by Scott Rickenbach
Tuesday, Dec 12, 2023NY Rangers - The Rangers are a solid notch above everyone else in this division. Simply strong in all facets of the game. This is a team I will be looking to play on in spots where I can get value. Perhaps on the road in a revenge spot or coming off a loss but facing a quality opponent. Those are the type of games in which the line value will be there.
Philadelphia - As I mentioned before the season I expected the Flyers to be improved this season. However, even I am surprised by their performance. It is no fluke though. They are getting solid goaltending and the team chemistry in Philly is great. Briere as GM and Torterella as head coach and Keith Jones as VP of operations is the perfect combo for success. Good chemistry from top to bottom in Philly is paying off and Briere and Jones both are former Flyers players. Look for Philly to continue to be a play on team.
Washington - Keep an eye on the Capitals because they were struggling early this season and that held them back some. But this team is proving they want to make one more run with Ovechkin and they will be a club to be backing in the right situations through the remainder of the season if they can stay healthy for the most part.
NY Islanders - The islanders are hot right now as of early to mid December but their goaltending and defense has not been what it once was and I expect this to have an impact on them as the season goes on. It will catch up with them.
New Jersey - The Devils have scored very well but just keep allowing too many goals. I don't know what is going on with New Jersey in terms of struggling so badly in their own zone. But as of right now they often look appealing for overs and I struggle to back them because of their inconsistency. In the right situations - certain back to backs or revenge spots or off ugly losses - I will look for overs in Devil's games.
Carolina - The Hurricanes have been a surprise early this season but not in a good way. I don't know what is wrong with the Hurricanes for sure but it is almost as if the coaching staff has lost the team a little bit. The Hurricanes also have shown a strong home:/ road dichotomy early this season so that is something to keep an eye on as well. They are a much stronger team when in Carolina.
Pittsburgh - The Penguins just are not what they used to be. Stars have gotten a little long in the tooth. They lost some guys. I have been surprised how solid they have been in terms of goals allowed but scoring has been an issue at times. Keep on eye on this pattern if it continues in terms of unders this season.
Columbus - This team is horrible on the road and allows far too many goals. I will be looking often at chances to fade the Blue Jackets as the season goes on. They will continue to be one of the worst teams in the NHL.
Philadelphia - As I mentioned before the season I expected the Flyers to be improved this season. However, even I am surprised by their performance. It is no fluke though. They are getting solid goaltending and the team chemistry in Philly is great. Briere as GM and Torterella as head coach and Keith Jones as VP of operations is the perfect combo for success. Good chemistry from top to bottom in Philly is paying off and Briere and Jones both are former Flyers players. Look for Philly to continue to be a play on team.
Washington - Keep an eye on the Capitals because they were struggling early this season and that held them back some. But this team is proving they want to make one more run with Ovechkin and they will be a club to be backing in the right situations through the remainder of the season if they can stay healthy for the most part.
NY Islanders - The islanders are hot right now as of early to mid December but their goaltending and defense has not been what it once was and I expect this to have an impact on them as the season goes on. It will catch up with them.
New Jersey - The Devils have scored very well but just keep allowing too many goals. I don't know what is going on with New Jersey in terms of struggling so badly in their own zone. But as of right now they often look appealing for overs and I struggle to back them because of their inconsistency. In the right situations - certain back to backs or revenge spots or off ugly losses - I will look for overs in Devil's games.
Carolina - The Hurricanes have been a surprise early this season but not in a good way. I don't know what is wrong with the Hurricanes for sure but it is almost as if the coaching staff has lost the team a little bit. The Hurricanes also have shown a strong home:/ road dichotomy early this season so that is something to keep an eye on as well. They are a much stronger team when in Carolina.
Pittsburgh - The Penguins just are not what they used to be. Stars have gotten a little long in the tooth. They lost some guys. I have been surprised how solid they have been in terms of goals allowed but scoring has been an issue at times. Keep on eye on this pattern if it continues in terms of unders this season.
Columbus - This team is horrible on the road and allows far too many goals. I will be looking often at chances to fade the Blue Jackets as the season goes on. They will continue to be one of the worst teams in the NHL.
