03/05/2011 Picks

Last night was a perfect night if you followed my advice as I went 5-0 on my picks.  Hope you all enjoy your winnings.

Without further ado, let's take a look at tonight's matchups:

Buffalo Sabres (+170) at Philadelphia Flyers (-200):
Philly is sliding with two straight losses while Buffalo is playing desperate as they are one place out of the playoff picture.  Look for the underdog to pull out the win in this one.
Pick: Buffalo Sabres

St. Louis Blues (-115) at New York Islanders (-105):
The Blues are in a tailspin right now having lost their last 3 games while the Islanders have been playing solid .500 hockey lately.  I'm going with my second-straight underdog pick.
Pick: New York Islanders

Vancouver Canucks (+100) at Los Angeles Kings (-120):
The Canucks' depleted blueline is catching up to them while the Kings are heating up with a 7-2-1 record in their last 10 games.  Look for the Kings to pull off the win.
Pick: Los Angeles Kings

Chicago Blackhawks (-130) at Toronto Maple Leafs (+110):
The 'Hawks are red hot right now, having won their last 7 games.  Expect them to steamroll over Toronto with their superior talent and extend their streak to 8.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks

Florida Panthers (+125) at Atlanta Thrashers (-145):
Both teams have been playing poorly as of late, with Florida going 3-7-0 in its last 10 games and Atlanta going 2-7-1.  However, I believe Atlanta is currently a better team than Florida who just lost top 4 defenseman Dennis Wideman.
Pick: Atlanta Thrashers

Montreal Canadiens (+120) at Tampa Bay Lightening (-140):
While Tampa has won both meetings between the two teams so far this season, look for the Canadiens to exact some revenge as the Habs are coming in hot having won their last three games.  Expect the Canadiens to pull off the upset win.
Pick: Montreal Canadiens

Pittsburgh Penguins (+180) at Boston Bruins (-220):
This is the second game of a back-to-back for the Pens.  Pittsburgh has really been struggling without Crosby and Malkin, going 2-4-4 over their last 10 games.  This is in stark contrast to the Bruins who are coming in red hot having won their last 7 games and whose trade deadline acquisitions have transformed them into a serious contender.
Pick: Boston Bruins

Detroit Red Wings (-125) at Phoenix Coyotes (+105):
In a rematch of last year's Western Conference quarterfinals, look for the underdogs (Coyotes) to even the season series up 2-2 as they are still bitter from last year's Game 7 trouncing at the hands of the Wings.
Pick: Phoenix Coyotes

Edmonton Oilers (+130) at Colorado Avalanche (-150):
The Oilers' loss of Dustin Penner to trade and Taylor Hall to injury will slow them down.  Expect the Avalanche to capitalize on this.
Pick: Colorado Avalanche

Dallas Stars (+190) at San Jose Sharks (-230):
The Sharks are the hottest team in the league right now riding an eight-game win streak, while the Stars have been struggling without all-star Brad Richards.
Pick: San Jose Sharks

All money lines are from sportsbook.com unless otherwise stated.