(105-96 +9.45 units)

Stars/Canadiens:

The Dallas Stars are starting to feel a wear and tear effect, and this is no surprise for a team being coached by Hitchcock in his first season back with the team. Despite being able to maintain a see-saw win-loss pattern, the Stars have averaged below two goals per game in their last ten. They have played structurally defensively for the most part though, and this is exactly how Hitchcock will be coaching them until they at least secure a playoff spot. 

While the Montreal Canadiens have accepted defeat, and are going with Antii Niemi in goal tonight, they too have played well defensively at home lately. In their last ten home games, the Habs held their opponent to 2 or less goals in seven of them. Montreal has also seen six straight UNDERs with Niemi in net, so he really has not played bad enough for games to go over lately. 

With a game in Toronto tomorrow, I expect the Stars to be even more defensive tonight. Likewise, Montreal will be looking to string together a responsible effort in front of their sold out crowd. 

UNDER 5.5 -105  1*

Jets/Predators:

In a battle between two Central division Juggernauts, both the Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators will be looking to rebound from their last games. The Jets are in a current two game skid following a four game win streak, while Nashville just saw their ten game win streak snapped against the Devils.

I think it is fair to say that both of these offensive forces have run out of steam at least for the time being, with the UNDER trending for both of these clubs lately..and it has not really come at the expense of defense either. 

I don’t see the vibe taking a turn today, as both are still looking to secure playoff positioning. 

UNDER 6 -130  1*

Oilers/Flames:

The Edmonton Oilers, who were among Cup favorites at the start of the year, are only now starting to play with some command. It took a whole season of incompetence to finally alleviate pressures of living up to the hype, to finally find some groove. Right now, they are playing in their most natural form, and it is Calgary that is going through the pressure of maintaining resiliency and staying in the hunt. 

Lately, the Oilers have had Calgary’s number, and it has not been by fluke. 

Oilers moneyline +140  1*