Media by Associated Press – Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (7) in the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
There is an opportunity for several contending teams — the Buffalo Sabres and Seattle Kraken — to prove themselves against more established opponents Monday night. While it is obvious at this juncture of the season that every point is important, the opportunities to make an impact are slowly slipping away. Here’s a look at three bets for the three-game NHL slate Monday night.
Colorado Avalanche (-250) at Montreal Canadiens
Losing focus is something the Avalanche can’t have happen as the playoff race in the Western Conference continues to tighten up. Colorado is 6-3-1 over its past ten games and is two points behind Edmonton for the top Wild Card spot and one point behind Winnipeg for third place in the Central Division. The Canadiens look like a team that is ready for the lottery.
Montreal has lost six straight games. The Canadiens haven’t had an easy time generating offense. Montreal only scores 2.67 goals per game and has a putrid power play, only converting 15.7 percent of its opportunities. With Colorado starting to build its way up the standings, the Avalanche will find a way to bully Montreal.
Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs over 7
The Sabres are still suffering from the aftershock of being lit up for ten goals by Dallas on March 9. Buffalo, which has now lost four straight games, is seeing its hopes of making the playoffs slowly slink away. Playing a division rival in Toronto could make for an explosive game for the Sabres.
In the previous two meetings between the teams this season, Toronto has collected 5-2 and 6-3 victories. The Maple Leafs also feature a highly-skilled lineup that doesn’t mind trying to go end to end and winning by leaning on their talented goal scorers. Toronto averages 3.43 goals per game and gets 32.2 shots on target.
Buffalo averages 3.65 goals per game but also concedes 3.62. The Sabres allow their opponents to get 33.4 shots on goal per game. This one will be another high-scoring affair.
Dallas Stars at Seattle Kraken (+104)
The Stars and Kraken went all season without playing each other before Dallas beat Seattle 4-3 in a shootout Saturday night. That was the first of three meetings between the two teams scheduled in the next ten days. The Kraken have lost two straight games and are only one point away from tumbling into the Wild Card.
Dallas is leading the Central Division and has played good hockey all season. The Stars are 19-8-5 on the road this season and are looking to pick up some serious steam by adding another victory. Dallas is a tough defensive team, only allowing 2.65 goals per game.
Seattle is a team that can test that defensive acumen. The Kraken score 3.52 goals per game and have been a tough out all season. Expect Seattle to grab a win as slight underdogs at home.
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