Sports Betting Overview

The Northeast Division is the most competitive division in hockey. Only four point separates last place Ottawa with first place Boston. That is why every divisional game between these teams is so incredibly important. It looks like the division is going to be like this all season, so every team will need to step up and play well in divisional contests. The Toronto Maple Leafs have a competitive team for the first time in several years, but it is hanging by a thread as long as starting goaltender James Reimer is injured. The Leafs win games by overwhelming the opposition with goals. The Boston Bruins do not get easily overwhelmed and are ready for the kind of game that Toronto plays.

The Bruins struggled when the season started, but now they have righted the ship and sit in first place in the division. The price per head sports fans in Boston could use some good news after the Red Sox’ epic September collapse and the basketball lockout. The pay per head problem in Boston when the season started was that the Bruins got away from the physical style of play that won it the Stanley Cup last season. Goaltender Tim Thomas was as impressive as he has been, but the Bruins were unable to keep teams from in front of the Boston net. With that problem solved, Boston has found its winning groove and it could be a long season for the rest of the Northeast Division.

Toronto Maple Leafs

As long as goalie James Reimer is sidelined with an injury, the Leafs are living on borrowed time. Toronto is one of the top scoring teams in the league with 70 goals scored, but it has also given up 70 goals against. The Leafs play top-notch offense but follow it up with horrible defense and goaltending. As much as bet online sports experts do not like to narrow a team game down to one player, the Leafs are a much different team with Reimer in net. Without James Reimer, it is highly unlikely that the Leafs will make the playoffs and it is certainly unlikely that Toronto will beat the Bruins in this game.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins are just a big, punishing group of hockey players that have speed on offense and a goaltending virtuoso in net. It is extremely difficult to repeat as a Stanley Cup champion, and not many experts give the Bruins a chance to repeat this year. But if the Bruins maintain its style of play and can manage to avoid major injuries, then there is no reason to expect that this team will fall short when the playoffs arrive. The Bruins will not allow Toronto to play its style of hockey in this game, which will be the deciding factor.

The Bottom Line

The Bruins will not allow the Leafs to play its run and gun style of hockey in this game. If Toronto wants to win this game, it will have to grind it out and rely on its goaltender for support. Since Toronto cannot do either of those things, then this game goes in favor of the Bruins.

Pick: Boston Bruins

With the 2011 NCAA football season right around the corner, it might seem strange to be talking about next year’s recruiting classes, but coaches are already out on the hunt for next year’s freshman stars. Several of the top-ranked prospects have already verbally committed for next year, so here’s a rundown on a few players who could make an impact in the fall of 2012.

Mario Edwards, DE, Florida State

The son of a former Dallas Cowboys cornerback, Edwards is a big kid at 6-4, 270 pounds and reportedly has the frame to get even bigger. He has good first-step quickness which allows him to get under blockers and power through them to get after the quarterback. Ranked by ESPN.com as the #1 recruit in America and #2 by Rivals.com, he’s been compared to former Clemson recruit Da’Quan Bowers, about to start his NFL career in Tampa Bay.

D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida

Despite projecting as an offensive lineman, Humphries has the athleticism of an NBA forward – something you might expect from a five-star defensive end, not a tackle. He has great feet to seal the edge in pass protection and get up the field on stretch running plays. Florida coach Will Muschamp might be a defensive-minded guy, but with Humphries he has a young man that could be the anchor of his offence for three or four years if he develops as expected.

Eddie Williams, WR/OLB/S, Alabama

Williams is an elite athlete who could end up playing all over the field for the Crimson Tide. In 2009 he threw for five scores, ran for another five and caught three, while also grabbing a couple of interceptions. He shows great awareness when the ball is in the air, able to bring down jump balls on offence and defence. His athleticism should make him an impact player early in his Alabama career.

Johnathan Gray RB, Texas

Gray is a thickly-built back who would excel in a one-cut, downhill scheme. In the last two seasons he has posted a ridiculous 5,853 yards and 104 touchdowns, displaying all the quickness and power you could ask for in a number-one back. In prospect camps he’s also displayed remarkable instincts and in the passing game, running crisp routes and showing soft, natural hands. He could be a monster for the Longhorns in a few years.

Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

The Seminoles have been stockpiling talent recently, and Winston might turn out to be the guy that all those prospects coalesce around. A terrifying dual-threat QB, he can make every throw, whether on the run or from the pocket. He’s a good enough athlete to play wide receiver and is even considered a top-tier centrefield prospect in the 2012 MLB draft. If he sticks with football and works on reading defences, he could become a star.