NHL Picks: Sizing Up The Canadian Teams

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have felt like a yo-yo all season, and last week was no different. It must be frustrating for Canadian sports bettors who rely on that offense to translate to wins and covers.

Edmonton played better last week and has 21 goals in their previous six games. The Oilers were held to two goals against Washington, but Edmonton generated enough scoring chances. It all boils down to the team defense for Edmonton. The Oilers will become a safer bet if that becomes more consistent, along with the goaltending.

The Oilers still have a long way to go. 

Calgary Flames 

Calgary continued its homestand and, to no one’s surprise, dropped a decision to the Montreal Canadiens. The up-and-down Flames did win twice after that, as they totaled eight goals during that span. Calgary and Nazem Kadri appeared to have snapped out of their slump. A test will come tonight against the Minnesota Wild as they close this run of games at home.

For those curious, Calgary's numbers keep lengthening in the NHL futures to 18.90, according to Sports Interaction. Toronto is first among Canadian teams at 10.10, with Edmonton dropping to almost 20.

The Flames, after tonight, head on the road to face Columbus, Toronto, and Montreal. Can this team put something together?

Winnipeg Jets

Scott Arniel and Rick Bowness stumbled at home against Columbus to start the week but easily defeated Anaheim and Florida by 5-2 scores to end the week 2-1 (16-7-2 on the season).

Winnipeg finds a way to stay in games and win. Their reward is a continued battle with the Dallas Stars for the top of the Central Division. Dallas has two games in hand, but it is impressive how the Jets are playing now. 

Again, Connor Hellebuyck remains the Jets’ best player. He leads all goaltenders with three shutouts, 17 goals saved above average, and a goalie point share of 5.3. Maybe, Winnipeg is for real. At 23.20, the Jets’ number keeps coming down for Canadian Sports Bettors. Value is lessening for Winnipeg, but 15-9 ATS sure helps. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are grooving right into December. Yes, the Leafs have gone 12-1-4 since that 4-4-2 start. John Tavares, Auston Matthews, Mitchell Marner, and the goaltenders have paved the way in their current run. After a 1-10 start ATS, Toronto has covered in ten of their previous 16 games.

Ontario sports betting enthusiasts have seen that number head toward single digits for the Maple Leafs in these Stanley Cup Odds. Toronto keeps rolling, and that resounding 4-0 road win in Dallas has them supremely confident. The Maple Leafs entertain Los Angeles, Calgary, and Anaheim this week. 

Montreal Canadiens

Montreal went 2-1-1 on the week but are probably going to remember that last “1”. At 13-11-2, the Canadiens are fun. Can Jake Allen play better? Can Montreal put the game against Vancouver behind them? Montreal let a 4-0 lead slip away, came back, then lost in overtime anyway. That answer was fast as they beat a hot Seattle team, 4-2.

Again, Montreal and Martin St. Louis are enjoying the game. Consistency will always be a question mark regarding wins, but the Habs are certainly never dull. 

Ottawa Senators

Ottawa's 2022-23 season is mired in the basement. They went 2-2 on the week. Things started with a home loss to the Rangers. Then the Senators took care of business, beating the Rangers and Sharks, then looked lethargic against the Kings.  

D.J. Smith’s tenure as a coach still appears to be questionable. Ottawa should be better than they are, but injuries keep hampering this team. Artem Zub is out for at least several weeks due to an injury. The team defense never seems to get going and now faces angry Dallas and Nashville squads on the road. 

Vancouver Canucks

Bruce Boudreau and the Vancouver Canucks are one bizarre team. After losing the same way to Washington, they laid a consecutive egg at home versus Florida. Then, the Canucks responded with overtime wins against Arizona and Montreal.

Ontario Sports Bettors that were “live betting” Vancouver down 4-0, got a whopping 26.00 number and cleaned up on Monday night. The Canucks play the Sharks and the Minnesota Wild this week. Stay up late and enjoy the adventures. Maybe, bet the Over. Good luck!

Do not forget “Coaches Hot Seat” column is rolling on Fridays. Thanks for reading.