Welcome to Saturday's edition of the "Morning Skate."
While it's football heaven today with College Football Playoff action and two NFL games on tap, I want to make sure we're all aware there is plenty of NHL action before the league goes on its holiday break.
There was an exciting seven-game card last night, including a potential Stanley Cup Final preview in Dallas, where the Rangers stole a 3-1 road win over the Stars.
Let's take a look at the main highlights from Saturday:
- The Utah Hockey Club earned its fourth straight win and tied the fifth-longest point streak by a franchise in its inaugural season with last night's 2-1 win in Minnesota.
- Dylan Guenther scored twice to extend his point streak to seven games, which was already the longest on his team, to help Utah extend its win streak.
- Matt Murray made 24 saves to backstop Toronto past Buffalo, 6-3, and earned his first victory since March 23, 2023.
- After scoring a hat trick of power-play goals Tuesday, Patrik Laine cashed in again on the man advantage to help the Montreal Canadiens skate to their second straight win, a 4-3 win in Detroit.
Through the first 74 nights of the season:
- Favorites are 311-214, including a 286-194 run.
- Unders are 261-232-32, and is currently on a 187-148-18 roll.
We have 11 games on the card tonight, and I'm headed to Montreal for the return engagement between the Canadiens and Red Wings.
Tonight's FEATURED GAME (lines courtesy DraftKings):
Detroit at Montreal (+100, 6-over, -120)
OUTLOOK: With last night's 4-3 win in Detroit, the Canadiens have won two straight and five of eight since Dec.3. In their two-game win streak, the Canadiens outscored Winnipeg and Detroit by a combined final of 10-4. The Red Wings had their two-game win streak snapped last night and have now lost seven of 10 since Nov. 29. I don't like the fact they're doing a one-off road game to complete this home-and-home before returning home for a four-game homestand. Consider the Canadiens to complete the sweep.