Injuries And Underdogs

I think we are beginning to see the unofficial start of Playoff Hockey folks! Some teams are kicking into their power push early this year ... with playoff slots within so many teams reach, it is going to be a free for all out on the ice ... every game! Nashville, Chicago, Washington, Florida ... all looking very sharp.

10 points separate 6th spot from 14th spot in both East and West Conference - with 20+ games left to play anyone can theoretically make it to the Post Season. Of course teams like LA, Tampa, Toronto will have to believe in miracles (thanks Al Michaels) ... however it is not out of the question. These will be the teams to watch as the trade deadline approaches. There is some strong talent on the NHL trade roster, I am excited to see who goes where.

My pics for the night before I head out to celebrate Valentine's Day with my wife ...

Sharks -
Result: Lost to the Oilers! Not to often are you handed 10 power plays, gift wrapped and tied with a bow. I am going to give this game to Garon, he was on fire! Sharks head out on a nice road trip - maybe they just need to get out of the bay area for a bit. Good Luck Sharks!

Wild -
Result: It took a shoot out ... but a win is a win! With as many lead changes in this game ... it could have been anyones. Vancouver played hard, but the Wild took what they needed. Minn sits now at 24-0-1 for the season (and 50-1-1 over the past 2 seasons) for winning when leading after 2. Impressive ... to say the least.

Stars -
Result: Phoenix had one thing on their mind ... dont let Dallas win - and they made their wish come true. If you have Vrbata on your Fantasy Team (like I do), PLAY HIM!!! If Phoenix is going to make a playoff run this year it will be because of this Winger.

Penguins -
Result: Carolina has been showing some grit as of late - with the loss of their leading scorer to a torn ligament, it will be even harder for them. But with Whitney getting a goal and 2 assists ... along with Cole and Staal snaping their pointless streak the Canes might just have what it takes.

Islanders -
Result: Here was an underdog that was going up against a deflated Toronto team. NYI was sitting on a 7 game losing streak and Toronto bringing up the rear of the Eastern Conference was relying on a hope and prayer last night. NYI snapped that losing streak and are now 4 points out of 8th place in the Conference.

Lets see how I do ... I have taken a short break from my picks just because, well I suck! ha ha

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

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.

One Thing I Am Not Giving Up For Lent

What do we have on tap for tonight … there are some evenly matched line ups. Seems like the Ducks/Ranger game does not have a favored team so I am going to stay away from that one (however, I will be secretly hoping the Rangers take the W away from Anaheim – probably wont happen … but a boy needs dreams right?) OK … so tonight I am going big – picking a bunch to try to catch up with Clint for the time being. I am sure he will have his massive list up here soon.

Tonight does have a couple games that stand out we’ll start with Detroit and Los Angeles … Here is the best team in the NHL playing the worst, the only way to get your money’s worth (and entertainment value) is to take Detroit and the over (5 1/2) … yes, I know I said I never take the over/under, however, Detroit at -320 is ridiculous and IF they play the way they have been playing ALL YEAR it will be a high scoring game. Now, I will go on the record to say that since I have said it here, LA will hold Detroit to ONE goal!!! We shall see.

Result: Babcock said it the best after this game "Every once in a while you need to be reminded" - Goliath just got his ass kicked by David last night in Detroit!!! I got the over right ... just wrong team. 4 goals in the 4th for LA ... congrats.

Stars / Wild … Both teams are on an upswing and the odds are in the Wilds camp for 2 reasons. 1. Home Ice and 2. Turco sitting this game out. Gaborik was pointless Tuesday night so he may be looking to prove something, especially after scoring 3 goals in 2 games previously. I am going to go with Dallas as the underdog, lets see what they can dish out.

Result: Mike Smith has something to be proud of today - he and the Stars shut out the Wild. It was an underdog night last night and the Stars came out to shine! (wow - was that cheesy?)

Calgary is playing Chicago and Columbus is in Phoenix … down and dirty … Flames and Coyotes!!!

Result: NO and NO ... huh ... both wrong? Did anyone tell Columbus and Phoenix that they were the favored teams??? Thank god I have a day job!

Tampa in Nashville … Nashville is hot, Tampa is pulling it together. This game is going to come down to puck control. I am taking Nashville only because they are on fire at home right now.

Result: I guess home ice doesnt mean much these days - Tampa was able to hold off the Predators and keep them tied going into OT. Prospal scored 58 seconds later to help the NHL's worst road team look like the best!

Florida in Ottawa – now here is a team on the way up playing a team on the way down. Ottawa is struggling and has given up a lot of ground lately losing 8 of 11 games. Florida is on an upswing and has 4 points to go if they want a spot in the playoffs. They know it, Ottawa knows it and well, now you know it! Ha – this will be a fun game to watch … Going with Florida!

