Tag: Matt Murray

The Maple Leafs started the season the way they ended every playoffs, by melting down

Usually, the Leafs choke in the playoffs, not the regular season!

At this point, a devastating Maple Leafs’ loss in some shape or form should probably be expected. With one of the more talented cores in the NHL, Toronto has basically made it a time-honored tradition to waste that talent come the spring when the playoffs roll around.

On Wednesday night, during their season opener against the Canadiens (+200), the Leafs pivoted somewhat and started the year with a meltdown.

In a back-and-forth battle, Toronto seemingly couldn’t shake Montreal, taking the lead twice and surrendering it … twice in the second period. When the closing stanza came around, the Canadiens took the advantage with a 3-2 lead before the Leafs would tie it up in the final few minutes.

It seemed like we’d be heading for overtime until a Josh Anderson shot found the back of the net, on new goal Matt Murray no less, with roughly 17 seconds on the clock:

How glorious and painful, at the same time, to lose to Montreal 4-3 in such a fashion. The Leafs couldn’t even contain themselves enough not to blow a potential win one game into their season. If this is how the Toronto 2022-2023 campaign begins, it might be another eventual agonizing year for the Leafs.

Matt Murray trade: Who won the Maple Leafs and Senators deal?

The Maple Leafs got their starting goaltender in Matt Murray.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have their starting goaltender for next season.

On Monday, the Maple Leafs acquired 28-year-old Matt Murray from the Ottawa Senators less than 48 hours ahead of free agency. With this deal, the goaltender market continues to thin out for the rest of the league as the netminder musical chairs moves apace this offseason.

While not a blockbuster trade like the one that sent Alex DeBrincat to the Senators on draft day, this move has major implications for the Maple Leafs future after another disappointing Game 7 loss in the first round of the playoffs. Let’s take a look at how the Maple Leafs and Senators grade out on this deal ahead of the upcoming free agency period on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (39-23-6) take on the New Jersey Devils (28-28-12) at Prudential Center in Newark Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Devils sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Devils: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. MacKenzie Blackwood

Murray has made strides to reclaim his No. 1 job from All-Star Tristan Jarry, who has slumped since the break. Murray is 19-11-5 with a 2.89 goals against average and .898 save percentage with one shutout. He lost his only start in New Jersey Nov. 15, but he allowed just two goals on 21 shots in a 2-1 setback.

Blackwood puts his 22-13-8 record, 2.74 GAA and .915 SV% on the line against the Pens. He has split a pair of starts against Pittsburgh this season, posting a 2.93 GAA and .933 SV%. He won the battle against Murray Nov. 15, allowing just one goal on 39 shots.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Devils: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Devils 3, Penguins 2

Moneyline (ML)

The DEVILS (+155) are moderate underdogs at home, and that makes them a good value. They aren’t going to the playoffs this season, but rather than throw in the towel, they have been a thorn in everyone’s side lately. They have won three of their past four games, and they have lost in regulation just once in their past nine (6-1-2).

The Penguins (-189) are overwhelming favorites, but they shouldn’t be. In their past six road games, Pittsburgh has won just once, including losses to non-playoff teams in the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings. and San Jose Sharks on a recent road trip.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Devils to grab the home win returns a profit of $15.50, while a $10 wager on the Penguins nets a profit of just $5.30.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Devils (+1.5, -176) are worth a look if you want a little insurance, and don’t trust New Jersey to keep up its strong play. The Penguins (-1.5, +145) are a tempting play, but they have struggled offensively on the road, posting just 10 total goals over their past six contests away from home.

Over/Under (O/U)

That brings us to why it’s a good idea to play the UNDER 5.5 (+110). Pittsburgh is averaging just 1.67 goals per game on the road in its past six. Toss in the fact Blackwood is 8-1-2 with a 2.13 GAA and .941 SV% with two shutouts in 11 starts since the All-Star break, and the recipe is there for an Under result.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Capitals (40-20-7) and Pittsburgh Penguins (39-21-6) tangle at PPG Paints Arena in the Steel City at 1 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Capitals-Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Matt Murray

Holtby is 24-14-5 with a 3.16 goals against average and .896 save percentage. He won his previous start against the Penguins Feb. 23, allowing three goals on 35 shots. Backup Ilya Samsonov, who is 16-6-2 with a 2.55 GAA and .913 SV%, lost his only appearance against the Pens, coughing up four goals on 33 shots, so it’s likely Holtby is tabbed.

