(YTD 19-12 +11.39 units)

Islanders/Lightning:

The New York Islanders are off to a surprising start following the departure of their franchise superstar John Tavares. However, one of hardly discussed reasons as to why they are off to a 8-4-1 start this year is the effect and power of Stanley Cup defending coach Barry Trotz. 

Trotz has fully transformed this Islanders team into one that plays a 200 feet game, as they have allowed less than two goals a game in their last six games. 

While the Lightning are looking very impressive at the moment in all aspects as well, let’s keep in mind that it was Trotz who was able to get the Washington Capitals into 6th gear in the playoffs and defeat what is arguably the best finesse team in hockey. One thing that Tampa lacks is the ability to raise grit and intensity. New York will be well aware of this coming into tonight’s game after two full days off. 

Islanders moneyline +190 1*

Sharks/Stars:

The Dallas Stars are coming home from a road trip, and not on a note that would help with their value. While Boston and Columbus are not exactly easy opponents to conclude a very challenging six game road trip, the Stars will come back as an underdog against a San Jose Sharks team that has been overvalued right from their acquisition of Erik Karlsson. 

The Sharks will head out for the first time in nearly two weeks, and will also have a game tomorrow night in St. Louis. Expect Dallas to be the more prepared of the two, as they are in rebound mode with no conservation needed for the following day. 

Stars moneyline +104  1.5*

Wild/Kings:

The Minnesota Wild are in the midst of an extremely complicated road trip that has them bouncing back and forth between time zones, and playing the same team multiple times within the same road trip. The fifth stop will be the Staples Center, followed by the Honda Center in Anaheim tomorrow night. 

The Los Angeles Kings, needless to say, have not been off to a great start, but have won 3 of their last 4 games. With a coaching change, expect to see some life throughout this team as we did against the Ducks. There is a lot of talent still in LA, and when they are revved, this roster can be among the toughest. 

With Minnesota having two motivated Southern California teams back to back these next two days, expect them to be at a disadvantage in mental, emotional, and physical aspects tonight. 

Kings moneyline -110  1.5*