No beefs with the loser on the Giants, as that was just a good old fashioned wrong side from the outset. I like one NHL game this evening, and that’s my Monday free play.
Note there is no line on this game right now, but I would anticipate the home team being in the -130 neighborhood. If that’s the case, I’ll be on it.
OILERS at MAPLE LEAFS
Take: MAPLE LEAFS
It’s debut time tonight in Toronto, as Garret Sparks will make his first NHL start in goal for the Maple Leafs as they host Edmonton.
Sparks has been sizzling on the farm in the AHL. With James Reimer injured and Jonathan Bernier struggling mightily, head coach Mike Babcock doesn’t have much choice but to start the kid. But I see this as blessing in disguise. Toronto had been playing its best hockey in ages till losing their last three, and with Reimer sidelined, they simply can’t afford to rely on the currently hapless Bernier. Better to call the hot minor leaguer up and give him his chance.
Edmonton arrives off a nice upset win at Pittsburgh on Saturday, and that was on the heels of a tough OT loss at Detroit where the Oilers had fought back impressively after falling behind. But this is still a team that’s somewhat shorthanded right now thanks to key injuries, and playing a third road game in four nights looks like a difficult task.
I have always liked the idea of rolling with first time starters. I do it on a regular basis in baseball, and the thought process is similar on the ice. Nerves can always be a concern, but at the same time I feel the pitcher has an advantage going against players who’ve never seem him and might not know how to attack whatever weaknesses exist. Same deal with goalies with the unfamiliarity on the opposition being an asset at the outset. It helps that in this case, I’m banking on a goalie who has been stopping almost everything fired his way wth the Marlies, and I like Sparks to be tough on the Oilers tonight.
The Edmonton goalie is unknown presently. My guess is Anders Nilsson, as he’s simply been more reliable than Cam Talbot. So I’m obviously hoping it’s Talbot. But either way, I want to cast my lot with the Leafs first-timer. Assuming I don’t get priced off the game, I’ll be on Toronto tonight.
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CBB Grinder: 2* Best Bet for Monday.