SPORTS WAGERS
Nashville +1.06 over ATLANTA
All these games between teams fighting for a playoff spot are so crucial right now and this one is no exception. The Preds sit in seventh spot, just a point ahead of Detroit and just two points ahead of Calgary. Atlanta is in 10th and sit just a point behind the Rangers in ninth and three points behind the Bruins for the final spot. Both teams have dropped two straight but the difference is that the Preds lost to Detroit and Vancouver while the Thrashers lost to Tampa and Carolina. Furthermore, the Thrashers lost Evander Kane in that game on Saturday and without Kane in the two weekend games the Thrashers were outscored 10-2. The Thrashers are full of defensive deficiencies while the Preds play a much more disciplined style and they’re a lot tougher to beat. Nashville is extremely strong defensively, they have solid and consistent goaltending while the Thrashers have neither. So, give me a tag with the more disciplined squad and the better defensive team, throw in more reliable goaltending and chances are good we’ll see the cashier when this one is in the books. Play: Nashville +1.06 (Risking 2 units).
ANAHEIM -˝ -1.08 over Columbus
One would have to believe the Jackets would put forth a better effort tonight than the brutal performance they displayed last night. They lost 6-0 in L.A. and were outshot 35-11. Having said that, even its best effort is unlikely to get the job done here. The Jackets not only have no life in them (five straight losses) but they also lost Rick Nash and last night and the Jackets without Nash are like the Colts without Manning. This is a team in big time trouble and as it turns out, it wasn’t Ken Hitchcock after all. Meanwhile, this talented host continues to underachieve and losing here would have to be about as devastating a loss as they’ve had all year. The Ducks are fading fast and are now six points behind the Red Wings for the final spot but in order to get there they’re going to have to leapfrog over St. Louis, Dallas and Calgary. In other words, a loss here and the season is pretty much finished. Frankly, it’s hard to envision the superior Ducks in desperation mode losing to this intruder playing its third game in four days and the tail end of back-to-backs, minus Nash. Play: Anaheim -˝ -1.08 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
Florida +1.63 over MINNESOTA
These two seldom get together and in fact, have not faced one another in over two years. The last time the Panthers beat the Wild was way back in 2001 but that was just eight games ago. The away team in these situations usually has an edge because the arena lacks the atmosphere that a rival brings. Furthermore, the Panthers have looked especially sharp in its last two game, beating both Philly and Carolina and scoring 11 times in the process. The Wild has lost two straight and that includes a 2-1 loss to Edmonton. Minnesota has now scored just three goals over its last two games and when laying big juice with struggling offenses is very bad strategy. The Panthers may not win here but they’re chances of doing so have to be considered just as good and this price absolutely seals the deal. Go Panthers. Play: Florida +1.63 (Risking 2 units).
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