Free NHL Bet: Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs

Apr 01, 2008 | By Stan Leung | Picks Articles Archive

Buffalo Sabres (-128) at Toronto Maple Leafs (+118)
April 1, 2008 7:30 PM EST
Over/Under: 6
NHL Betting Pick: Maple Leafs +118

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are basically done in their search for a playoff spot but I like them in tonight NHL betting matchup versus the Sabres. At home the Leafs play well and at +118 I like the betting odds in this matchup. Sportsbook oddsmakers currently have the Toronto Maple Leafs as +118 moneyline underdog versus the Sabres, while the game's total is sitting at 6.

This betting game will favor the home team as both teams are playing for pride and basically have the same record over the last 10 games so why are the Leafs such a big dog, especially at home. The Leafs are 6-4-0 in their last ten games while the sabers are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games. Yes the Sabres have the advantage in the betting trends who are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Toronto but the Sabres have played so hard this season and at this time of the year I think they have nothing left in the gas tank. Right now the team is playing hard but is tired. All season long they have put on a good face but the talent is not there since losing a number of free agents in the off-season. After winning the Presidents' Trophy last season, Buffalo are in jeopardy of becoming only the third team since the NHL's expansion era began to miss the playoffs a year after finishing first in the regular-season standings.

Right now the playoffs are dwindling where they have lost six games in which they held a two-goal leads. That includes losing back-to-back home games last week, a 6-3 loss to Ottawa and 4-3 shootout loss to Montreal, in which the Sabres blew 3-1, third-period leads. The Leafs will also be playing off the rest of the season but they are no where near as tired as the Sabres are. The Leafs are playing out the regular season after being eliminated Thursday night. Leaf rookies Anton Stralman and Jiri Tlusty scored two goals apiece to lead the Leafs to victory against the Montreal Canadiens. Jiri Tlusty might like ot take pictures of himself naked and post them on the Internet but he can play hockey. The Leafs carefree style of play is what will win the Leafs the game as they will be playing for fun and loose with no pressure while the Sabres will play tight as they still have remote shot at the playoffs.

Bottom Line: As a NHL bettor this is perfect underdog game to pick. The home team is the dog and this will be a great game to lay a lot of money to get a good return.

Take the fresher team for a great moneyline value pick on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

A few trends to consider:

Over is 5-0 in Maple Leafs last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-1-1 in Maple Leafs last 7 vs. Northeast.
Sabres are 2-5 in their last 7 games following a win.
Sabres are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Bet the NHL at Bet Jamaica.com

Free NHL Bet: Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs

Take the fresher team for a great moneyline value pick on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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