Result: They fought the good fight - Florida is looking better and better ... having Heatly back was Ottawa's saving grace. Looks like I get to notch another in the L column!

Pittsburgh / Islanders – Penguins without Crosby, NYI trying not to lose the 6th straight. With Pittsburgh giving up and allowing New Jersey to walk away with a win, I think Mr Therrien has taken them to task by letting them know “It’s unacceptable to lose a hockey game like this.” We’ll see what the Penguins bring to the ice tonight. I am going with Pittsburgh.

Result: NY's coach summed it up the best - "It was a game of mistakes and we made one to many" ... on the other bench, Mike Therrien, who 3 days ago blamed the Pens loss on Ryan Whitney's weak showing on the ice, said that Ryan upgraded his game not only offensively, but defensively he was sharp. Its always good to hear your coach saying those things when your playing well. Good job Pittsburgh!

Sliding In Sideways

Just made it home from an all day - no laptop meeting! Whew ... just in time to lay it down!

Washington, Edmonton and San Jose!

Result: Win, Win, Loss -
Washington from worst to first! Congrats AO on your league leading 46th goal! Just makes you wonder where the Caps would be if Bruce Boudreau started the season as the coach. They are becoming a fun team to watch again.

Edmonton - Chicago is now on a 5 game slide and Edmonton has found some passion. Looks like they have found the right mix to make a run at a playoff spot!

San Jose - Colorado was technical and came out of that battle unscathed! The Sharks tried everything they had and Theodore just would not budge ... he looked pretty shart coming off of his injury and the Sharks tested his skills time and time again - sometimes, your gonna lose!

Looks like I did pretty well the other night ... 2 for 2! I called it with Ottawa though ... when your playing the #1 in the league on the power play ... you dont visit the penalty box! Lets see what tonight brings.

My brain hurts ... have been thinking to much today!

Quick Ones

Only a small handful of games to choose from tonight but I

Caps +150 at Flyers -170 - Over 6 -115

Game of the night by far. Two of the hottest teams in the NHL square off in what hopefully will be a sneak preview of a playoff matchup to come. I take the under dog just because it seems nuts to take the Flyers at -170 in this matchup. Over 6 seems plausible as well.

Result: Caps nearly blow a 4-1 lead but ultimately come out on top of the Flyers 4-3.

Blackhawks +105 at Oilers -125

Oilers are coming off a big win against the Flames and while losing Horcoff, their leading scorer, is difficult to overcome they seem to be finding a bit of a stride. They should win at home.

Result: Oilers allow 41 shots on goal by the Blackhawks, but Garon handles all but one of them and leads Edmonton to a steal of a victory, 4-1.

Devils -115 at Sabres -105

The Sabres should be securely in the playoffs but a 10-game slide mid-season has them on the outside looking in and I think they'll have to keep looking after the Devils beat them on their home ice tonight.

Result: New Jersey ties the game 2-2 early in the third period and the game would stay that way until Buffalo was able to break out of their shootout funk and win 3-2.

Come On Ride This Train

So - back to reality! Just spent a well deserved 3 days in Southern California enjoying the freezing weather and the Superbowl. Funny thing - I hit 11 out of 13 wagers ... it was, as Clint says, "REDICULOUS!" - and I would whole heartedly agree!!! Of course I chose the Giants with the generous 11 1/2 points that came with them ... along with the coin toss, who won the coin toss, who made the first penalty, if the first score would be a TD or a field goal ... silly prop bets like that ... and I hit 11 out of 13!!! AMAZING ... or Rediculous ... You be the judge!

So - plenty of choices on tap for tonight. I have 4 teams I am focused on ...

I am going out on an underdog limb tonight with the exception of Philly @ -130 ... Philly is 11-0-1 since December 2003 when playing the Thrashers. They are putting Antero Nittymaki in the net tonight to A. Give Biron a rest and B. To see if he can improve his 7-0-0 record against Atlanta (and thats at a 1.58 GAA)

Philly -130 Result: WIN ... very nice!

Heading North to Vancouver I am going to take Florida @ +125 ... Florida is looking for their 3rd in a row and get this ... they are 4th in the Southeast ... but 3 points away from 1st in the division and 3rd in the CONFERENCE!!! Florida's coach knows this and knows to get a berth in the playoffs ... they gotta win games. Vokun has shown some of his worth lately also ... should be interesting to see what Vancouver brings tonight (seeing how I have Luongo on my Fantasy Hockey team)!

