Caution Advised when Betting the Canucks

Frank Doyle looks at the weekend matchups in the NHL as the playoffs loom.

Vancouver’s suddenly patchy form over the past month didn’t really matter to the Canucks as regards the playoffs. The playoff berth was never in danger. But it was a matter of great concern to fans of NHL betting, who were never quite sure which Canucks would turn up on a given night.

A seven game winning streak has changed that perception, but that streak is in danger when Phoenix visits tonight. The Coyotes are on a four game winning streak themselves, and it’s not easy slip a puck past Ilya Bryzgalov. Vancouver won two weeks ago in Phoenix and is playing for the series sweep, but that tendency of Vancouver’s to take the night off makes the Coyotes the pick here.

The game of the night tonight has to be Washington’s visit to New Jersey. Devils fans have to be torn between wondering why New Jersey hasn’t played like this all the time, and just being glad the Devils have started winning while the playoffs are still a possibility.

The problem for the Devils tonight is that Washington is just as hot as New Jersey right now – Washington is 9-1-0 in their last ten, and the chances of the Capitals dropping two straight aren’t good. Home ice and whatever odd karma has been smiling on the Devils may save them, but the clever pick is Ovechkin and the Caps.

Montreal is the last team the Rangers want to see at the Garden tonight. The Habs have the hex over the Rangers, winning the past five straight. Everyone is wary of the Rangers since they exploded for seven goals against Philly, but hexes happen for a reason. The Habs streak to continue tonight.

Speaking of Philly, the Flyers have a tough assignment on Saturday when they travel to Dallas. Philadelphia stopped its losing streak at four but it is not playing well at all as it struggles desperately for consistency. The loss of Chris Pronger to injury is news the Flyers didn’t need to hear.

By contrast, the Stars’ win over the Blackhawks was a win over both the Stanley Cup holders and a challenger for a playoff place. Dallas has to be favorite against the Flyers on home ice tomorrow night.