Buffalo Sabres at Vancouver Canucks Betting Preview
Opening Moneyline: Sabres +125 / Canucks -140 O/U 5.5 goals
Time: 10 PM EST Monday January 25, 2010
Tonight in a cross-conference match up of two teams that are heading in different directions the Vancouver Canucks host the Buffalo Sabres. The Canucks have won 4 in a row, are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games, and are in 2nd place in the Northwest Division 2 games behind the Colorado Avalanche. The Sabres are struggling, as they have lost 3 in a row, but are 5-2-3 in their last 10 games and are still in 1st place in the Northeast Division with a 7 point lead over the Ottawa Senators.
This season Vancouver has the 2nd best home record in the NHL (21-7-1) and Buffalo is a solid 14-8-2 on the road.
In their last games the Sabres lost to the San Jose Sharks 5-2 on Saturday and the Canucks looked impressive in beating the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1 also on Saturday.
Buffalo is looking forward to the end of their recent road trip and they look to win tonight in Vancouver where they have not won in over 10 years.
The Canucks are on fire as of late, but the upcoming Olympic games in Vancouver means that they have to hit the road for 14 games.
Buffalo has struggled on offense in their recent losing streak and they will need a good game tonight from Ryan Miller (43-27 2.06 GAA save percentage 93.4%), who ranks 2nd in the league in GAA, 1st in save percentage, and 5th in wins.
Buffalo does have a legit defense this season allowing an average of 2.34 goals per game. They will have to play solid defense tonight against a Canucks' squad that has the 3rd highest scoring offense in the league (3.24 goals per game).
The Sabres have to contain the trio of twins Henrik, who leads the NHL in points this season (74) and Daniel Sedin and Alex Burrows. In Vancouver's last 15 games this trio has been on fire combining for 28 goals and 49 assists.
Vancouver also has a good defense only allowing an average of 2.41 goals per game.
Canucks' G Roberto Luongo (44-27 2.27 GAA save percentage 92.1%) played great in Vancouver's last games making 43 saves and he has to play good tonight, as the Canucks have several defensive players that are banged up.
Buffalo is 1-4 in their last 5 road games, the total has gone Over in their last 4 games, and the total has gone Over in their last 6 games playing teams with a winning record.
Vancouver is 9-4 in their last 13 home games against teams with a winning road record, the total has gone Over in 4 of their last 5 games, and have an Over record of 3-1-1 in their last 5 road games.
Our Selection : Buffalo lost in San Jose on Saturday and are 1-4 in their last 5 road games. Vancouver smoked Chicago at home on Saturday 5-1 and has now won 4 in a row. Buffalo hasn`t won in Vancouver in over 10 years. The Linesmaker at 5Dimes has Vancouver at -.5 +114 in 60 mins.
Take the Vancouver Canucks -.5 +114 in Regulation Time(60mins)
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NHL Handicapping
New York Rangers at Philadelphia Flyers 4-11
Well, today's game in the City of Brotherly love is for all the marbles, as the Philadelphia Flyers host the New York Rangers. Both of these teams are tied for the 8th and last playoff spot in the East, so the winner of this game will make the playoffs while the loser will be watching them from home.