A Reversal of Fortunes?

Perhaps last night was the beginning of a turnaround for my luck. I started off strong and have struggled in the last few outings but tonight offers a variety of interesting lines. I've decided to make a large amount of picks that will either bring me back from the negatives in roaring fashion or kick me down the rest of the hill.

Caps +105 at Blue Jackets -120 - Over 5.5 EVEN

Caps have been very good lately and this a huge game for them. While the Blue Jackets have been okay, they've looked a bit shaky in goal as of late so I would expect Ovechkin and Backstrom to have some success tonight. Caps win and over 5.5 seems relatively certain given the nature of these teams lately.

Result: The Blue Jackets lose their third straight to the streaking Caps though it took overtime to get it done. Ovechkin continued his torrid pace scoring two goals, including the game winner in overtime, on 10 shots. He now leads the league in goals and total points and is easily the league MVP right now.

Florida +125 at Maple Leafs -145

I can't help but take a + against the Leafs, especially after Florida has given better teams trouble lately. Florida

Result: The lowly Leafs continue to be players in the Stamkos sweepstakes as they get absolutely destroyed by the Panthers 8-0. Sundin will wear another team's colors by the end of the season, but will most likely be re-signed by the Leafs in the off-season. Of course, most of us said the same thing about Smyth in Edmonton.

Carolina +125 at Predators -145

This should be a great game but Carolina is trying to hold off the Caps so even on the road, I'll still take em.

Result: It tooks a little over 2 and a half periods to get the first goal of the game, which turned out to be the only goal with Nashville coming out on top. Nashville played a better third period than the Hurricanes, but ultimately the shots were an even 34 for Nashville and 31 for Carolina.

Phoenix +145 at Calgary -165

Calgary is coming off the worst game I've ever seen them play and while I expect a better effort, I think Phoenix will surprise them. Phoenix.

Result: Well, this game looked to be completely in hand before a monumental collapse by the Yotes in the third period. They carried a 3-0 lead into the third but allowed 3 goals in that period, including one to Iginla with 9 seconds left, allowing Calgary to force overtime and eventually win in the shootout. Phoenix was essentially outplayed for most of the night, however, and Bryzgalov held them and almost stole the outright victory making 35 saves on 38 shots.

Kings +185 at Rangers -225 - Over 5.5 +105

It's easy to take the Rangers in this one, but I can't imagine the game not having 6 goals. Rangers and the over.

Result: The Kings have surprised a few people lately and they most certainly surprised the Rangers last night. Frolov had one of his best games of the season logging over 23 minutes and finishing with a goal and a assist as the Kings rolled over the Ranger 4-2.

Red Wings -140 at Wild +120 - Over 5 -135

This is the game of the night between the best team in the league and one of the hottest right now. However, I expect the Wings to win a close one and most likely win it 3-2 so I'll take the over just for that empty netter at the end.

Result: A great game as advertised as the Red Wings use a stellar second period performance from the Dominator to position themselve for a game tying goal with less than 2 minutes left. Zetterberg would find Lebda sneaking in fromt the point only 1:37 into overtime for the game winner. Final score was as predicted, 3-2.

Flyers -130 at Thrashers +110

While Atlanta has been better lately, I expect them to get smashed.

Result: The Trashers gave the Flyers a run for the money but a late 3rd period goal by super-pest Steve Downie gives the Flyers a 3-2 victory.