NHL Saturday: Jets' 0-7 Slide Headlines Busy Slate
Winnipeg's freefall continues as they visit Ottawa, plus Red Wings-Penguins, Avalanche-Hurricanes and more Saturday action.
By Sharp Money Mike
If you've been betting the Winnipeg Jets lately, our condolences. The team that looked like a juggernaut earlier this season has completely fallen apart, and Saturday's slate gives us a chance to either fade the slide or get brave.
The Quick Hit
- What's happening: Nine NHL games Saturday, headlined by Jets' 0-7 slump
- The fade: Winnipeg is 0-7 SU in their last 7, 0-5 on the road
- The play: Ottawa at home against a reeling Jets squad
- Value spots: Pittsburgh +120 vs Detroit has sneaky value
Jets at Senators: Slump City
Winnipeg's freefall has been stunning. An 0-7 stretch that includes five straight road losses is the kind of collapse that gets coaches fired. They visit Ottawa on Saturday as slight underdogs (+106), with the Senators at -128.
The Sens aren't world-beaters, but they're playing at home against a team that's clearly lost. Sometimes the best bets are the obvious ones—Ottawa should handle this.
Red Wings at Penguins: Value on the Road Dog
Detroit (24-14) hosts Pittsburgh (18-12) as -142 favorites, but the Penguins at +120 offer some interesting value.
Pittsburgh is 3-9 in their last 12, which explains the line. But here's the thing—the total has gone over in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games against Detroit. If you believe in regression, the Pens are due for a bounce, and getting plus-money on a decent team has merit.
The total is set at 6.5, and given the recent trend, the over looks like the play if you're betting this game.
Avalanche at Hurricanes: Goalie Questions
Colorado visits Carolina in a matchup between two playoff-caliber teams. Mackenzie Blackwood gets the start for Colorado, while Brandon Bussi is between the pipes for the Canes.
Both teams can score, but goaltending could be the wild card. Carolina at home against a travel-weary Avs team should be solid, but this feels like a stay-away unless you've got strong conviction.
Other Saturday Action
Canadiens at Blues: Montreal's Jakub Dobes faces Joel Hofer in a goalie battle that screams under. Two young netminders looking to prove themselves usually means tight checking.
Flyers at Oilers: Edmonton at home should handle Philly, but laying the juice on the Oilers never feels great. Daniel Vladar vs Connor Ingram gives Edmonton the clear goalie edge.
Bruins at Canucks: Boston's Jeremy Swayman vs Kevin Lankinen in Vancouver. The B's have been inconsistent, but Swayman can steal games. This one could go either way.
The Bottom Line
Saturday's NHL slate is all about fading the Jets and finding value on the underdogs. Winnipeg's slide is real, and until they show signs of life, betting against them is the move. Pittsburgh +120 against Detroit offers plus-money on a team that's due, and the overs in Pens games have been hitting consistently.
Stay sharp, manage your bankroll, and let's get after it.