It's still too early to read into trends, but there are a couple of developments that are definitely catching the attention of the hockey media through the first couple of weeks of the season. The Bruins can't seem to get healthy, and even though it seems Patrice Bergeron is close to returning, the B's will be without Tuukka Rask, who may have a concussion, for an undisclosed period of time. In Montreal, the problem is that the Habs can't score, and GM Marc Bergevin seems to be making his way around the league in search of a trading partner. And then there's the Oilers, who apparently the entire world believes should be in panic mode.
Last night's action: We went with two underdogs on Wednesday night and didn't really come close on either. The Canadiens were on level terms with the Kings through two periods before falling apart by allowing four goals in the third. Meanwhile, Chicago laid a complete dud against the Blues and fell 5-2.
**Tonight's slate: **
With a nine-game card, in lieu of going through each game individually, we will just focus on the games that provide value.
After getting trounced by the Blues on Wednesday night, the Blackhawks are starting their backup goaltender, Anton Forsberg, against the Oilers on Thursday night. Even though Edmonton does boast better 5-on-5 numbers than the 'Hawks, the home team is the value side of this fixture and are worth a play.
For a different take on this matchup, have a look at Stuckey's daily NHL article.
Our good friends in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche, look to continue their decent start against the St. Louis Blues. The Avs will dress Jonathan Bernier in net, and assuming the Blues go with Carter Hutton in goal, the wrong team is favored here. The Avs are a good play at this number.
A winless team starting a rookie goaltender for the second straight game against a talented offense doesn't sound like a fun team to back, but the Arizona Coyotes actually provide the best value of the night according to my numbers. The Stars probably win this one just about 52-53 percent of the time, so the Coyotes are a good enough price to add to your card and hope for the best.
Plays: Coyotes +135, Blackhawks -106 and Avalanche -104
(Season to date: 12-14, +1.10u)
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