NHL Monday Early Look

NHL Monday Early Look One play I bet is ML Islanders over the Flyers at -115 to lead off. These teams are going in different directions. The oddsmaker is aware of that and I give him props because it could be 20 years since the Islanders were favoured over the Flyers in a game even in Long Island. He has to tread lightly there. The case for the Flyers would be strictly contrarian right now. It doesn't seem they are a potential contender anymore. They've lost a few in a row on the road here in NJ and Montreal. Giroux called out his teammates after the game last night questioning effort. They are in a lot of games but they've struggled in the 3rd period and actually have lost quite a few games by more than one goal. The Islanders were a pretty big dog to the Rangers LW but sharp money came in on them and they won. Sharp money came in on them at home vs. the Devils on Saturday and they won that one. They've had some impressive performances. I think they lost a game they outshot Buffalo 42-15 or something around that. Tavares coming into his prime now. He has 11 goals and I think as a number 1 overall a few years ago he may be set to be the next superstar. Visnovsky and Streit give the Islanders 2 top boomers on the blueline. Overconfidence and not focusing after winning a few games is a risk along with the Flyers having a big turnaround game and there is a price where they could put the line and I might be interested in the Flyers but it is not +105. When things are going badly, unfortunately, that is when they can really start to go bad. I think the Isles should be at least -130 for this game in consideration of current form. It is too bad the books couldn't open this with Philly favoured. I'm sure there was a time not that long ago they would have but I still think worth looking at the Isles up to -120. I really wouldn't want the Flyers unless I got +135 and I may not bet it but at least would think about it. . I feel protected on the Isles at -120 or less as I can't see how any large money could bet the Flyers. Biggest risk would be Isles for some reason going with a backup in net. I'll risk that and assume they'd be crazy too. They're not a playoff team yet.

What I found interesting is that the Flyers did become favoured early this morning up to -115 Should have whacked it again. Of course, that ends up as the clear scalp as the line is back to what I laid at the beginning on the Islanders. Even when I win this bet I'll be out some change. Darn. Good bargains in Nevada on this game too who went on the original move but haven't moved back on the Islanders. I think MGM sitting at -105. Ed: Late money on Flyers too. I did have to bet a little Philadelphia puck line here to cover my arse. Been wrong twice here. I can't imagine who would want big money on them and clearly someone did. And I can't believe anyone wants them late. But someone did. I do like the play on the Isles. I really feel I've had worse stuff give me alot more pin action. This was right down the middle for a pretty bad split.

Columbus vs. Anaheim tonight. Anaheim not quite the very top of the league but they did beat Chicago and won in Nashville the other night. Columbus is the bottom of the league. I already wrote I think Anaheim looks like they are going to be a powerhouse so no surprise here they are -200 vs. the Jackets. However, the Ducks are coming back from a long road trip and only 1 day off. You would think it would be hard to get up for Columbus. They might get a standing ovation at home when they first skate out that is extra and perhaps they can carry their momentum over but it just seems like a flat spot for them in the schedule. Columbus didn't do much vs. the Kings. They lost 2-1 but game as I understand it not a positive. Low shots and not alot of energy. I think they played better vs. Phoenix the next night losing 5-3 but they were tied 3-3 going into the 3rd. They're hanging with these types of teams. I think their road trip goes a few more games they won't have a tonne of energy as I think 3rd game in 4 nights. Wisniewski I understand will play tonight key d man who has been out. Dubinsky out. Not sure about Anisimov. Gosh, none of their guys are any good really. Sportsinteraction already has a bargain on the Jackets so I had to bet a little so I can't say for sure whether I'd bet this without their number. I do think the situation Anaheim is in makes them a decent play against so I might have. I think I have a handle on how good Anaheim is not sure I have a handle on how bad Columbus is. Hiller will be back in goal I see. Sounds good but Fasth has been very good so overall I'm at best neutral on that. He could be rusty,

Two of their wins are vs. San Jose, which I think has more to do with the Sharks than the Jackets. However, Col may look at this to say they can also hang with another perceived elite team, i.e., Ana.

The Jackets beat Phoenix opening night and the good is they have 4 wins so they have enough wins that I can't remember them all. Clearly a team in rebuilding mode and struggling with injuries with even the passable veterans they have. Isles result in what a disaster. I would say the Flyers was a good bet on the late money....but actually the late late money came in on Isles. Heck I beat the closer at -115. So that head fake saved a few bucks. I was destined to lose that one wish I had lost at the better price. Isles missed 5 on 3 power play full 2 minutes in 1st period and I hear they were very ineffective on it with a number of turnovers and poor decisions. Were booed by the home fans down 1-0 in game. Those 2 man advantages really are pressure to score on. If you don't it is trouble because you're likely not to get the benefit of the penalties despite objectivity of officials going forward in the game. The kill is uplifting to the opponent of course as well and deflating for the team not scoring. Those factors are mitigated when the 2nd penalty comes well into the 1st penalty but when it is a full 2 minutes a team does need to score when that opportunity arises. It was a hugely wasted opportunity. Flyers got a goal 1st minute of 2nd period and scored 1st minute of game. That is also bad work. Flyers 3rd goal on the PP. Philly really didn't even need a big rally game as the Islanders are committing about the 2 biggest sins you can make in any game: not scoring on a 2 man advantage for a full 2 minutes and giving up not one but two goals in the 1st minute of periods. It deserved a forfeit at that point really. Inside the box score you'll notice Tavares 2 minors in 1st period seems unusual. Apparently he was agitated early in game have no idea. Day game. Who knows. Isles a bad read today.