posted March 11, 2008 at 15:49 in NHL Betting Trends

New Jersey Devils (40-23-6) vs. Montreal Canadiens (38-23-9)

Tuesday, March 11th --- Bell Centre, Montreal --- 7:00pm EST

NHL Betting Line: Montreal Canadiens -125

Say what you will about the Canadiens loss to Anaheim, but Montreal is still one of the best teams in the league right now. Montreal has had the most prolific offense in the league since All-Star Break. Ottawa’s absurd first half has given them buffer room, but anyone who has been watching hockey knows that the Habs are a lethal team. The best move at the trade deadline was the “no move” by Gainey. Well done for not messing with the team chemistry, and asserting Carey Price as your true number one.

But Montreal still has a lot to prove in terms of being taken seriously as a contender. And they certainly have a lot to prove against a team like New Jersey, which has owned them for much of their rivalry. New Jersey is 8-2 SU in their past 10 meeting, but Montreal has won the last two games. The Devils average 2.6 goals per game, but that average is beginning to level out. They aren’t the surprising scoring force they were for the mid-part of the NHL season.

The Habs have struggled against teams with tight and stiff defenses. Their two recent losses were against Anaheim and San Jose, two of the best defensive teams in the league. New Jersey has the stingiest defense in the league with 2.3 goals per game, and perhaps the best goaltender in the world in net with Martin Brodeur. But I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. The Bell Centre is the best place in the world to watch a hockey game, and perhaps the most hostile environment for any team to visit.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not they go New York style and start throwing stuff on the ice. But they’re passionate, and they never give up on the Habs. I would bet on the Habs going on a scoring tear as they try to overwhelm the Devils with speed and fluid puck movement. The Devils have struggled recently against the Habs, and that is a trend I expect to continue.

NHL Betting Free Pick: Montreal -125 (UNDER)

Chicago Blackhawks (33-28-7) vs. Detroit Red Wings (45-18-6)

Tuesday, March 11th --- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit --- 7:30pm EST

NHL Betting Line: Detroit -240

The Blackhawks are +200 against the revitalized Red Wings. Though Detroit may have Nicklas Lidstrom back in the fold, they are still without a bevy of their best talent. And Chicago has looked extremely dangerous lately. Sure, they’re 3-2 SU in their past five games, and riding a two-game skid, but they’ve averaged 3.6 goals per game. If they want to prove that they are contender worthy, then taking down the Red Wings and their three-game win streak is paramount.

For whatever reason, Chicago always plays extremely well against Detroit. They are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing the Wings. The Wings have a slew of players in the process of returning from injury. Aside from Lidstrom, they also have Brian Rafalski and true number one Dominik Hasek back in the fold. A return to their proud defensive ways is upon us. And that could spell trouble for the young, inexperienced Hawks.

While a lot of betting investors might jump at the chance with the Hawks being +200, there’s one thing really scares me about this game. And its name is Patrick Lalime. He’s 1-10 SU with a 4.85 goal against average in 11 career starts against the Wings. And that includes when he played for that monster Ottawa team back in the day. If that doesn’t frighten you back in to your senses, then you’re on your own. I love what Chi-town is doing on the ice, but I am deathly afraid of Patrick Lalime.

NHL Betting Free Pick: Detroit -240 (UNDER)

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