Murray has started each of the previous two meetings with the Caps with mixed results. He is 1-1-0 with a 3.53 GAA and .870 SV% in his two outings against Washington, both in D.C. Murray has been much more steady at home, going 10-2-3 with a 2.58 GAA and .918 SV%, as opposed to 9-8-2 with a 3.03 GAA and .883 SV% on the road. All-Star Tristan Jarry is starting to slip, and he has dropped three starts in a row. His GAA is at 2.86 since the All-Star Game, much higher than the 2.16 GAA before the break.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-129) are the play, as the Capitals (+105) have really struggled on the road recently. They’re just 1-5 in their past six away from the nation’s capital, while Pittsburgh is a strong 12-5 in its previous 17 against teams with a winning overall record. Yes, the Pens have also struggled recently, winning just two of their past eight overall, but Pittsburgh is also 11-5 in the past 16 battles with the Caps in the Steel City, too.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Penguins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $7.80 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PENGUINS (-1.5, +200) is a tremendous value. While I am picking the home side to win by just one goal, Pittsburgh is worth a small-unit bet with a chance to double your money. Just don’t get carried away.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6.5 (+115) could be a solid play at plus-money, especially if we get some fire wagon hockey. Holtby has given up more than three goals per game, and Murray has also been very generous.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Anaheim Ducks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Anaheim Ducks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins (37-19-6) continue their road trip with a date against the Anaheim Ducks (25-30-8) Friday at Honda Center at 10 p.m. ET (on ESPN+). We analyze the Penguins-Ducks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Ducks: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. John Gibson

Murray should get the call after All-Star Tristan Jarry started and lost in Los Angeles Wednesday. Murray is 17-9-5 with a 2.84 goals against average and .901 save percentage in 33 starts. While his only shutout of the season came on the road, he has a 3.08 GAA away from home as opposed to a 2.55 GAA in the Steel City. Murray allowed just one goal on 32 shots in a 2-1 home win over the Ducks in the first meeting Oct. 10.

Gibson has posted an 18-24-5 record, 3.01 GAA and .903 SV%. He allowed two goals on 28 shots in that Oct. 10 loss at Pittsburgh. Gibson is a respectable 11-11-2 with a 2.85 GAA and .905 SV% in 24 starts on ‘The Pond’ this season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Ducks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Ducks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Penguins (-189) were dumped in Los Angeles as a -196 favorite Wednesday, showing why it is always risky to lay more than -180 on any single game. Nothing is a sure thing, and there is no sense risking nearly two times your potential return. AVOID a ML play in this one.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins ML returns a profit of $5.29 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Ducks (+155) results in a profit of $15.50 if the home team prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS (-1.5, +140) are more attractive on the puck line. Yes, they won the first meeting 2-1, and they were dropped in L.A. two nights ago, but the Ducks (+1.5, -167) are a mish-mash of AHL and NHL players, having been sellers at the deadline. They’ll simply be playing out the string. Don’t expect the Pens to lose two in a row against pretenders.

Over/Under (O/U)

Go lightly on the OVER 5.5 (-125). It’s hard to imagine the high-octane Pittsburgh offense getting shut down twice in three nights. The Over is also 5-2 in Ducks’ past seven games overall, and 6-2 in the past eight against winning teams. Look for the Pens offense to come alive against them. The Over is 4-1 in the past five skates on The Pond between these two clubs.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Los Angeles Kings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins (37-18-6) will square off with the Los Angeles Kings (22-35-6) Wednesday at Staples Center at 10:30 p.m. ET (on NBCSN). We analyze the Penguins-Kings sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Kings: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Jonathan Quick

Murray is expected to make the start in L.A. He enters with a 17-9-5 record, 2.84 goals against average and .901 save percentage with one shutout this season. All-Star Tristan Jarry faced the Kings in the first meeting Dec. 14 in the Steel City when the Pens claimed a 5-4 shootout victory. Jarry allowed four goals on 42 shots to get the win. However, he is coming off a 5-2 loss against the Buffalo Sabres Saturday, so look for Murray to get the nod.

Quick was on the short end of that 5-4 shootout loss in December, making 23 saves on 27 shots. He has won two of his past three outings, and allowed just one goal on 31 shots last time out against a good Colorado Avalanche team in a 2-1 shootout loss Saturday.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Kings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Kings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Penguins (-209) are just a little too expensive, as you need to risk two and a half times your return. Yes, Pittsburgh won the first meeting at home, but it barely scraped by in a shootout. AVOID a ML play.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins ML returns a profit of $4.78 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Kings (+170) results in a profit of $17.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS (-1.5, +125) are going to be jockeying for seeding in the Eastern Conference, while the Kings (+1.5, -154) are simply playing out the string. Yes, the last meeting was decided in a shootout, but the Pens are easily the better team and are worth a small-unit play laying the puck line. The Pens have won four of the past five meetings.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-139) is worth a small-unit wager. The Over is 3-1-1 in the past five for the Penguins, while cashing the Over in four straight against the Western Conference. The Kings have had problems scoring goals, and the Under is 9-4-2 in their past 15 at Staples. Still, Pittsburgh could take care of the Over themselves on most nights.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (25-12-5) and Vegas Golden Knights (24-15-6) tangle at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at 10 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Penguins-Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Penguins at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Murray has posted a 12-6-4 record, 2.92 goals against average and .896 save percentage with one shutout. He’ll get a chance to go up against his former teammate, and the man he replaced in the Steel City.

