NHL returns to action after a week off with tough matchups for Montreal and LA

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NHL players are not going to the Olympics, but they are finally headed back onto the ice this week after an extended layoff.

It has been a while since we had any games played in the NHL. Unpredictability is unfortunately still the story of the year, but things are on the upswing once again, with some games on the schedule Tuesday night.

In the early matchup, the Canadiens visit the two-time defending Cup champs in Tampa. It’s been almost two weeks since the Habs played last and a full week for the Lightning. All that time off can make for a pretty wild game, especially with the direction these two teams were headed anyway. 

And in the late game, the division-leading Golden Knights visit the Kings in LA. Not quite as tilted a matchup here in this one, but still plenty to like from the road favourite. 

In the early game, grab Tampa to take care of business handily at home on the puck line -1.5, and at night, the Golden Knights to win on the road in LA on the moneyline. 

PICKS:

LIGHTNING -1.5 (-120)

VGK MONEYLINE (-150)