sles, Blues Venture Out West
New York Islanders @ Colorado Avalanche
BetPhoenix Odds (BetPhoenix Sportsbook): Avalanche -160
The New York Islanders begin a brief three-game West Coast swing on Wednesday night when they head to Colorado and it won't be an easy start.
The Avalanche were projected to be the Western Conference's version of the
Islanders at the beginning of the year but only one team has matched
expectations.
The Islanders have just 42 points through 43 games and are among the worst
teams in the NHL. Although rookie John Tavares has provided a spark and a
good foundation for the future, the Islanders still are among the basement
dwellers. Meanwhile, the Avs, who were expected to be the same in the West,
have been flirting with first.
They have 54 points in 43 games and have won seven of their last 10.
The young Avs have been led by netminder Craig Anderson, who may be the
league MVP at this point, and they have been tough to be at home. They only
have five regulation losses in 17 home games this year. Meanwhile, the Isles
are 7-10-6 on the road this year, which really translates to 7-16. Look for
those trends to continue.
Hockey Betting Pick: Avalanche -160
St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks
Hockey Odds: Sharks -220
The St. Louis Blues have fired head coach Andy Murray in what has been a
very sluggish first half for the Blues. After making the playoffs last year,
they appeared to have plenty of prospects for even more growth this year.
That has been far from the truth as the Blues have the third-fewest points
in the West.
The Blues have lost five straight and are in danger of losing a season-high
sixth straight unless they get a win for interim head coach Davis Payne.
Surprisingly, the Blues have been good on the road this year. The Blues are
11-4-3 away from home, which means the Sharks will have to be focused.
But you can expect San Jose to be up for this game after losing their last
one. That loss ended the Sharks eight-game winning streak and they'll be
looking to start a new one tonight.
This should be a close game and typically teams play well under a new coach.
Don't be surprised if the Sharks lose one more before they get back on the
winning track.
New York Islanders @ Colorado Avalanche
BetPhoenix Odds (BetPhoenix Sportsbook): Avalanche -160
The New York Islanders begin a brief three-game West Coast swing on Wednesday night when they head to Colorado and it won't be an easy start.
The Avalanche were projected to be the Western Conference's version of the
Islanders at the beginning of the year but only one team has matched
expectations.
The Islanders have just 42 points through 43 games and are among the worst
teams in the NHL. Although rookie John Tavares has provided a spark and a
good foundation for the future, the Islanders still are among the basement
dwellers. Meanwhile, the Avs, who were expected to be the same in the West,
have been flirting with first.
They have 54 points in 43 games and have won seven of their last 10.
The young Avs have been led by netminder Craig Anderson, who may be the
league MVP at this point, and they have been tough to be at home. They only
have five regulation losses in 17 home games this year. Meanwhile, the Isles
are 7-10-6 on the road this year, which really translates to 7-16. Look for
those trends to continue.
Hockey Betting Pick: Avalanche -160
St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks
Hockey Odds: Sharks -220
The St. Louis Blues have fired head coach Andy Murray in what has been a
very sluggish first half for the Blues. After making the playoffs last year,
they appeared to have plenty of prospects for even more growth this year.
That has been far from the truth as the Blues have the third-fewest points
in the West.
The Blues have lost five straight and are in danger of losing a season-high
sixth straight unless they get a win for interim head coach Davis Payne.
Surprisingly, the Blues have been good on the road this year. The Blues are
11-4-3 away from home, which means the Sharks will have to be focused.
But you can expect San Jose to be up for this game after losing their last
one. That loss ended the Sharks eight-game winning streak and they'll be
looking to start a new one tonight.
This should be a close game and typically teams play well under a new coach.
Don't be surprised if the Sharks lose one more before they get back on the
winning track.
