Top 3 NHL Betting Picks for Sunday, August 2 (2020)
The second day of the NHL playoffs get underway Sunday, August 2, with a five-game slate of intriguing matchups. Let’s take a look at three games that will provide us with solid value.
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Philadelphia Flyers (+112) vs. Boston Bruins (-130)
When the season was put on hold, the Flyers were one of the hottest teams, winning nine of their last ten – while the Bruins were leading the NHL in points with 100. These two teams also met three times during the regular season with Philly winning twice.
Philadelphia is led by Captain, Claude Giroux, and Travis Konecny – who leads the team with 61-points. The X factor for the Flyers’ success this season was the play of goaltender Carter Hart – who went 24-13-3 with a 2.42 goals-against average (GAA) and a .914 save percentage (SV%).
Boston is led by disputably the best line in the NHL, consisting of Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron. These three combined for 238-points during the regular season, with Pastrnak tied for the league-lead in goals with 48. They have four-solid lines and are sound defensively. Goaltender Tuukka Rask was phenomenal throughout the year with a 2.21 GAA and .929 SV%.
Boston looked sluggish during their exhibition game against Columbus and I think clinching the NO.1 seed is more important to Philly. Look for the Flyers to come out motivated.
Pick: Philadelphia +112
Columbus Blue Jackets (+130) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (-150)
Many people are blinded by the prestige of the Maple Leafs and their powerful offensive unit. This group consisting of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander are not a bunch you want to get into a sprint with. They can score in bunches and owned the 6th best power play during the regular season, converting 22.9% of the time.
However, where this team does lack is on defense. They ranked 26th in the league in goals allowed per game and 19th in shots allowed. They routinely leave goaltender, Frederik Andersen, out to dry. Additionally, they have no grit to their game as they’re softer than a pile of Pottery Barn throw pillows.
Columbus plays a game quite the opposite of the Leafs. They only had one 20-goal scorer all year in Oliver Bjorkstrand and own the 4th lowest shooting percentage in the league. The good news is that they will get back winger Cam Atkinson who scored 41-goals during the 2018-2019 season, as he was injured at the break.
They play a hard-nosed style defensively and did a fantastic job this season limiting opponents’ chances. They ranked 3rd league-wide in goals allowed per game and 7th in shots allowed. They’re led by the top-pairing of Seth Jones and Zach Werenski – the latter who put up 20-goals during the regular season.
The Biggest X factor lies in Head Coach, John Tortorella. “Torts†is an old school tactician who knows how to attack opponents’ weaknesses while his team wears you down with a grinding style.
Look for Columbus to surprise everyone and steal game one.
Pick: Columbus +130
Minnesota Wild (-105) vs. Vancouver Canucks (-112)
These two teams are relatively similar in profile. Both ranked in the top half of the league offensively, Vancouver ranking 8th in goals per game and Minnesota 12th. The Canucks are deeper up front, led by burgeoning star Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and trade deadline acquisition, Tyler Toffoli.
The Wild are led by Kevin Fiala, who put up 54-points in his first year with the team and anchors a lineup filled with veterans.
Defensively, Vancouver ranked 20th in goals allowed per game while Minnesota ranked 24th. However, where they differ significantly is in shot suppression. The Wild ranked 11th in shots allowed per game, while the Canucks ranked 28th. Much of this has to do with the Wild’s strong defensive corps consisting of Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, and Matt Dumba.
Vancouver owns the advantage in goal with Jacob Markstrom patrolling the crease. He had a fantastic season, posting a 2.75 GAA and .918 SV%.
I consider this matchup relatively even but am looking for Minnesota to take game one with their stronger veteran presence.
Pick: Minnesota -105
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