Florida +125 Result: To call this a win is an understatement ... good job Florida!

The call of the week will be the Wild @ +120 ... its not a large underdog ... and with the way the Wild are playing and tonight they host Detroit. At a +120 its a pretty good risk ... even if I lose, I am positive this will be a powerful and physical game.

Wild +120 Result: This was painful to watch ... so close ... 1:45 left in the game ... wrister from the right and an overtime loss. The Wild gave them a good run!

To finish up my 4 some I am looking toward Ottawa @ +110 ... 1st place against 2nd place, 4 point swing in the balance. It will take a calm and cool Senator team to win this. Montreal is the top team in power plays, I think it will come down to Ottawa not taking penalties.

Ottawa +110 Result: Loss ... giving up 6 penalties allowed Motreal to convert 3 goals! Thats what did it.

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.

Picks Picks Picks

By the way, while I'm not an Eli Manning fan and I think that any players who refuses to play for the team that drafted him deserves to get kicked about the head and neck the Super Bowl last night as maybe the best I've seen in years. I'm sure the suit wearing, glad-handing, corporate dillholes would disagree considering the low scoring nature of the game, but for me it was as intense as they come. I also like to see the Patriots lose, it warms my iron heart. Now on to tonight's games. Only 3 games on tap tonight so I have very little to choose from but luckily there are two "underdogs" I like tonight that could get me back on track...or they could continue to stomp on my face, either way here they are:

Pittsburgh +165 at Devils -190

The Penguins beat the Devils last Tuesday and while New Jersey will be eager for revenge, I have to take the Penguins just because -190 in this situation seems nuts. Pittsburgh

Result: Penguins owned the game until about the midway mark of the third period where suddenly New Jersey started outworking them and were able to score the kinds of dirty, hard-working goals that are necessary if you want to win a division and a championship. Despite outshooting New Jersey 34 to 25, Penguins fall in overtime after coughing up a 3-1 lead.

Phoenix +130 at Colorado -150

I don't believe in Colorado without Sakic, Smyth and a consistent goaltender. I do believe in Bryzgalov. Phoenix

Result: Despite Bryzgalov sitting for the night, most likely to get some rest before playing the second game of a back-to-back series, Phoenix is able to finish Colorado in overtime.

Calgary at Edmonton

Couldn't get the lines but it doesn't matter. Cujo makes his season debut in another round of the Battle of Alberta and I don't see it going in his favor. Edmonton beats Calgary

Result: Cujo looked out of shape and out of place, allowing 5 goals on 28 shots while Garon secures a 24 shot shutout. However, it's important to point out that many of the goals scored on Cujo were rebounds or due to poor defensive coverage. In fact, it's one of the worst games I've ever seen the Flames play. Flames' tough guy Godard received his third game misconduct, after an undiscinplined play in which he ran into Garon, punched Joni Pitkanen and then suckered Gilbert within a span of about 5 seconds before Garon came to his teammates' aid, and is automatically suspended as a result.

Just In the Nick of Time

While my picks are coming in after one game has started, luckily I'm not bold enough to make a prediction on that one. Here are my picks for the night:

Canucks +105 at Panthers -125.
I think the Canucks are a good hockey team, though they need Naslund to get going, and with Luongo shaking off the cobwebs of last night's loss to the lowly Lightning I expect them to come out and play a better game. Canucks win.

Result: The Canucks were ultimately outplayed but in typical Luongo fashion, the Canucks goaltender stood on his proverbial head to keep them in the game. Vancouver took the lead early in the 3rd but allowed Florida to tie it with a little over 6 minutes left in the game and would ultimatley fall in a shootout. Luongo stoped 40 or 43 shots.

Colorado +250 at Detroit -300. Over 5.5 +105
While I'd love to take Colorado just in case I got lucky, I can't help but go with the over here. I think the Red Wings will eat Budaj up in net. Over.

Result: Detroit handled Colorado but you never would have known it by the final score. Detroit would only beat Colorado 2-0 despite outshooting them 35 to 15. In fact, through 2 periods the shots were 23-4 Detroit but Budaj only allowed one goal in the outing and looked less like a struggling demoted goaltender and more like the goalie that stole the starting role last year.

Gluttony and Greed

Lets see if I can turn around my luck tonight - this is an interesting line up seeing how the games tonight appear to be evenly matched.

Canucks / Lightning - Canucks -110 ... Luongo returns tonight after a week off, spending time with his pregnant wife. Who wouldn't cheer for him - oh yea, and he is my #1 goalie on my fantasy team

Result: I was wrong ... right ... so, when Tampa Bay can pull it together they pull it together. Not saying that Vancouver gave them the win ... but when Brad Richards is on, he is unstoppable. Vancouver tried to come in last night and dictate how the game was to be played and Tampa Bay answered back - resulting in 8 fighting majors! God I love hockey!!!

