January 29th, 2020 | The Hockey Betting Podcast
The latest edition of The Hockey Betting Podcast has Brian Blessing and Cam Stewart taking a look at games for Wednesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 30, 2020. At the start of the show the guys remark that teams with a game under their belt after the All-Star or five-day break have a potential advantage against teams that are yet to play after a long bye. Listen to the latest edition of The Hockey Betting Podcast to get all of Brian and Cam’s analysis and picks.
January 29th, 2020 NHL Schedule and Betting Odds
Toronto Maple Leafs at Dallas Stars -120, 6 – SN
Toronto successfully started off the second half of the season with a Monday night 5-2 win at Nashville. Dallas won Monday as well in a 3-2 home overtime thriller over Tampa Bay. General manager Kyle Dubas and his Maple Leafs analytics crew are yet to crack the code on a back end ranked 27th for goals against and 25th for the penalty kill. Even Neanderthals realize that those are not numbers conducive for a playoff spot, let alone post-season success. Cam likes the underdog Leafs and over the total. Brian agrees on the over and asks how could you EVER take the Leafs under?
Nashville Predators at Washington Capitals -150, 6.5 – NBCSN
Nobody could have ever imagined a Predators team ranked 23rd for goals against and 29th for the penalty kill, but here we are. Nashville is six points out of the final Western Conference playoff spot. Washington’s Stanley Cup hangover from last year is long gone as the Caps are back to playing a complete game and currently hold the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Cam says the total looks a little high for this one. In fact, both the guys pass on the side and total for this one.
Arizona Coyotes -118, 5 at Anaheim Ducks
Arizona features the interesting combination of analytics-oriented general manager John Chayka and old school coach Rick Tocchet. So far, the tandem has put the Coyotes in position to make the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Anaheim coach Dallas Eakins is known for his passion for health food and for a bad first go-around as Edmonton Oilers head man. The 14th place Ducks are ahead of only LA in the Western Conference, which may cause Eakins to go on a granola bar bender soon. Brian and Cam like the Coyotes here and both agree on how bad the Ducks are.
Tampa Bay Lightning -200, 6 at Los Angeles Kings – NBCSN
After being swept in the first round by Columbus immediately upon earning the Presidents Trophy last year, perhaps head coach Jon Cooper and the Lighting have learned to save up their energy for April. Tampa Bay has climbed to fourth in the Eastern Conference and should be focused after Monday’s loss at Dallas. Cam likes Tampa Bay to win going away due to that loss at the Stars, as well as over the total.
Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers -125, 6 – SN360
The Battle of Alberta features bad blood rivals that are neck-and-neck for sixth place in the West. Intensity should be sky high for this one. The guys expect a lot of power plays due to the refs calling it tight, making the over a potentially good bet. They also like the Flames as they have already played a game since the break.
Vancouver Canucks -110, 6 at San Jose Sharks
San Jose has the worst goal differential in the Western Conference and faces a surprise Vancouver team that is fourth in the West and showing good balance. Canucks head coach Travis Green is a top tier NHL coach of the year candidate. Cam passes on this one. Brian asks if the Sharks could be this year’s St. Louis but Cam doesn’t see it happening.
January 30th, 2020 NHL Schedule and Betting Odds
Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres -118 – RDS
Montreal is 10 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Le Blue-Blanc-Rouge ranks rank 22nd in the NHL for goals against and 21st for penalty killing despite having goaltender Carey Price and a reputed shut down coach in Claude Julien. Buffalo is also 10 points out of that final spot but has perked up with three wins in their last five games. However, a 5-2 home loss to Ottawa Tuesday night is quite the buzz kill, especially as -198 chalk. Brian expects a good Buffalo effort after the debacle against the Sens, and Cam agrees while also liking the over.
Nashville Predators -159 at New Jersey Devils – NBCSN
This will be Nashville’s second road game in as many nights and their third game in four days. The dreadful Devils are next to last, ahead of only hapless Detroit, in the Eastern Conference standings and for goal differential. Cam leans on taking the Preds, especially if they lose at Washington.
Los Angeles Kings at Arizona Coyotes -175
This is a must-win game for the Coyotes in that they are on home ice against the worst team in the West. Los Angeles is 7-17-4 on the road this season. Both teams will be coming off games from the night before. Cam likes Arizona based on being the better team and playing on home ice, although he doesn’t like the high price.
Make sure to listen to The Hockey Betting Podcast to get all of the picks and insight from Brian and Cam.
