Betting on hockey right now is a little tricky, as we’re right before the NHL trade deadline. Players looking to leave their bottom-feeder teams hoping to land on a playoff-caliber roster are upping their game. Patrick Kane is an excellent example of this.
Chicago Blackhawks at Dallas Stars
Kane has 7 points in his last three games. He also has had three shots or more in five of his previous six games. This makes his matchup tonight a risky gamble.
The Dallas Stars were in the category of avoiding at all costs when it came to betting on player shots, as they do block a ton of shots and play tight defensively but have drifted into the middle-ground territory. The Stars currently allow 32 shots per game, which makes Patrick Kane and his shooting percentage share (12.58%) very tempting.
Kane does tend to shoot more at home, but that added motivation to impress hockey GMs has me taking the over.
Winnipeg Jets at NY Islanders
The Jets’ defense has been a significant factor in four of their previous six victories. Thanks to the stellar play of Connor Hellebuyck and David Rittich in net, this club has allowed the third-fewest goals per game in the NHL this season. Tonight, the Islanders may struggle to score without Mat Barzal, J.G. Pageau, and maybe even Josh Bailey. Ilya Sorokin finished the game with 44 saves, but the Jets’ top line of Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele scored three times and dished out two assists against him on Monday.
The Islanders need to get more out of their top two lines. Lee has played well over his last four games, and we’re going to tail Lee’s hot streak.
Graphic: props.cash
