I’m heading back to the ice with another play for tonight. It’s been a bit of a rough going with our NHL plays as of late (2-3 this week) and last night didn’t help bode any confidence.
My tweet just about summed up the game. The Flames had a 3-1 lead in the second period, proceeded to give up a short-handed goal and then two more in the third period. The game-winner occurred with about 40 seconds left in regulation...disgusting.
According to Moneypuck.com the Flames should’ve ended up on top. They gave Calgary a 60.5% chance on the “Deserve to Win O’Meter” and they also shared 60% of expected goals during 5 on 5 play. Just one of those dumb results in the NHL. I swear I’ve been on the wrong side of shorties more than most people - it’s unbelievable. Let’s hope we can avoid that tonight, though.
Blues @ Canucks
Ahh yes, the team that defeated us last night is the same team that I am once again fading this evening. St. Louis enters into a back-to-back situation after coming from behind and ending victorious in a matchup where they probably shouldn’t have. They now get to face one of the best teams in the NHL, with their backup goalie starting.
Seems like it could set up nicely for Vancouver.
The backup that is presumed to be tending the net for the Blues is Joel Hofer. Hofer has a record of 7-8-0, a GAA of 2.88 and a save percentage of 91%. He also ranks 37th in GSAx (3.41).
He is capable of being a sufficient enough backup, but has struggled as of late. Over his last three starts he is 0-3 and has allowed 10 total goals. It may get worse when he faces a Canucks team that averages 3.8 goals per game and is second in goals for percentage (62.2%).
On the other net, Vancouver looks to be starting their top dog, Thatcher Demko.
Demko has been tremendous this season: 25-8-1, 2.40 GAA, 92.2% SV, 3rd in GSAx (22.37).
His numbers become even more dominant on home ice: 16-3-0, 2.13 GAA, 93.2% SV.
Demko has faced the Blues twice this season. At home on October 27th, he led the Canucks to a 5-0 victory and saved 22/22 shots. Then, in St. Louis on January 4th, he held his own (30/32 shots saved), but did not get enough support from his teammates as they fell 2-1.
This Blues offense should expect to slow down tonight. They rank 29th in both GF% and xGF%. Vancouver is limiting opponents to under 28 shots per 60 minutes, and rank fifth in Corsi Allowed per 60 minutes (53.64).
The Canucks are about a -225 moneyline favorite. However, I am going to invest in their puckline. The best price in the market seems to be +110 and that’s what I’m going to snag. Let’s hope the Blues come out weary and play to what their numbers indicate they should perform like.
Play: Canucks -1.5 (+110); Risk 1.00 unit to win 1.10
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