The Boston Bruins will not only offer fans a chance to do a little offshore sports betting on Tuesday, January 24th, but also have an opportunity themselves to exact a measure of revenge on the Detroit Red Wings, who beat them less than a week ago. The NHL betting lines will be posted in short order at SBG online sportsbook.
Stats to Consider
The Red Wings lost 0-1 in overtime to the Rangers on Sunday. Detroit goalie had 18 saves – including a point-blank glove save on Rick Nash on a power play in the second period – but could not get his third career league shutout. The Red Wings have had points in five consecutive games, but have dropped the last in overtime. However, that’s might not be nearly the worst news for Detroit. Thomas Vanek left the ice never to come back after taking a shot to groin area in the first half. Head coach Jeff Blashill said it did not appear to be a long-term injury, and the Red Wings better hope it’s not.
Vanek out with a hip injury
Yep, he was out with a hip injury in late October and Detroit went 3-7-1 without him, so it’s safe to say the team’s NHL betting lines would take a major blow if he weren’t there. Vanek leads the team with 12 goals and 31 points in spite of missing several games, and his importance to Detroit and its offshore sports betting status cannot be underestimated. The Red Wings have lost their last four games in Boston, but the Bruins’ state might just allow Detroit to snap that streak and close in on Boston, who is four points ahead the Red Wings in the Atlantic Division.
Boston lost their fourth straight on Sunday
The Bruins lost their fourth straight on Sunday, a 1-5 loss to the Penguins. Boston’s recent (under)performance is enough to give fans a headache, and even gave one to starting goalkeeper Tuukka Rask, who made 20 saves but had to leave the ice after experiencing migraine symptoms in the second period. His replacement, Zane McIntyre, quickly allowed three goals and the Bruins found themselves behind four goals in the third period. Head coach Claude Julien was not at all happy with the loss, saying that “a lot of guys … aren’t giving us enough … we don’t have enough talent to think we can get away with a mediocre game.” Speaking of Julien, some – like CSNNE.com’s Joe Haggerty are not dead set against the Bruins taking a gamble on the coaching situation.
Words from Julien
“It might just be that making a coaching change is the best midseason card that Bruins management has to play given all of the circumstances,” Haggerty wrote. Older players are loyal to Julien, but “an argument can be made that a coach such as current assistant Bruce Cassidy could get more out of some of Boston’s younger players they’re relying heavily on this season.” Once again, it would be a gamble, and there are no NHL betting lines on that to see how it would pay off.
A turning point?
All things considered, Tuesday’s game against the Red Wings could be the turning point that decides Julien’s permanence in Boston after a 10-year relationship. “If [saving Julien’s job] is the extra motivation you need for the games then so be it,” Patrice Bergeron said. But would it be enough to sway the offshore sports betting odds in the Bruins’ favor?