Ron Raymond's Sports Betting Blog

Montreal vs. Philadelphia

Ron's Comment: Halak was brilliant vs. the Canucks on Tuesday making 34 saves and he's the go to guy for Carbonneau this evening. Plus, Montreal has played well in this building, winning 7 of their last 10 games and Halak will be the key for a Habs win! When MONTREAL team Played as Road team as a Underdog - Vs Conference Opponent - Total is 6.0; the Canadiens are 27-16-1 SU in this spot since 1996.


Prediction: Montreal 3 Philadelphia 1

LA Kings vs. Detroit

Ron's Comment: No Hossa this evening, as it looks like he's got a bit of a concussion, but tough to go against this stat; When DETROIT team played as a home team - playing on Friday - Coming off 1 under; the Red Wings are 18-0-2 SU in this spot since 1996.


Prediction: Detroit 5 LA Kings 2

Pittsburgh vs. Chicago

Ron's Comment: Crosby is nursing a sore groin and looks like a no go for this evening, but that's not a huge factor in my view, as Crosby is a bit overrated and not playing well this year. Hawks are 3-5-2 SU in their last 10 home games vs. Atlanta division foes and let's take the road value and hope that Fleury carries that shutout momentum into the United Centre this evening. When PITTSBURGH team Played as Road team as an Underdog - Vs Non Division Opponent - Last 2 years - Coming off a 1 goal win; the Penguins are 7-4 SU in this role the L2Y.


Prediction: Pittsburgh 5 Chicago 3

Minnesota vs. Calgary

Ron's Comment: Minnesota are a game below .500 on the road this season and they are 1-6 SU vs. Calgary at the Saddledome. Kipprusoff is 22-6-1 during regular season play vs. the Wild and the Flames are averaging 4.0 goals for per game in their last 5. Plus, when CALGARY team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Total is 5.0 - Coming off a Home win as a Favorite; The Flames are 24-10-3 SU in this situation since 1999.


Prediction: Calgary 3 Minnesota 0

Tampa Bay vs. Vancouver

Ron's Comment: From a betting perspective, betting on the Canucks is the riskiest venture on the board this evening, because this is their first game back from that long eastern road trip. In fact, if you intend to bet on them this evening, make sure you throw in another team in your parlay, to make it pay! As for the Lightning, they seem to be “struck” no pun intended with bad luck! Furthermore, they are 0-4-2 SU lifetime in Vancouver and they've won 9 road games all year. Here's an 87.5% winning system on the Canucks; When ANY NHL Team played as a home team - Vs Southeast opponent - playing on Friday - Total is 5.5 - Coming off vs. Northeast division opponent; the home team (VAN) is 14-2-2 in this role since 1999.


Prediction: Vancouver 4 Tampa Bay 2

Phoenix vs. Nashville
Ron’s Comment: The Coyotes are 3-7 vs. Central Division opponents in their last 10 games and the Preds are getting some great goaltending of late. When NASHVILLE team played as a home team - before a division game - With 1 day off - Scored 5 or more goals FOR in their last game; the Predators are 9-1-2 SU in this situation since ’99.
Prediction: Nashville 3 Phoenix 2

St.Louis vs. Dallas
Ron’s Comment: Not a good spot for the Blues, as they are 1-6 SU in their last 7 trips to Dallas and 0-10 SU vs. Pacific division opponents in their last 10 games. When DALLAS team played as a home team - After a conference game - Scored 0 or less goals FOR in their last game; the Stars are 12-1-2 SU in this role since ’97.
Prediction: Dallas 4 St.Louis 2

Columbus vs. Edmonton
Ron’s Comment: The Jackets have lost 2 straight and goaltending is starting to look Shaky for Hitchcock’s team. When EDMONTON team played as Home team as a Favorite - With 1 day off - Coming off a 3 game Home stand; the Oilers are 8-3 SU in this role since ’96.
Prediction: Edmonton 3 Columbus 2

LA Kings vs. Philadelphia
Ron’s Comment: Couple of factors are making me side with the Kings in this spot tonight. Most importantly; major letdown factor for the Flyers after their huge win over the Capitals in their building last night. Secondly, the Flyers are starting Biron and he’s been brutal in his last few outings. Consider the OVER in this game, as the OVER is 5-0-1 for the Flyers at home this season when the total is 6.0!

