Sharks/Flyers:

On an eventful Tuesday Night, we have a rare interconference meeting between the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers. 

The line setting in this matchup is based on a number of highly influencing factors, and is not necessary a pure reflection of the natural abilities of these two. 

First off, we have a situation where the San Jose Sharks are on the second leg of a back to back, while the Philadelphia Flyers are on their first leg of a back to back. Normally, this adds favor to the fresher of the two teams. In addition to that, this is often a back up goalie scenario for the team playing their second game in two nights, and this is likely the case tonight with Aaron Dell probably getting the nod for San Jose in goal. 

Second, would come the sway of the money. Because the Sharks are interpreted to be “fatigue”, this will give bettors the indication that Philly may have an advantage. Also, after getting blanked 4-0 by what is anticipated to be one of the perceived worst teams in hockey in the New York Islanders, many people are quickly jumping off the Sharks hype bandwagon. 

Third, this is the home opener for the Flyers. Therefore, not only has the hype been incorporated into the line setting, but the fans of one of the bigger hockey markets are also on board with the home opener hype.

As of right now, we have this previewed almighty Sharks club set at plus money, as the line has moved a few points in favor of the Flyers. 

What I see here is a Sharks team that hasn’t really skipped a beat in terms of puck movement and chemistry, but a very rusty one that is struggling to execute the last move..which is putting the puck in the net. Many offensive schemes have led to missed shots or shots right at goalie crests. Something has to give. I don’t anticipate fatigue with this Sharks team tonight, and I think they will strive for a sharper shooting game today. 

The Flyers are a tough team to get a read on at times, as they are a team that operates on the least concrete of structures. The team does not use one particular system consistently, and prefers a crash the net approach. With that style, the Flyers will be wary of conserving energy for tomorrow’s game north of the border, even though the Sharks are a much more elite opponent than the Senators. 

I believe that the simple regard that San Jose is here on a rebound opportunity is enough to give them the edge tonight. 

Sharks moneyline +100  1*

Maple Leafs/Stars:

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be heading in Arlington to face the Dallas Stars tonight, and this at glance looks like an opportunity for firewagon NHL hockey at its finest right? 

Well, the 6.5 total would say so…

We all know of Toronto’s situation, and Sunday’s 7-6 OT win against the Chicago Blackhawks was a prime example of what many people imagined most Maple Leafs games would be like this season. Toronto has been highly praised and anticipated as arguably the best offense on paper in the NHL, but also strongly criticized for their lack of defensive ability as well as their salary cap management that may have created implications barring them to acquire defensive support. Essentially, this leads to the idea and understanding that most Leafs games are going to be high scoring.

Dallas has been known as an offensive team over the past half decade. This stems from their time under Head Coach Lindy Ruff, who operates on a tape to tape system involving two of the deadliest scoring threats in Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, as well as one of the best puck movers from the blue line in Jon Klingberg. As of last year, Head Coach Ken Hitchcock took the reigns on this Stars team, and has an opposite philosophy on team strategy. The long time old school coach focuses on grit and defensive strategies more so than a high paced fluid puck moving scheme, and signs of this were subtle to an average fairweather hockey follower. Those who watched the Stars closely last year would have seen that they were in the midst of a transition into a significantly different style, and this may have been why they fell below expectations as well. Nonetheless, the majority of the league still sees this Texas team as a highly potent one with firepower. 

However, with a coach like Ken Hithcock, we know that there is more than meets the eyes. As much as it is important to have faith in your offense, Hitchcock knows that the Stars would be in for a tough one going toe to toe on offense with this Leafs team that is stacked all the way to the third line. He also knows that if you contain their offense, it may only take capitalization on mistakes to win the game. Therefore, I believe Hitchcock will come into this one with a defense first approach while the Leafs continue to stay on their high horse coming off a 7 goal performance. 

With a line that has moved to -130 in favor of Dallas, I can see that there is still a high amount of respect for the Stars. However, if they are to win this game or at least hang in with Toronto, it will likely be an opportunistic game that falls on a defensive system.

UNDER 6.5 +100  1*