Randall the Handle

Florida +1.81 over BOSTON (REG) Pinnacle
The Bruins are playing much better but they’re still struggling offensively and we could catch them a bit flat tonight after a four-game stretch that saw them play Detroit, Montreal, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. Those are four games the B’s get up for, as the Sabres and Habs are perhaps its two biggest rivals and everyone gets jacked up to play the Red Wings and Penguins. Now they get a “breather” with the Panthers coming in and it’s also worth noting that the Bruins have the Penguins on deck again on Saturday. The Panthers record is not a good one but they’ve played much better on the road and that could be attested to the fact that their building is empty when they play at home. Contrary to what some think, the Panthers are a dangerous team. They have plenty of good, young talent and recently won three in a row before back-to-back losses to the Caps. It also appears that the Panthers will get two healthy bodies back tonight in Domenic Moore and Radek Dvorak. The situation is a vulnerable one for the B’s and frankly, they really can’t be trusted as this big a favorite right now. Play: Florida +1.97 (Risking 2 units).

Minnesota +1.33 over TAMPA BAY (REG) Pinnacle
Speaking of good situations, this is another one that favors the visitor. The Lightning return home after a four-game trip that saw them play at Philly, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. After playing to four jam-packed houses in which there was excitement and motivation the Lightning will now play in its atmosphere-less own dead arena. Teams are rarely sharp coming home from a trip and it’s very likely a lot more difficult to come home and respond to a three-quarter empty joint. The Lightning are coming off a win but only once this year have they won twice in a row and that came over Carolina and Florida. Meanwhile, the Wild are feeling it with four wins in five games including consecutive road wins in Pittsburgh and Toronto. They also beat the Rangers and Dallas over that stretch and it’s also worth noting that Niklas Backstrom is in the zone right now. Backstrom has been brilliant while Tampa Bay still has some goaltending issues, as neither Mike Smith nor Niittymaki has been consistent. We’ve all seen the Lightning pull a number of no-shows this season and this is an extremely unfavorable spot. Play: Minnesota +1.33 (Risking 2 units).