Weekend betting primer: Get the Avs when you can

We are dropping this a day later than usual, so we’d have the prop lines for the Avalanche –
Pittsburgh showdown this afternoon. Let’s just jump in and start with that game.

Colorado -1.5 (+155) vs Pittsburgh

These teams are set to meet for two straight with the Avalanche flying to Pittsburgh to kick off their road trip Tuesday night. Both teams come in playing good hockey over their last ten games (Avs 7-2-1, Pens 6-3-1). I think both will see this two-game set as a nice test of where they stand heading into the playoffs. I also sort of expect both teams to defend their home ice. Let’s take the Avs on the puck line for the better value (+155) and watch Nathan Mackinnon get the best of his good buddy Sidney Crosby in his home barn.

Tampa Bay vs Montreal u6.5 (-115)

Tampa Bay beat Chicago 5-2 last night. I don’t love overs in the second game of a back-to-back. Factor in Montreal is awful, and I can see Tampa having a hard time getting up for this one. I really want to take Montreal on the puck line, but I don’t have the stones. My guess is Tampa will play focused defense to protect Brian Elliott in net, combined with some sluggish offense, and it will end 3-2 or something close to that.

Anaheim +1.5 (-150) vs. Edmonton

I think incidents like this have a galvanizing effect on young teams.

“That’s the problem with these young players. You wanna embarrass guys? You wanna skill it up? You better be prepared to get punched in the mouth.”

Coyotes broadcast applauds Jay Beagle cross-checking Trevor Zegras/beating Troy Terry senseless. Embarrassing commentary pic.twitter.com/1AfenuTRkL

— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) April 2, 2022

Ducks star Trevor Zegras was NOT happy with Jay Beagle going after Troy Terry…

“It’s humiliating and I think he should be f****** punished.” pic.twitter.com/yfeZRdNh4Z

— PHNX Coyotes (@PHNX_Coyotes) April 2, 2022

Plus, I like the matchup of Anaheim’s skill versus Edmonton’s goaltending. I think the +172 ML is tasty too, but let’s take the puck line and the extra buffer it provides.

Dallas -130 @ Seattle

Dallas plays in San Jose tonight so if something major happens feel free to skip this one
However, I watched most of the Kraken game against Vegas last night for financial reasons and they just look outmatched and unmotivated at this point. -130 is low due to the back-to-back for Dallas but it has been a long season for the Kraken and I think Dallas will be focused as they battle for a wild card spot.

Why Not Parlay +1810

NJ +170, Car -155, Tor -295, CGY -1.5 (-105), Dal -155 (vs SJ tonight)

Switching it up a bit again this week by throwing in Calgary on the puck line. I am hoping NJ catches Florida with the early start time to help boost the odds on this 5-team beauty.

Prop(s) to Watch

Nathan Mackinnon o1.5 points (+160)
Mikko Rantanen o3.5 Shots (+115)

This is a nationally televised game on ABC at 1 pm on a Saturday. I expect Ball Arena to be
packed (based on what I sold my tickets for to the game) and I expect these two to put on a
show.

Bonus Nate and Sid fun:

Straight Wagers 8-7-1 (+0.98units)
Overall Record 12-12-1 (+17.58units)