Clutch Time

Washington takes over the lead in their division last night and Montreal has an opportunity to take over the lead in there's, subsequently putting them in the top spot in the East, tonight against the lowly and rumor-ridden Leafs. The Ducks look for their second win in eight games in Madison Square Garden and Dallas faces a tough matchup in Minnesota. Quite a few games tonight worth watching and here are my picks:

Ducks -110 at Rangers -110 - Over 5 +105

The Ducks look to be back on track and I think this will not only be the most exciting, and physical, game of the night but I think the Ducks will get their second win in a row.

Result: Perry and Getzlaf get back on track and Selanne gets his second assist in as many games to lead the Ducks to a 4-1 victory on only 19 shots. The Rangers had 33 shots but Giguere continued his hot streak, though his shutout of 7 consecutive shutout periods of hockey was broken early in the second.

Canucks Even at Thrashers -115

The Canucks played well the other night and this will be another close game, but ultimately I have to give the nod to Luongo.

Result: This one turned out to be a close game but Vancouver was able to narrowly edge the Thrashers 2-1.

Maple Leafs +160 at Canadiens -180

This is my big upset pick of the night simply because Carey Price returns to the net after a relatively lengthy stint in the AHL. The Canadiens have a lot to play for, but the Leafs would love to spoil their fun and the rookie's first start in quite some time.

Result: My big upset prediction turned out to be true as the Leafs jumped out to a 3-1 lead and never looked back, eventually winning 4-2 despite being outshot 36-27.

Dallas +135 at Minnesota -155

Minnesota is a great team, as is Dallas so I'm inclined to take Dallas just because they are underdogs. However, Turco will not be starting for Dallas as he is out with a sore neck which gives Minnesota even more of an advantage. Historically, the Stars have had trouble in their former hometown as well so I pick the Wild.

Result: Well well well, Mike Smith steps in for the slightly injured Turco and earns his team a 1-0 shutout.

Columbus +125 at Phoenix -145

Another deceptive line as I initially would want to go with Columbus and take the odds since the game should be pretty even. However, Columbus' number one goaltender Leclaire is out with a sore neck and I don't think Norrena will be able to hold off the surging Coyotes.

Result: Phoenix was outplayed and outshot in this one, including a 12-5 shot differential in the first, but Bryzgalov kept them close but eventualy Phoenix fell 2-1.