In this column, I go through the night’s NHL games and give my reads solely based on lines, odds, betting trends, and how I perceive others perceive the game. It’s the reading of all lines, and I try to keep a free-flowing, train-of-thought approach. The purpose of these reads is to find an edge either in DFS, actual picks, or both. Sometimes, no edge exists — or simply can’t be found. I make it a point to note that, as well. As always, please do your own research and due diligence and play responsibly.
WPG/OTT – No real “tell” or indication on the point total, so we have to look for a generic 5-7 range where goalies are probably not the answer. The more interesting read is that people are definitely buying into OTT, despite them being the underdog. They are getting the love both to compete and win outright. I don’t know if this will carry over to people using the Senators’ skaters in their lineups, but I think I now want to fade them. If anything, I’ll lean on the Jets to score 2-3 on their own where they should probably win this game 4-2.
TOR/MTL – I really like how the odds have held on the under for the point total, even if they aren’t spectacular. It basically means we should look closer to 5-6 goals than 6-7. What I like more is that TOR has only grown as the favorite. I don’t think there’s much more to it than TOR winning 3-2, but it has also been the Auston Matthews show, so I’m not sure how to best handle that. If we think there’s any chance that TOR doesn’t explode (I agree with that), then this might be the time to fade Matthews.
DET/CAR – I’m almost laughing at the odds for CAR to win, as it’s so absurd that I can’t expect anything but the Hurricanes to cruise. The only question is about DET. Can they put up 2 goals and compete in any way? I’ll say “yes” to the 2 goals — so I won’t own Carolina’s goalie — but I can’t see more than that. Call this 4-2 CAR. To be fair to the numbers, though,