Looking for value on a Saturday card? Of course we all know about the College Hoops card as that’s where most bettors turn. However, those that are looking to pad their bankrolls with even more profits realize that value can be had on a deep Saturday card of NHL action.
With 13 games to choose from on a Saturday that promises to be full of “Puck Bucks” let’s take a look at some potential “investment opportunities”:
Minnesota @ Columbus - The hungry home dog could be worth a look here. The Blue Jackets are a solid 16-7-4 on home ice this season and they take on a Wild team that is coming off of a big win over Anaheim on Wednesday. That Minnesota win over the Ducks meant a lot as the Wild were eliminated from the playoffs by Anaheim last season. This is a potential flat spot for Minnesota while the Blue Jackets come in fired up as Columbus has lost each of their two games since the All Star break.
Ottawa @ Toronto - Yes, the Leafs have a new general manager and, quite possibly, could be headed toward better days ahead. However, a home date with the Senators is the last thing the Maple Leafs needed right now. Ottawa is coming off of a home loss by a 4-1 count versus Boston on Thursday night. The Senators will be fired up for a division foe on Hockey Night in Canada. Even with some injury issues, Ottawa is likely to still have “plenty” to get by the Leafs. Toronto has won just 11 of their 25 home games this season. The Senators are a rock solid 16-7-2 on the road so far. The line value is clearly with the road team here.
Carolina @ Pittsburgh - This line looks “off” and we know what that usually means. It looks rather easy to take Pittsburgh at home with such a favorable price. However, this line is way down since the Pens are now without Crosby. The key here is that some other injuries have impacted the Penguins heading into this game. The Pens managed to upset the Devils 4-2 on Tuesday in their first game after the break but their 4-1 loss at Atlanta Wednesday was more indicative of the current challenges facing the Pens. The Penguins have allowed 16 goals in their last four games as they are simply not getting good netminding. This is especially troublesome when their offense has been impacted by more than just Crosby’s injury.
Carolina has had injury issues of their own this season but their health has now improved. They also are surging with momentum from winning each of their games since the break. Last, but certainly not least, this is a revenge game for the Hurricanes. They lost here in October and it was a frustrating defeat too. The Canes were up 3-1 and then Scott Walker got hurt, they lost all momentum, and they went onto lose 4-3 in the shootout. It is revenge time on Saturday night and shorthanded Pittsburgh won’t be able to match the Canes intensity in this one!