Fleury enters with an 18-8-3 record, 2.79 GAA and .910 SV% with two shutouts. One of those shutouts came Oct. 19 back in Pittsburgh in a 3-0 victory, as he turned aside all 29 shots he faced.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Penguins 2

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-154) are favored a home, as Fleury and Vegas look for the season sweep. It will be a tough test, as the Penguins (+125) are 5-1 in the past six games on the road, 11-4 in the past 15 overall and 5-0 in the past five against winning teams. Vegas has been hot, too, winning four in a row at home, four in a row overall and, for what it’s worth, the Golden Knights are a perfect 7-0 in their past seven on a Tuesday.

New to sports betting? Every $1.54 wagered on the Golden Knights ML will profit $1 if they prevail.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

While I expect the Knights (-1.5, +155) to take care of business, betting the puck line is not good business in a marquee battle like this. It’s awfully tempting at 1.55 times the return. It’s still a risky play with two good teams. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-115) is worth a small-unit bet. The number has gone Over in five of VGK’s past six overall, and four of the past five at home. While the Under is 13-6 in Pittsburgh’s past 19 as an underdog, the Over is 7-3 in the past 10 against teams with a winning overall mark.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Los Angeles Kings at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Los Angeles Kings at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Kings (13-18-2) and Pittsburgh Penguins (18-10-4) tussle in the Steel City at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Kings-Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Kings at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Quick vs. Tristan Jarry

Quick picked up a victory over the Anaheim Ducks Thursday, and he has back-to-back wins with just one goal allowed in each outing. He didn’t allow a goal until the final minute in his game Tuesday against the New York Rangers, a power-play tally with an extra attacker. The Under is 6-0 in Quick’s past six appearances.

Jarry picked up a shutout last time out against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he has three shutouts across his past four starts. Overall, he is 8-5-0 with a 1.76 goals against average and .941 save percentage. It’s possible Matt Murray makes an appearance in this one, but it’s hard to imagine the Pens will go away from Jarry while he’s running hot.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Kings at Penguins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Kings 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Penguins (-228) are too expensive on the moneyline, and the Kings (+185) aren’t a good play on the road against a difficult opponent. PASS, and look to the puck line instead.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Penguins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $4.40 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PENGUINS (-1.5, +125) is a great play on home ice. In four of their past five victories at home, the Pens have won by 2 or more goals, so roll the dice on a puck-line win and avoid the high risk of the moneyline.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+115) is a nice play at plus-money. The Under is 7-2-1 in the past 10 on the road for the Kings, and 6-2-1 in their past nine as a dog away from home. The Under has connected in four of the past five for Pittsburgh, too, while going 23-8-1 in the past 32 games at home for the Pens.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Pittsburgh Penguins (16-9-4) and Detroit Red Wings (7-20-3) do battle Saturday evening at 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Hockeytown. We analyze the Penguins-Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Penguins at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Jimmy Howard

Murray is expected to get the start Saturday after Tristan Jarry posted a shutout Friday night, his second straight. There is a goaltender controversy in the Steel City, and Murray needs a big performance to keep Jarry from continuing to carve into his role. Murray is 9-5-4 with a 2.84 goals-against average and .897 save percentage with one shutout.

Howard has been terrible, going 2-11-1 with a 3.94 GAA and .887 save percentage, as he comes in on an 0-6-1 skid while allowing three or more goals in six of the past seven outings.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Red Wings: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 5, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Penguins (-209) are expensive, and even with Murray in there instead of the red-hot Jarry, they should have enough against the Red Wings (+170). Still, you can’t give twice as much as your return. That’s just not good business.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS (-1.5, +125) are an attractive play against the sieve known as Howard. In the past three wins by the Pens, they have also covered the puck line, so feel confident laying the goal and a half.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-150) will cost you quite a bit of juice, but you’re not going to have to worry about it. Howard has been terrible, and the Penguins will pepper him. In fact, they might be able to take care of the over themselves.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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