Western Conference Free Picks – Detroit to Further Montreal’s Woes

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS -135 over Phoenix Coyotes

I’ll admit that the Coyotes have been a letdown this entire season. Even after making a splash in the trade market with Ollie Jokinen, the Coyotes have only averaged 2.40 goals for per game. Columbus has been one of the sexier home picks this season, which is why they’re pegged as favorites against a much more talented squad. Bet Columbus in the OVER tonight. They’ve helped light the scoreboard for big points in 8-of-11 recently.

DETROIT RED WINGS -190 over Montreal Canadiens

Things got worse for the 11-5-4 SU Canadiens when they scored on their own goal and eventually lost to the pathetic Islanders. So how are they going to fare against the best bet in NHL hockey betting? Badly. The Wings are 14-5 as favorites and have lost some heartbreakers at home. But the Canadiens are in a tailspin right now, and I don’t expect them to win, let alone cover the puckline, tonight in a matchup from hell.

MINNESOTA WILD -160 over Dallas Stars

What the hell is going on in Dallas? The usually defensively proficient Stars are allowing 3.70 goals per game! Why else would they be 1-6 SU in their last 7 games? Even with Marion Gaborik on the shelf, the Wild are finding scoring and rallying a strong defensive mentality to win games. The Wild are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games, and are 13-6 SU in their last 19 games at Xcel Energy. Those are BetUS Sportsbook betting trends you can expect to continue as the Stars fall.

St. Louis Blues +165 over COLORADO AVALANCHE

The Pepsi Center used to be one of the most brutal places to play NHL hockey. Now it’s one of the easiest. The Avs are only 1-4 SU in their last 5 home stands, and the Blues have ripped off three straight victories. Expect the post-trade Blues to keep the good times rolling. As far as sports betting trends go, the Blues are getting pretty easy to cover. When they’re streaking, they’re a hot team to bet on . When they’re slumping, stay the hell away.

EDMONTON OILERS -170 over LA Kings

Whenever a match is tough to call, take the home team if they are favored. LA is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games. Edmonton isn’t that much better, going 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home. I’m stumped on this one. Both teams are that bad. So, when in doubt, take the home favorites SU.