NHL Betting Preview for Friday 24 February
Tonight ice hockey fans have a host of exciting NHL games to look forward to, and leading internet sports betting website Bodog has all the latest odds. Plus, we have compiled the following NHL betting preview for Friday, 24 February.
NHL Betting Preview for February 24, 2012
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Colorado Avalanche (Nationwide Arena at 7pm EST)
The Colorado Avalanche should be rife with confidence going into this evening's game, considering that on Wednesday they beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-1, an extremely strong team they needed to be beat to remain in the running to reach the Western Conference playoffs. That victory hoisted the Avalanche to within two points of the Kings in the standings, and should be a precursor for another victory tonight, considering the Columbus Blue Jackets are a far weaker team than the Kings. Plus, consider that the Avalanche are 8-1-0 against the Blue Jackets since 2009-10.
Blue Jackets vs Avalanche Odds at Bodog
Columbus Blue Jackets +150
Draw +300
Colorado Avalanche +140
Our Pick: Colorado Avalanche
New Jersey Devils vs Vancouver Canucks (Prudential Center at 7pm EST)
There is no doubt that this will be one of the most exciting games tonight, as these two NHL powerhouses do battle. However, while both obviously need a win this evening, the Vancouver Canucks have more at stake than the New Jersey Devils - namely a shot to take the lead in the race for the coveted Presidents' Trophy. And because of this, expect the team from Vancouver to come out firing on all cylinders, just as they have been of late. It won't be lost on NHL betting fans that this will be the only time these teams face off this season.
Devils vs Canucks Odds at Bodog
New Jersey Devils +140
Draw +300
Vancouver Canucks +150
Our Pick: Vancouver Canucks
New York Islanders vs New York Rangers (Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum at 7pm EST)
The New York Rangers may have a comfortable cushion at the top of the Eastern Conference, but coach John Tortorella will be less focused on where the team is in the standings, and more about how to get them to start firing on all cylinders again after a recent lack-luster stretch. A good start would be to rack up a win against the New York Islanders tonight, which shouldn't be too difficult considering the Islanders are currently in last place. That said, the last things Rangers' fans want to see is an upset loss against such a weak rival.
Islanders vs Rangers Odds at Bodog
New York Islanders +187
Draw +300
New York Rangers +110
Our Pick: New York Rangers
Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins (HSBC Arena at 7pm EST)
To say that the Boston Bruins have struggled over the past month and a half is a vast understatement, despite the fact the team is leading the Northeast Division. Consider how two weeks ago the Bruins were unceremoniously thumped 6-0 by the Buffalo Sabres. As such, fans of the Boston team will be holding thumbs that a similar drubbing won't take place tonight. That game saw the Bruins being handed their worst defeat since succumbing 8-2 to Toronto in March 2008. However, for our NHL betting buck, the Bruins will dig deep to secure a win tonight.
Buffalo vs Bruins Odds at Bodog
Buffalo Sabres +187
Draw +300
Boston Bruins +110
Our Pick: Boston Bruins
Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild (American Airlines Center at 8:30pm EST)
Although the Minnesota Wild have pulled up their socks of late, they may well have their work cut out against the Dallas Stars this evening. The reason is that the Stars have a very poor record on the road, having racked up 15 straight losses away from home. And to add to their woes, Minnesota Wild return home after an extremely productive two-game trip, which saw them rack up impressive wins on both occasions. So, with their confidence high, we expect the Wild to send the Stars back to Dallas with yet another road loss to their name.
Stars vs Wild Odds at Bodog
Dallas Stars +100
Draw +300
Minnesota Wild +220
Our Pick: Minnesota Wild
