New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins
The Bruins are really starting to get thin on their blue line. Three rookies saw extended time in their game one victory over the Rangers.
Defensemen can be like an offensive line in football. You don’t really notice them until they screw up, but they are essential to your success. Relying on rookies is a situation no coach wants to be in, even though the Bruins escaped with a 3-2 victory.
Meanwhile, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has been superb. Three of the losses suffered by the Rangers have been in overtime.
Look for the Rangers tough defense to righten up even more. This game should be decided by one goal either way. I give the Rangers the edge emotionally, being down 0-1.
I’ll take the Rangers +110 on the money line as well as +1.5 -300.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators
The Senators looked rattled the last game. Sidney Crosby scored the Penguins first three goals as they chased goaltender Craig Anderson. Meanwhile the Penguins held on for a 4-3 victory that should have been a much easier win.
Senators star forward Jason Spezza comes back from back surgery. He is slated to play on the power play at least, but will likely see more ice time than that.
The Senators are desperate, being down 0-2. They know their season is on the line today. I already have the Senators for the series, otherwise I would take them today +110. I’ll pass myself. If you don’t have a series bet, I would recommend the Senators.