terms of the skaters in this match-up.
Det @ Min - Most of the Red Wings struggles have come on the road this season and this is a bit of a tricky spot for them as they're coming off of big home win over Anaheim last night. The Wild will be looking to bounce back off of an OT loss to Calgary and this would be a good spot to do it! They're catching the Red Wings in a tough spot. Wild could be worth a look for the upset.
Nas @ Stl - The Predators lost at home in overtime against St Louis on Thursday. That makes this a solid shot at "right back revenge" and we get line value too since the Preds are on the road. Although scoring goals has been a problem at times for Nashville, they have been playing solid overall hockey recently.
Cgy @ Edm - The Flames could be worth a look here. On the road the price is kept low on Calgary and the Oilers are still disappointed by the way their road trip wrapped up. This included a disappointing finish at Dallas on Thursday. Conversely, Calgary is coming off another win as they won at Minnesota in overtime. The Flames are currently playing their best hockey of the season.