Two totals First of all, today is somewhat of a national holiday for our northern neighbors. I would like to wish all of you a happy "National Hockey Day in Canada." All six Canadian franchises play a Canadian opponent tonight and each game is broadcast on CBC.
Chi/Car over 5.5 (-110).
Chicago is faced with a horrible travel schedule. They have been on the west coast for the past week and are flying across the country after their Thursday night game in San Jose.I don't expect the Hawks to have fresh legs for this contest.A tired defense oftentimes gets penalties for grabbing instead of moving their legs.They are facing a Hurricane squad that is both capable and willing to quicken the pace.In mid January,the 'Canes awarded the captain's sweater to Staal.This has brought about a spark to a formerly moribund offense.They have now scored 21 goals in their last 5 contests.However, Carolina still ranks 27th in goals allowed.They are also the second most penalized team in the league.This has to cause some concern as Chicago is the 3rd highest scoring team and is ranked number 2 in SOG's.When the Blackhawks play on the road, the over has cashed in 9 of their last 11 matchups.The "over" has cashed in 8 of their last 11 games when playing with one day's rest.Chicago likes to "open up" when in the limelight as the over is 42-20-4 when they play on Saturdays.Carolina is 9-2 "over" when installed as a home dog and have played over the total in 6 of their last 8 Saturday contests.
Van/Tor over 6 (-105).
Vancouver will be playing without 3 of their top 6 defensemen.We played the Canucks' game over 5.5 last Saturday night.After last Saturday's result, the "over" is now 6-2-1 when Vancouver is featured on HNIC.When playing with two days rest,'Nucks games are 4-0 "over."They bring the league's second highest scoring line (Sedin twins and Burrows) and the NHL's 4th most potent scoring offense to Toronto.In their last 8 road tilts, the over is 5-2-1.The high scoring Canucks should be salivating at the thought of going against the NHL's worst scoring defense.The Leafs also allow the most power play goals in the league and have an embarrassing penalty kill percentage of 69.2% ( easliy the worst in the NHL). Toronto is coming off of a 5-4 OT loss to the Devils last night.Even though they lost, one has to be impressed with the fact that they could score 4 goals versus Brodeur ( arguably, the league's best goalie and a first ballot hall of famer).A little known fact is that the Leafs lead the NHL in shots on goal.When playing with no rest, Toronto is 4-1 "over." The series has witnessed 14 of the last 20 contests going over the posted total.When I read that Toskala will probably be in net tonight,I bet the over 6 immediately.He is allowing 3.64 goals per game and has a lousy .874 save percentage.
Good luck,
charliej
