NHL: Thursday looks good for Flyers, Maple Leafs and Islanders

Islanders (23-14-4) -135 @ RANGERS +115 (17-18-7) 7 pm
Pick: Islanders money line -135

This Big Apple matchup pits the visiting Islanders against the ice cold Rangers. The Isles have proven that they can beat pretty much anyone. They’ve only lost one game in their last seven, shutting out the Maple Leafs in that stretch. People really doubted GM Lou Lamoriello this summer when he signed a lot of veteran third and fourth liners to lucrative contracts but his Island of Misfit Toys (plus Barzal, Eberle, and a few others) have really come together to create something special.

The Rangers on the other hand continue their downward spiral into mediocrity. They’ve dropped their last four games, three of which where all by a margin of five goals. These are not the Rags of days past and for these reasons we like the Islanders and think they will have a field day at MSG.

Maple Leafs (27-13-2) -175 @ DEVILS (16-19-7) + 155 7 pm
Pick: Maple leafs money line -1.5
Pick: Over 6

It doesn’t get easier than this folks. Toronto has one of the most dynamic forward groups in the NHL and can absolutely bury teams when given the chance. The last time these two teams met , the Leafs scored a touchdown and put up the extra point all while holding the Devils two two goals. The time before that, the Leafs won 6-1. Obviously that isn’t going to happen every night but we wouldn’t be surprised if they scored four and managed to hold New Jersey to one or two goals. Far worse teams have managed to do that to the Devils on a consistent basis this year.

New Jersey’s roster is still littered with injuries. Look for Tavares, Marner, and Matthews to exploit all of the holes in their lineup. The Devils are returning home after a mediocre 1-3-0 road trip and its only going to get worse for them. We love the Leafs and the over considering how the rest of this season series has gone.

Stars (23-17-4) -120 @ FLYERS +100 (15-22-6) 7 pm
Pick: Flyers money line +100

Ladies and gentlemen, its the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The Flyers have found a matchup they can win! Dallas is without team captain Jamie Benn and the only player who has been consistently producing is Tyler Seguin, but one player does not a team make.

The Flyers are on an unreal slide right now having lost their last eight. We think its time they return to the win column. Since the Stars lost Benn from the lineup, they’ve had a hard time scoring. Rookie D Miro Heiskanen is a stud on the backend for the Stars and is someone to watch out for, but we still like the Flyers here. Let Gritty know it’s time to pop the champagne, because we think the Flyers are going to finally have a good night.