by Vegas Writer
Saturday, Oct 12, 2024Saturday's edition of the "Morning Skate" takes us to the busiest day of the first week this season, as there are 13 games scheduled for today. Carolina-Tampa Bay's second of a home-and-home was postponed, and we offer those affected by Milton well wishes and safety for their families.
Home teams split out on Friday, as two guests won and two hosts won. And finally, we saw a majority of low-scoring games take place.
Last night's RECAP:
Home teams split out on Friday, as two guests won and two hosts won. And finally, we saw a majority of low-scoring games take place.
Last night's RECAP:
- Nikita Kucherov notched the third hat trick of the season, and second in natural fashion. This in just four nights since the season started, as Kucherov led the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in their season-opening contest.
- Vegas and Winnipeg both remained undefeated to start the season, thanks to multi-point performances. The Knights beat St. Louis, 4-3, as teammates Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev each registered multi-points. Meanwhile, Jets forward Mark Scheifele had two goals in a 2-1 overtime over Chicago.
- Philadelphia went into Vancouver and stole a 3-2 shootout victory.
Through the first four nights:
- Favorites are 11-10
- Overs are 10-9-2
Tonight's FEATURED GAME (lines courtesy DraftKings):
New Jersey (-148, 6.5-u, -120) at Washington
The Washington Capitals host the New Jersey Devils as Alex Ovechkin begins his 20th campaign and continues his pursuit of the all-time goals record.
With a goal tonight, Ovechkin can tie Michel Goulet (14 goals in 13 games played) and Dino Ciccarelli (14 goals in 16 games played) for the most career goals in season-opening games in NHL history.
In addition, defensemen Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy are expected to make their Capitals' debut. The Capitals, who had two defensemen with 20-plus points last season (John Carlson and Rasmus Sandin), now have four defensemen on their roster who surpassed the 20-point mark in 2023-24 with the addition of Chychrun and Roy.
The Devils are three games into the regular season already, after playing two games in Prague as part of the 2024 Global Series. New Jersey went 2-0 with 4-1 and 3-1 wins over the Buffalo Sabres. But In their home opener Thursday, the Devils lost 4-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
PREDICTION: This could be a good spot to catch a rare home dog price this big with the Caps. The Devils could be weary at this point, as they play their first true road opener, against a team that hasn't played yet and will be amped up to get started. Strong lean on the underdog.
