We're looking at over/unders tonight and more specifically, the over, in three specific games. In some ways, the over/under can be easier to figure out than the actual winner of the game. If you know the style and injury list of each team, you can pretty much play the game out in your head. I would definitely use the over/under option a lot more in hockey where many games are considered coin-flips. Case in point: 6 out of the 9 games tonight have an underdog of +115 or less. Let's take a look at the overs for tonight...
New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Over 5.5, -120)
The injury problems that the Islanders have endured since the start of the season have seemed to finally catch up to them. With three defencemen out, the already rail-thin Islanders d-corps has been exposed for its lack of depth by giving up 18 goals in the last 4 games.
It's also an indictment on how poorly Rick Dipietro has been this season as his GAA is one of the worst in the NHL at 3.75. The only danger here is that Cam Ward has a tremendous game against the Islanders, but with the way things are going on the Island, the Canes may be able to get to 6 goals by themselves.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Dallas Stars (Over 5.5, -125)
The Penguins have struggled with the power-play over the last 5 games as they've gone 0-22, but the Dallas Stars might just be the cure to what ails them. The Stars have struggled with their penalty kill so far this year and was the achilles heel even during their 6 game streak without a loss to start the season.
Both teams are also suffering with poor starting goaltending from their supposed number ones. Marc-Andre Fleury is 1-5 on the year for the Penguins, while Kari Lehtonen has come back down to earth after a good start by going 1-4 with a 3.42 GAA.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Anaheim Ducks (Over 5.5, -130)
The formula for goals in this game is simple. The Ducks will inevitably go to the penalty box because they can't control themselves and the Lightning will take advantage of their power play chances. The Ducks have 262 penalty minutes in 12 games and the Lightning are 23.9% on the power play this year.
This might be a good game to get the two-pick parlay going because the Lightning are playing so well under Guy Boucher. On the other side, the Ducks are bad enough that the whispers of Randy Carlyle being replaced are starting to be heard. I just never know what this Ducks team is going to do on any given night. Lots of talent, but seemingly no structure.
Bonus Game:
Detroit Red Wings vs. Calgary Flames (Over 5.5, +105)
The Wings are flying again with a 6-2-1 start to the year and they're scoring goals at a good clip as well. 30 goals in 9 games and 16 in their last four. On the other side, the Flames have given up 17 goals in their last three games, including a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of the Caps.