Prediction: LA Kings 5 Philadelphia 4

NY Rangers vs. Toronto
Ron’s Comment: The betting public is backing the Rangers tonight vs. the LEAFS because of the new coaching change. However, the Rangers have no chemistry and the fact that Avery is sitting in the wings to join this group of players, I bet you is not playing out well in the room with this current group. Goaltending is not the issue in New York, it’s their over price forwards like Naslund and Gomez who are missing in action. When TORONTO team played as Home team as a Underdog - Total is 5.5 - Coming off a 1 game win; the Leafs are 8-3-1 SU in this spot since ’96. Plus, the Leafs are 7-3 SU in their last 10 matches against Atlantic division friends.

Prediction: Toronto 4 NY Rangers 2

NY Islanders vs. Pittsburgh
Ron’s Comment: Good luck to you if you want to lay your money on the Islanders on the road this year! Especially vs. a division opponent, as they are 1-9 SU vs. division foes in their last 10 road games, while the Pens are 9-1 SU vs. division friends in their last 10. Here’s a nice NHL System supporting the Penguins; When ANY NHL Team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Vs Division Opponent - Total is 6.0 - Coming off a 1 game loss - Coming off a 2 game Road stand; the HOME FAVE (PENS) are 14-5 SU in this role since ’96.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 6 NY Islanders 2

Philadelphia vs. Washington

Ron’s Comment: Nittymaki seems to be the goalie of confidence for the Flyers, because why would he go with him here vs. a top rated team in Washington. In fact, with a win tonight in Washington, could give him the starting job for the rest of the season. Look for a great effort from Nittymaki this evening and the UNDER is 11-3-1 for the Caps after winning by 3 goals or more in their last game L2Y. Plus, when PHILADELPHIA team played as a Road team - Total is 6.0 - Coming off a 2 game Home stand; The Flyers are 8-2-1 SU in this role since 1996.

Prediction: Philadelphia 3 Washington 2

Sports’ betting is much like the stock market, you have to keep your finger on the pulse of the league and be on the watch out for the next “fanny and Freddie” type teams! In fact, as we’ve seen in Montreal, team chemistry and the environment of a club can tank faster then free beer at a frat party!

When a handicapper says there’s “good value” on the home team or the road team, what exactly do they mean by that expression? Keep in mind, when your betting on a game, sure your gut instinct will tell you to bet on a certain team, but does your wallet tell you the same thing? Let’s face it, any Joe blow off the street can bet on the Detroit Red Wings -300 at home vs. a team that is hitting 30% on the season and have not won a road game all year, but where’s the value in laying 3 times your initial wager? The risk is too greater than the reward, therefore, there’s no “value” in betting on the Red Wings at this price. Why would you want to give yourself ulcers by watching this game, especially if Detroit is down by 2 goals in the third period? It doesn’t make any financial sense, unless you throw them in a 3-team parlay that gives you a better return on your investment.

Let’s review the current “NHL Market” as of February 23, 2009. There’s roughly between 20 to 23 games for each NHL teams left on the regular season and which team would you consider to have “value” at this time of the year? In fact, I’ve gone through my database, as I wanted to see which teams have been consistent the last 45 days and which teams have tailed off a bit from their fast start of the season.

Don’t look now, but the New Jersey Devils without Marty Brodeur are one of your top value teams, as they are 15-5 (SU) since January 9th. Other good teams who have 12 wins since January 9th are the Blackhawks, Blue Jackets and Stars. Therefore, if you can get any of these teams as an UNDERDOG or laying -135 or less, I would consider them good value.

As for teams who might be over priced and you may want to pass when they are laying more then -140; are the Ducks, Avalanche, Rangers and Canadiens. The Islanders and Leafs have been the worst teams the last 45 days, but teams like Montreal and the Rangers are clubs who get too much respect from the bookmakers at times because they play in a big hockey market, and betting on them is like hitching a ride with a guy who’s had 8 beers!

As for betting on the totals; the UNDER is 14-6-0 for the Blackhawks in their last 20 games, while the OVER is 13-4-3 for the Habs. Speaking of questionable goaltending, now that Roberto Luongo is back, look to bet on the UNDER down the stretch in Canucks game, because the OVER was 13-4-0 for the Canucks since Jan 9th. However, now that Luongo is back and he’s getting his confidence back after his groin injury, I look for the Canucks to play more games that go under the total.

Make sure to check out my daily picks in the member’s area, because betting smarter will result in more good days then bad ones! Head over to www.phoenixsports.com as I release all my picks at the PST.