The NHL season is nearing the halfway point as the 2018 calendar year is quickly approaching. With several interesting match ups in store on December 22, the game of the day should be Montreal versus Vegas. Note that all information is for games played through December 17. Merry Christmas to all and thanks for a great year!
Florida Panthers versus Detroit Red Wings
This game features the bottom two teams in the Atlantic Division. Both teams are 4-4-2 over their last ten games. Detroit has a +9 to +2 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams are trending poorly as their “ice cold down” and “ice cold up” statuses indicate. Detroit has taken four of the last six games between the teams. Florida is sub .500 on the road, while the Red Wings are 8-8-3 on home ice. Detroit should prevail in this one, but don’t be surprised to see this one decided in overtime.
Montreal Canadiens versus Vegas Golden Knights
In the featured game of the day, the Canadiens enter in the middle of the Atlantic Division and the Golden Knights in the middle of the Pacific. Both teams are looking to get on a roll and push towards the top. Montreal won the last meeting between the teams, 2-1 and have a slim +24 to +20 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Vegas is one of the most stable teams in the NHL according to the Team Volatility Oscillator, which bodes well for them as home favorites. Vegas is 10-3-1 at home and have a clear edge, despite a solid 7-5-3 mark for Montreal on the road. Look for Vegas to take this game in a one goal came decided late in regulation.
New York Rangers versus Toronto Maple Leafs
The Rangers are hovering near the bottom of the Metropolitan Divison and the Maple Leafs hold third in the Atlantic Division. Toronto has a +25 to +5 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, although both teams are trending downward, as their “ice cold down” and “dead” status indicates. Toronto has had their way with the Rangers recently, winners of four of the last six meetings. Both teams are relatively stable, so take a look at favorite/underdog status with moderate interest. The Rangers are just 4-9-2 on the road and as underdogs, have little chance to pull out a win. Pick the Maple Leafs with confidence in this one.
Pittsburgh Penguins versus Carolina Hurricanes
The two teams are right in the middle of the pack in the Metropolitan division. The Penguins are 5-4-1 over their last team, while the Hurricanes are 3-5-2 over the same period. The Penguins have a decided +17 to +4 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average down” versus “ice cold up” status. Take note that Pittsburgh is one of the most unstable teams in the league at -4, so take that into strong consideration when looking at their favorite/underdog status. The Penguins have won four of the last six meetings between the teams. While the Penguins could be road favorites (check odds prior to the game), I will go with the Hurricanes at home in a close contest.
Winnipeg Jets versus Vancouver Canucks
Winnipeg is the top team in the Central division and are 9-1 over their last ten. They are +29 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” status. The Canucks have played better of late, winning their last two and are +14 and also “burning hot”. The Jets are one of the most stable teams in the league at +14, which bodes well as likely road favorites. The Jets have owned the Canucks recently, winner of their last six meetings. Vancouver is a game over .500 at home and the Jets have one of the top road records at 9-5. Winnipeg is too hot for the Canucks to contend with and will win this game rather easily.
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