posted November 16, 2009 at 19:08 EST in NHL Free Picks
Monday Night NHL Betting Action - Blue Jackets vs. Oilers
by Robby Maddux
Monday night football will conquer the BetUS sports betting world this evening when the Ravens fly into Cleveland, but don't forget about the action on the ice. There's plenty of value to be found within Monday's NHL card, which features six great matchups. Lurking below is your winning selection with value to include in your Monday night football parlay ticket, or to wager as a straight play, featuring important game trends.
Columbus will give goalie Mathieu Garon a rare start, as the Blue Jackets close out a four-game homestand. Garon made 32 saves in the Blue Jackets last game on Friday to improve to 3-1 with a 2.60 goals-against average in four starts. Coach Ken Hitchcock announced over the weekend that Garon would start again Monday. Steve Mason, last season’s Calder Trophy winner for Columbus, is 7-5-2 with a 3.67 GAA this season.
Columbus is 5-2 in their last seven games after allowing two goals or less in its previous contest, which plays in favor of Buckeye Nation that supports their team. However, they are a dismal 1-4 following a win. They own the same number versus Western Conference teams in its last five contests. Garon is 2-6-1 with a 3.73 GAA in nine starts against the Oilers.
Edmonton will be trying to snap a three-game losing streak, following a loss to Atlanta on the road, 3- 2, on Sunday. The Oilers are a money-dropping 1-6 overall, and have won just once in its last nine road trips. To make matters worse, Edmonton is 0-5 when its opponent allowed two goals or less in the prior contest.
The Blue Jackets will be trying to slow down Edmonton winger Ales Hemsky, who has seven goals and 15 assists in his last 12 games against them, with 12 points in the last four. Hemsky will be tough to stop. In addition to his stellar play, Edmonton owns the better numbers in head-to-head action.
Analysis: The Oilers are 21-7-3 in the last 31 matchups versus Columbus, and when playing at Nationwide Arena, the Oilers have come away with a moneymaking 8-3 mark. Along with solid numbers against the Blue Jackets, there is good value on Edmonton, who are listed as the +150 underdogs in the BetUS NHL odds. With that being said, the Oilers are the strong play here if you bet on hockey. For those that invest in totals, the over has prevailed in four of the last five meetings. Good luck!
