Well, I am back for another season of handicapping the NHL after doing so last season for the first time here at Hockeybuzz. Last year was such a different season when it came to some of the systems I had used for years due to the divisional set up, travel, taxi squads for the rosters, etc....
This year I will be able to go back to what I have known for years when it comes to my systems and situational plays. I waited a few days before I posted my first blog to see how some teams would start the season. We still have four teams who have yet to play their game of the regular season. The remaining four teams all play Saturday night with Calgary and St. Louis starting on the road, while Boston and SJ start at home.
One thing that I would like the readers to do is to post any goalie info that they might see throughout the day in the comment section as sometimes changes occur, which can affect if you place a wager on the game or not. This info can help all of us profit. As well, if there are any prop plays that you think are worth a shot because you follow a specific team or division, please post that in the comment section too.
Over the first 4 nights of action, the home teams have dominated while game totals have gone over two-thirds of the time. It's an early sample size but something I will track daily.
I will track my system plays here in my daily blog for all of you to see and follow long. If any readers have system plays of their own, feel free to share in the comment section so we can all profit from betting on the NHL!
When looking at Saturday's card, there are 6 teams that are playing three games in four nights to start the season but two of them are a wash with NYR/MTL playing each other. Pittsburgh and Toronto play at home, while TB and Seattle are on the road. Seattle though will be playing their 3rd straight road game at Columbus.
Back-to-back road games on consecutive nights is an angle I have used for years. It's always tough on the body, between the wear and tears on the body and the travel, teams in this spot tend to play a little more defensive hockey as they don't have the "legs" like they did the night before.
I will be starting slow when placing action and just playing a half unit on each game until I have a better handle on each team.
Plays for Saturday all for 1/2 unit each -
SJ - ML(+105) Boston - ML(-165) Chi/Pitt u6(even) Van/Det. u5.5(-105) Minny/LA u5.5(-102)
Good luck tonight! Hope to hear from many of you in the comment section! Puckpix