Posted on
2/15/2008 4:20:20 PM
Bet on NHL - Columbus Blue vs. Detroit
By Robby Maddux
Friday evenings generally produces a less than stellar NCAAB Betting card, and with the NBA on All-Star break, tonight's a perfect opportunity to take in NHL betting action to build your bankroll.
The Detroit Red Wings have dropped four consecutive games but will try to turn things around at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets this evening at 7:30pm EST.
The Central Division rivals haven't faced off since Nov. 24 when Columbus ended a four-game losing streak to Detroit with a 3-2 shootout win at home. Including this matchup, the Red Wings and Blue Jackets will square off five times this season.
Detroit has lost as many games in the past week as in its previous 20 contests. The Red Wings, who haven't dropped five in a row since Nov. 17-25, 2006, have been tagged for 15 goals of their league-best 130 goals allowed during their current skid.
Red Wings' goalie Chris Osgood is 0-3-0 with a 5.25 goals-against average during Detroit's losing streak. Each of his last two home starts against Columbus have resulted in shootout losses.
Despite the recent slide, the Red Wings still own the league's best record at 41-13-5 and remain in full control of the Central Division with 87 points, which is an NHL-best as well. Detroit is a dominating 21-6-2 at the Joe Louis Arena.
- Red Wings are 35-16 in their last 51 vs. Western Conference.
- Red Wings are 91-42-2 in their last 135 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Red Wings are 201-72-16 in their last 289 home games.
- Red Wings are 37-15 in their last 52 overall.
Columbus hasn't fared well in Detroit, where they are 1-5 in the last six meetings. The Blue Jackets are 9-30-1 in the last 40 games overall.
Blue Jackets' net keeper Pascal Leclaire is 2-4 against Detroit in his career with a goals-against average of 3.38.
The Blue Jackets are 5-11 in their last 16 games versus division foes, meanwhile, the Red Wings are 87-39-3 in their last 129 contests against Central teams.
On Wednesday, the Blue Jackets allowed four first-period goals in a 7-2 home loss to Chicago. The Blue Jackets had earned at least a point in four straight games prior to Wednesday, going 1-0-3 over that stretch.
They've also given up an average of 3.5 goals in their last eight games, but are just four points behind Colorado for the eighth and final West playoff spot. Columbus is 26-24-9 overall and third in the Central with 61 points.
- Blue Jackets are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
- Blue Jackets are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
- Blue Jackets are 70-188-15 in their last 273 road games.
- Blue Jackets are 1-7 in their last 8 overall.
BetUS NHL odds list Detroit the heavy money-line favorites at -300 and -1½ -105 on the spread with a game total of 5½ under -135. The Red Wings are 52-22 in their last 74 games when tagged a favorite of -201 or greater. The Blue Jackets on the other hand are 13-32 in their last 45 games as an underdog of +201 or higher.
- Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
- Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Detroit.
- Favorite is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Analysis: This game has a Detroit win written all over it. Detroit is desperate for a win and that's bad news for Columbus, who is just 10-15-3 on the road.
The Red Wings are still the NHL's most profitable team against the spread and they'll have no problem adding to that mark this evening. Detroit will come out with guns blazing. Take the Red Wings in this one and enjoy as they open a can of ''whoop-ass'' against Columbus.
NHL Free Picks: Detroit Red Wings -1½ -105
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