(8-14  -3.11 units)

Blue Jackets moneyline +168  1*

I will start with a long shot to kick the week off, and there are a few reasons why I feel this is a good play.

The first reason will be the obvious: Columbus Blue Jackets Head Coach John Tortorella. As we all know, Torts is one of the most intense coaches in hockey, and has been able to get the best out of his Blue Jackets far more often than not since his arrival two years ago. CBJ has lost back to back games in overtime, which means that frustrations would clearly arise. Mistake emphasis will be limited coming into this one, and Tortorella should have his entire team motivated and focused to get revenge after a 4-1 loss to these Toronto Maple Leafs earlier in the season.

Toronto is coming off a big rival win against the Boston Bruins, in a game that was not exactly the smoothest. Toronto had some problems hanging on to leads, but was able to come through in the extra frame. However, issues were apparent without Captain John Tavares, and Saturday’s game was an adrenaline victory.

I think Columbus has a good chance at exposing Toronto today, especially after knowing what they need to fix since last meeting. The Jackets have remained competitive, as six of their games have been one goal games so far. I expect them to have a shot at pushing the envelope today. Also keep in mind that if there is any game that Toronto may subconsciously sleep in in the early going, it would be tonight…as they have a date with their rival Bruins again tomorrow.

Flyers moneyline +101  1*

While hockey fans may choose to believe that Philly is becoming less and less relevant by the season, I truly believe that they have just been getting bad situations more often than not. The Flyers began the season in Europe, and saw a lack of playing frequency while other teams started gelling. To make matters worse, they were piled with an immediate Western Canada road trip shortly after their home opener. While the road trip was entirely the team’s responsibility to adjust, they were unable to, and returned home to face an angry Dallas Stars team that was just warm coming off a poor effort loss in Pittsburgh.

Today, for the first time, the Flyers should actually be settled. They have finally had some time to collect themselves and engage in a real practice and fix what they could not accomplish against Dallas on Saturday. The Golden Knights on the other hand, are coming off a favorable situation in facing a banged up Penguins team that saw zero rest. Vegas saw themselves set at -130 favorites in that game, but see a lower favor today despite playing against a much lower ranked team.

I expect Philadelphia to come out with more firepower today, as inaccuracy has been likely been a result of a lack of favorable circumstances. Today, Philly should be at their best, and the Golden Knights may be eyeing forward knowing that they need to conserve a bit of energy for the back to back in Chicago.

Blues in Regulation +116  1*

The St. Louis Blues have been quite disappointing through a four game losing streak, but the truth is that the fundamentals still appear to be there for a winning formula. While Montreal has been early on establishing themselves as an Eastern nemesis to St. Louis (and a successful one), the Blues will be looking for a solid effort at home today, and maybe a win with authority.

While the Colorado Avalanche are currently the best team in hockey, and have yet to face a regulation loss in eight games to start the season, I think a fifth game of a road trip that has already encompassed three different regions of the United States is going to show a bit of wear and tear. The Avs have been winning over and over again while many have anticipated the first big loss, but it has not been happening. However, today will be a good opportunity for that big loss, as the team gets a few days off before a final stop in Vegas before going home. Let’s hope that these young guns start their break a little early.