Today we’ve got a nice totals position in the NHL.  I love betting on hockey, and you’d be surprised how many sharp sports gamblers do as well.  Not really rocket science to explain why:  the lower scores makes it more predictable and easier to handicap.  That may be the precise reason that recreational players aren’t as enamored of NHL betting, but my job here is to teach you how not to act like a ‘square’.

COLORADO AVALANCHE VS. CALGARY FLAMES

Great situation to go under the total.  We’ve got two divisional rivals who live and die with defense.  Colorado is something of a surprise this year with a 12-8 mark, but Calgary is business as usual with a 12-6 mark behind their standout goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff.  When “The Kipper” is ‘on’ he’s pretty much impenetrable.  He’s been in exceptional form of late.  Colorado is off their worst defensive effort of the year, an 8-2 home loss to Vancouver three days ago. Like most good teams, they’ll come out with a renewed sense of defensive intensity here.  Calgary, meanwhile, has allowed more than two goals only twice in their last 10 games (they’ve allowed 3 goals twice in that span).  Colorado has played a few more over games lately, but they’ve gone under in eight of twelve, while Calgary has gone under in 7 of 8.  Like the old saying goes ‘styles make fights’ and this has been a solidly under series:  10 of the last 15 overall and 7 of the last 8 at Calgary have gone under.  Look for another close checking, low scoring game tonight.

PLAY CALGARY/COLORADO UNDER 5′

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3. NHL Free Play for 12/3/09: Fire in the Desert
4. NHL Free Play for 11/30/09: Hockey Night in Tennessee
5. NHL Betting Free Picks For Sunday: Chicago Fire