NHL Best Bets for November 15, 2015
Only two games on the NHL betting board but both look reasonably entertaining. At the very least, both offer decent wagering options:
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS AT NEW YORK RANGERS:
Don’t look now, but the Toronto Maple Leafs have won three straight games. They haven’t been against substandard opponents either with the Leafs winning on the road against Dallas and Nashville and at home against Vancouver. The Leafs faithful know better than to think that this is a ‘new era’ but its a good sign that the team is heading in the right direction. They’ll face a big test on Sunday night as they play the New York Rangers, a team that has won eight straight and 10 of 11.
Sunday’s game will be a battle of backup goalies as well. The Leafs will send struggling Jonathan Bernier, who gets the opportunity to turn things around with Toronto playing the second of back to back games. Bernier is yet to record a victory this season with a record of 0-6-1, posting a 3.02 goals against average with a save percentage of 0.899. The Rangers will also give Henrik Lundqvist a rest in the second of back to back games. Lundqvist has been playing very well–that’s why the Rangers have the #1 team defense in the NHL. They’re very fortunate as they can turn to backup Antti Raanta in this situation. Ranta is undefeated on the season at 3-0-0 with a 0.67 goals against average. a savea percentage of 0.976 and 1 shutout.
Credit to the Leafs for stealing some wins against good teams. This looks like a different challenge here–with both playing last night there’s no real advantage to either team but the Rangers are the deeper, more experienced and ultimately more talented team. Back to back hasn’t been a problem so far this season for New York–they’re 4-0 in that spot. They’ve also won 5 of 6 against opponents with losing records.
BET NEW YORK RANGERS -200 OVER TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
CALGARY FLAMES AT CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS:
Two teams trying to find some positive momentum. The Flames have had a pitiful season so far and particularly on the defensive end where they’re currently dead last in team defense. They’ll give Kari Ramo the start tonight with Jonas Hiller on the DL and 24 year old Joni Oterio not ready for prime time. The Blackhawks will give Corey Crawford the night off in favor of Scott Darling who has struggled to regain the form that he showed when pressed into service last season. Then again, that could be said about the entire Blackhawks team. Patrick Kane is dominating so far leading the NHL in plus/minus, goals, assists, points and tied for the lead in game winning and power play goals. The rest of the team has looked not so great. Blackhawks have won 4 of 5 against opponents with losing records this season and they can’t afford to be passive in the brutal central division.
BET CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS -170 OVER CALGARY FLAMES