NHL Hockey Best Bets for October 28, 2015
Another short slate of games in the National Hockey League for Wednesday but all three games are compelling and potentially entertaining. We’ll start at the top of the board as the Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators face off in Ontario:
CALGARY FLAMES AT OTTAWA SENATORS:
Both teams have struggled out of the game. The problem is a bit more acute in Calgary though that has more to do with the brutally competitive nature of the Western Conference than anything else. The Senators have eight points in eight games while the Flames have four points out of nine games. Ottawa is just two points out of the final playoff spot in the East while Calgary is eight points back. Calgary is already in ‘finger pointing’ mode where the fans and media are blaming everyone and everything for the swoon. For example, rookie Sam Bennett is getting heat for his play. Others in the media are making the case for a shakeup of the team through trades. There is some solace as defenseman T.J. Brodie is off of injured reserve and could return to the lineup as soon as tonight. His return might not seem like a big deal but he plays so well with captain Mark Giordano that having Brodie back in the lineup may have repercussions that improves everyone’s game. The Flames’ goalie situation is also a mess. Sending Kari Ramo to the minors may have cleared up the crowded netminder spot but that won’t necessarily improve things. Tonight, Bob Hartley will go back to Jonas Hiller despite his recent struggles.
Ottawa also needs to improve things in goal but they’re trying to not rush Andrew Hammond back too quickly. Eventually, they’re hoping to split time between him and current goaltender Craig Anderson but unless Anderson’s play improves they might not have an option. They’ll get defenseman Mark Methot back here–he’s been recovering from a concussion. He’s paired with Erik Karlsson as the physical balance to Karlsson’s more finesse oriented game. Overall, this game is a toss up and the only way to play a toss up is to take the better moneyline price. That’s Calgary who also needs a win more urgently.
BET CALGARY FLAMES +135 OVER OTTAWA SENATORS
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS AT WASHINGTON CAPITALS:
In most seasons, this would be the ‘can’t miss’ game of the night. That’s not really the case this year. The Pittsburgh Penguins are struggling with 8 points in 8 games. They’re playing their first Metro Division game tonight against the Washington Capitals. The Capitals are the hottest team in hockey at the moment winning five straight. At this point, everything is coming up roses for the Caps in every phase of the game. Pittsburgh has won five of the last eight meetings including 3 of the last 4 in Washington. Given the team’s relative form, however, just not possible to make a case for the underdog.
BET WASHINGTON CAPITALS -140 OVER PITTSSBURGH PENGUINS
NASHVILLE PREDATORS AT SAN JOSE SHARKS:
The Nashville Predators have been at or near the top of the Central Division so far this season while the Sharks have started to slip out after a hot start. The great thing about Nashville is their consistency–they’ve played 8 games this year and have taken points in all but one. They’re coming off an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins while San Jose has lost three of four. San Jose was expected to be a rebuilding team this season while the Predators are legit and need every win they can get in the brutal Central Division. In our view, Nashville is the better team.
BET NASHVILLE PREDATORS -105 OVER SAN JOSE SHARKS