Hockey is back, and we have two heated rivalries in store for the opening day of the NHL. The Montreal Canadiens, fresh off their Eastern Conference finals run last season, take on their Canadian archrivals Toronto. Later on, the Boston Bruins play host to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Check out our 2014-2015 NHL season preview for a comprehensive preview of the hockey season. In the meantime, check out our complete NFL picks and predictions for Week 6 for more on the best games to bet on in the upcoming days.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (7:00 PM ET)
Line: Montreal Canadiens (-105) at Toronto Maple Leafs (-115); total 5.5 – view all NHL lines
[sc:NHL240 ]The Montreal Canadiens are out to make another run at the Stanley Cup this season. They signed P.K. Subban to an eight-year, $72 million deal in the offseason, making him the highest-paid defenseman in the league. Subban was tied for fifth with 43 assists last season as well as finishing with 53 points.
Meanwhile, Carey Price, who finished with six shutouts (second in the league) last season, takes his place between the pipes and should be able to limit production from the Maple Leafs’ banged-up forward Phil Kassel. The Toronto forward finished with a team-high 80 points last season, but may be limited in the season opener with a lower body injury. The Canadiens are 5-2 in their last seven games in Toronto.
Writer’s Prediction
The Canadiens (-105) take this one from their archrivals. Create a betting account now and get your bankroll flowing through the wonders of sports betting.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins (7:30 PM ET)
Line: Philadelphia Flyers (+160) at Boston Bruins (-190); total 5.5 – view all NHL lines
Philadelphia center and captain Claude Giroux, who led the team with 86 points last season, will be at the forefront of the attack against the Boston Bruins later tonight. However, the Flyers may be left vulnerable to the Bruins’ potent offense with top defenseman Kimmo Timonen out with a blood clot. Boston finished with the President’s Trophy last season with a league-leading 117 points.
In the meantime, the Bruins will have Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask between the pipes. Rask averaged with a .930 SV% last season as well as a league-best seven shutouts. Boston were 3-0 against the Flyers last season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Bruins(-190) start their season on a good note.
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