03/08/2011 Picks

Worst outing so far last night.  When you get a pick wrong in overtime and a pick wrong in the shootout though, you know you were damn close.  Here's to righting the ship tonight.

Tonight's matchups are:

Edmonton Oilers (+230) at Philadelphia Flyers (-270):
Philly will snap its four-game losing streak here against the Oilers as the Flyers are the vastly superior team.
Pick: Philadelphia Flyers


Buffalo Sabres (-105) at Pittsburgh Penguins (-115):
This is a really close matchup, but I'll give the edge to the underdog Sabres as they are playing good hockey, having won their last 2 games.  Furthermore, the Sabres are fighting for a playoff berth while the Crosby and Malkin-less Penguins are reeling with a 3-3-4 record in their last 10 games.
Pick: Buffalo Sabres


Ottawa Senators (+220) at New Jersey Devils (-260):
Ottawa is the worst team in the league and their sale of valuable players at the deadline is not going to help their team this season (although it should help in the long run).  The Devils, on the other hand, are the hottest team in the league by far having gone an absurd 21-2-2 in their last 25 games.
Pick: New Jersey Devils

Toronto Maple Leafs (-115) at New York Islanders (-105):
I am not touching this one as both teams are playing mediocre hockey and the money lines are not appealing for this game.  I'd advise against betting on it.  If you absolutely had to make a pick though, pick the Maple Leafs who have been slightly better in their last 10 games (6-1-3) and are fighting for a playoff spot.
Pick: None

Boston Bruins (-110) at Montreal Canadiens (-110):
The Bruins (7-2-1) and the Canadiens have been pretty hot (6-3-1) throughout their last 10.  The Bruins had a seven-game winning streak before losing in overtime to the Penguins in their last game, while the Canadiens are currently riding a four-game winning streak.  It's going to be close, but I'm going with the Bruins as I believe they are a serious championship contender with their deadline acquisitions.
Pick: Boston Bruins


Chicago Blackhawks (-210) at Florida Panthers (+175):
Chicago is on an eight-game winning streak, and captain Jonathan Toews is on fire.  The Panthers are in the East cellar and are struggling mightily as of late.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks


Colorado Avalanche (+165) at Minnesota Wild (-190):
Colorado has been playing abysmally, going 1-7-2 over their last 10.  Their main problem is their goaltending, or the lack thereof.  Until that is fixed, they are not going to win many hockey games.  Expect the Wild, who are battling for a playoff berth, to jump at the opportunity to grab two points against a struggling team.
Pick: Minnesota Wild


Vancouver Canucks (-130) at Phoenix Coyotes (+110):
The Canucks are playing well and are sitting at the top of the league.  I think Phoenix will challenge them, but I doubt they come away with the win unless Bryzgalov is huge tonight.
Pick: Vancouver Canucks


Nashville Predators (+165) at San Jose Sharks (-190):
The Sharks are playing their best hockey of the season while the Preds are playing their worst hockey of the season.  They have gone 8-2-0 and 3-5-2 in their last 10 games, respectively.
Pick: San Jose Sharks


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