For those of you that read my post on Thursday night, it seemed to have had attracted some interesting characters. After reading some of the their post's, I looked out of my living room window to see if it was a full moon, it wasn't, lol. TEEFARM, was nice enough to inform that a full moon wasn't happening until Monday the 25th. Anyway, FYI, Division standings become a big part in Capping games this time of year.
Edmonton Vs. Toronto.
I always enjoy watching these to teams go head to head with McDavid and Matthews always wanting to out do each other. I sometimes wonder if the Leafs regret parting ways with Zach Hyman who signed a seven year, 38.5 million contract with the Oilers in July 2021. Hyman, with 48 goals is only nine fewer than Mathews. The last matchup between the pair took place in Edmonton on 1/16/24, the Oilers prevailed 4-2.
Toronto seems to have Edmonton's number with a record of 20-6-2 since the 2013/2014 season. Both clubs are well positioned in their Divisions with a handful of games remaining. The Oilers are 19-13-1 on the road this season, and the Leafs are so, so with a 18-12-1 at home record. I've said this for years and it has been the case for years, Toronto is a better team on the road, with a season record of, 20-8-6. I would expect a bit of a shoot out tonight with the Oilers coming out on top.
My bet. Edmonton on the ML and Toronto +1.5 on the PL
Tampa Bay Vs. Los Angeles.
This game is interesting from a Division "standings" point of view. The Lightning, (82 pts.) who have won five straight, 7-2-1 last 10, are sitting 4th in the Atlantic Div., five points behind the Leafs (87 pts.) for 3rd place, and only four points ahead of the 5th place Detroit Red Wings. Tampa presently holding that Wild card Spot. The Kings, (83 pts.) who have won their last two, 6-3-1 last 10, are sitting 3rd in the Pacific Div., five points behind the Oilers for 2nd place, but only two points ahead of the "chasing" Las Vegas Knights", currently sitting in 4th., holding that Divisions WCS.
( This makes me dizzy, how about you? lol.) Los Angeles doesn't boast the greatest home record of 14-11-7 but can hold their own. Tampa Bay has nothing to boast about with a 16-16-2 road record on the season. Andrei Vasilverskiy has been nothing short of exceptional between the pegs for the Lightning winning five straight. Unfortunately, (my opinion) for the Kings, Cam Talbot gets the start tonight. His only start this season against Tampa was in LA on, 01/09/24, Tampa won in OT, 3-2. Talbot, 2.90 GAA and a .897 SAV% that game. For some reason they have Los Angeles as the favorite? Tampa is, 30-12-2-2 all time against the Kings. Maybe I'm missing something.
My Bet. Tampa bay on the ML.
My W/L record since joining this Forum, 33-17-0 - 66%