NHL weekly betting preview: Bruins put to the test

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It was another profitable slate over the weekend as our preview returned a 4-2 record in game bets, though we had to settle for a 1-1 split with our props.

Let's keep our nose to the grindstone and continue to build that bankroll ahead of the holidays.

Game betting

Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers (Tuesday)

This will be the Lightning's second game of a back-to-back, and their third in four nights. That means Curtis McElhinney will likely get the start against the high-scoring Panthers. Tampa is perfectly equipped to enter into a shootout, and all signs point to that being the case here. Its last five trips to take on the Panthers have produced 45 goals (and five overs), and the Bolts typically trend to the over when closing out a back-to-back.

Montreal Canadiens at Pittsburgh Penguins (Tuesday)

The Canadiens seem to be turning a corner over their last four games, allowing just nine goals since being berated by coach Claude Julien following a string of embarrassing defensive efforts. Meanwhile, the Penguins have kept a shutout in each of their last two at home as they shift their focus to playing good defensive hockey in light of injuries up front. The under is a strong play here at anything six or higher.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Vancouver Canucks (Tuesday)

There will be nights when the Leafs put it together, their big guns show up, and they roll over a team like the Blues. But the consistency isn't there, nor is the depth to put in those performances on a regular basis. Still, the talent on their roster means their price is constantly inflated, which offers plenty of value in backing their opponents. The Canucks remain a tough team to beat on home ice, and we can back them at a very short price here. Take them at anything -130 or lower.

Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals (Wednesday)

Losers of two in a row, the Bruins open the week in Ottawa on Monday night before visiting D.C. and Tampa. They beat the Capitals 1-0 in Washington in February last season, ending a seven-game skid at Capital One Arena. Boston's scoring has dried up a bit of late, but the team is surviving on strong defensive play. Washington is also allowing very few goals (seven over its last four). The under looks good here despite all the firepower that these clubs possess.

Boston Bruins at Tampa Bay Lightning (Thursday)

This is a statement game for the Lightning, hosing a Bruins team on the second leg of a back-to-back. Tampa needs to build back its fractured reputation and a good way to do that is by beating a conference powerhouse. The Bolts are catching Boston at a good time, with less than a 24-hour turnaround from the Bruins' contest in Washington the night before. Back the Lightning to win a fifth straight home game over the Bruins as short favorites. Don't lay anything over -140.

Vegas Golden Knights at St. Louis Blues (Thursday)

The Golden Knights have been one of the NHL's unluckiest teams this season, while the defending champion Blues continue to march on despite a litany of injuries. Eventually, the bounces will start going Vegas' way - the underlying numbers are too good for them not to - and this is a good spot to back the Knights as 'dogs, as well as consider a bet on the contest to go to overtime at +300 or higher. Each of Vegas' last two games as 'dogs have required more than 60 minutes.

Game props

Chicago Blackhawks at Vegas Golden Knights (Tuesday)

There's usually no shortage of fireworks when these two teams face off. In eight all-time meetings, the first-period over has hit seven times, including in all four of the Blackhawks' trips to Vegas. Bank on it happening again Tuesday.

Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens (Wednesday)

Despite dominating for close to 60 minutes, the Canadiens fell 2-1 in overtime to the Senators in their most recent meeting Nov. 20. Still, the most important streak for our sake stayed alive as Ottawa has now scored two or fewer goals in seven straight visits to Montreal and nine of its last 10. Go with the under 2.5 on the Sens' team total here, regardless of whether it's Carey Price or Cayden Primeau starting for the Habs.

Player props

Toronto Maple Leafs at Vancouver Canucks (Tuesday)

Tyson Barrie, who hails from Victoria, British Columbia, should have no shortage of family and friends in attendance when the Leafs visit Rogers Arena. He's notched five points in eight contests since Sheldon Keefe became head coach. He should be buzzing for a trip back to his hometown Tuesday night and is a sneaky play to get a goal in this game, which should be offered between +2000 to +2500.

Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens (Wednesday)

This might seem somewhat contradictory given our under play for this game, but take it in stride. Jean-Gabriel Pageau is a Canadiens killer. He's managed nine goals in his career against Montreal, three more than his next biggest victim. He scored at the Bell Centre already this season and is worth backing to do so again.

Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.