We can't see Milan Lucic and the Bruins getting too excited about their visit to Columbus on Friday. (Photo credit: tsyp9 / Foter / CC BY-SA)

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Over an 82-game season, it’s impossible for teams to bring their best efforts every night.

Predicting when teams might not be as focused or as intense as usual can be a major advantage in NHL betting. So can identifying when fatigue might make a team a step slower than its opponent.

Here are three teams that will face tough spots this week in NHL betting.

Bruins at Blue Jackets Friday, November 19

We respect Boston coach Claude Julien’s ability to prepare his team for games, but even he’ll have difficulty getting the Bruins excited to play in Columbus. It’ll be hard for the B’s not to be thinking about the following night’s matchup, a home date against the league-leading Canadiens.

Devils at Flames, Saturday, November 20

Calgary isn’t Denver, but it’s still at high altitude. That can make it even more difficult for teams playing their second game in as many nights, as the Devils will be after visiting Edmonton Friday.

Blackhawks at Canucks, Sunday, November 21

This will be Chicago’s third game in four nights, following stops in Calgary Thursday and Edmonton Saturday. It will also be in the middle of a six-game road trip for the Blackhawks.