NHL betting: Run with the front-runners!
NHL betting is in full-swing on Friday night, and all of the early Stanley Cup contenders on hockey futures are in action. Friday night is a fantastic time to bet on favorites, because talent is generally what carries teams through these late week matchups. As nearly every team plays on Saturday night, Friday games are right before a lengthy road trip for many squads. This is why riding the top teams in the league is often a great hockey betting strategy, despite the NHL odds.
Who better to put your money on this season than the Boston Bruins and the San Jose Sharks?
Game #1: Boston Bruins vs. New Jersey Devils
Before you do anything—bet the under! These are two fantastic defensive teams, with two coaches who thoroughly understand how to defend their own zone. With that being said, this game will likely come down to who has the better offense, and the upper hand would have to go to the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins. Breakout seasons from Phil Kessel, David Krejci and others have turned a once one-dimensional squad into a Stanley Cup threat, and a favorite on NHL odds. Another big reason for the turnaround has been the performance of journeyman netminder Tim Thomas, who appeared in his second straight All-Star Game this season.
The Devils have been quite the surprise as well, but have struggled with teams such as the lowly New York Islanders of late. While betting on them in this game isn’t a wise idea, if you can find NHL lines suggesting that they will advance past the first round of the playoffs, absolutely take it! With Scott Clemmensen performing the way he has, and the return of Martin Brodeur looming, there are no question marks on the back end in New Jersey. The only questions will be up front, which is why the Boston Bruins are the play here.
The Pick: Boston
Game #2: San Jose Sharks vs. Buffalo Sabres
San Jose is absolutely the best team in the league—there are no arguments left to suggest that any other team is better. 
The Sharks have taken a bite out of literally every team in the league, and squashed any doubters who suggested they may have to rebuild after many years of playoff disappointments. A big reason for their dominance has been a stellar blue line, featuring great two-way rearguards such as Dan Boyle, Rob Blake and Christian Ehrhoff. It also doesn’t hurt to have an all-world goaltender in the crease, with Evgeni Nabokov playing as stellar as ever.
While the Sabres are enjoying a bit of resurgence, with Tim Connolly and Derek Roy lighting the lamp on a regular basis, the Sharks are too strong defensively, even on the road, for Buffalo to get their speedy offensive game going. In addition, you’ll get added value on the moneyline when betting on the NHL given that the Sharks are on the road. Added value on the best hockey team in the world? Yes, please!
The Pick: San Jose