Canes / Leafs - Canes -155 ... Carolina winning 3 of its last 4 while Cam Ward has averaged 2 goals or less helps, what seals it is Toronto's 2 straight losses and winning only 1 of the last 4 games. Not have center Alex Steen isnt helping either.

Result: Thank You Rod Brind'Amore - a win is a win ... and a win in OT is still 2 points. Put me down for ONE in the "W" column!

Yes - I am well aware that these are both favorites! Let me at least get some notches in my win column and I'll start gettin risky again.

Oh Yes, There Will Be Blood

Some great games on tap tonight, and my game of the night has to be Rangers at Flyers. This should be a nasty game as the Rangers are struggling while the Flyers are, well, flying.

My picks for the evening.

Rangers +130 at Flyers -150. Flyers -1.5 +190.
I'll take Flyers to win and Flyers -1.5. I just can't see the Rangers hanging with Philly right now.

Result: Rangers DESTROY the Flyers and shut them out 4-0 chasing Niittymaki out of the net in the process. Flyers are brought back down to earth and hopefully for me, since I drafted Biron, this will mean the return the relatively consistent Biron.

BlueJackets+125 at Predators -145.
These odds would be heavily in the Jackets favor if this were being played on their home ice, so I'll take the "underdog" just to see what happens.

Result: Well it was apparently a night to chase goaltenders out of the net as Leclaire, leading the league in shutouts and one of the top goalies in the league statistically, only survived two periods against the Preds show seem to have some life after announcing that JP Dumont and Jordan Tootoo are there to stay.

Canucks -105 at Lightning -115.
The Lightning favored over the Canucks with Luongo back in net? Easy choice. In fact, I wish I had the odds for the Canucks winning by more than 2.

Result: Luongo looked okay but not his normal dominant self and the Lightning would eventually win 4-3, a score that makes the game seem closer than it felt.

Hey Wahhappened?

Well – you win some and lose some. Looks like I need to focus on the “win” column, since I pretty much have the “lose” column dialed in. WOW … all I can say is WOW. Last night was a very interesting hockey night. Giggy getting pulled … AGAIN for the second straight game, and to make matters worse both times were before the mid-point of the game. Did you catch that amazing pass to Owen Nolan, you know, the one Nabby walked out of the crease to give him? Had the Sharks played the whole game like the played the last 5 minutes I think they would have bested the Flames, but I am sure Ron Wilson had said that last night in Calgary. Poor showing … that’s all I can say! The Wild just embarrassed the Ducks also … not sure if the Wild were having a great night, or if the Ducks were sucking? Time will tell … this game was the launching pad for the longest road trip in team history. Not a good way to start the tour off … we’ll see what, if any, affect it has on their game.

Now – I could try to take credit for calling the Avalanche game. But since I passed on it, it’s a moot point. However, a big blow to Colorado’s already injured line-up is the addition of Jose Theodore to that list. He sat out the 3rd period due to back spasms, Jose was really showing his worth in the crease and I hope he is back in front of the net soon.

Phoenix gave the Red Wings a great game for 2 periods … they were in control. Until the 3rd when the Wings, as always, found their legs and knocked 2 down to win. This was Detroit’s first game back since the All Star break so they needed those first 2 periods to warm up the engines. Once again, Detroit has the Hockey formula and Mike Babcok knows it with this statement after the game … "If you're them, you probably think you should have had a better fate.”

I’ll put up my guesses later … back to work.

Eenie, Meenie, Miney

I think its pretty funny how the lines are drawn for the NHL. I agree with Clint that the bookies and sports pages don't really know much about hockey and all the variables that come with it. I, along with Clint, love the fact that they will always give home ice advantage. Here is my guess as to how tonight's match up will pan out.

Ducks, Penguins, Sharks ... as you will quickly find out, I will never play the over / under in hockey. I think it will bite you in the ass every time you try. It looks like Clint and I are pretty close in this match up today.

Ducks / Wild … Ducks +120 … With the Ducks on a 3 game slide before the All Star break, and Teemu’s return breathing new life into the Ducks organization I don’t even think the Wild can stop this team. Even though Teemu wont play with them … they know he is back and will probably play with a new found urgency.

Penguins / Thrashers … PENS +125 … With Conklin building his own brick wall in front of the net and with the opportunity to take over the top slot in the Atlantic Division, I don’t think Atlanta has the drive to stop this team … especially after losing the last 5 games. Even without Crosby – Pittsburgh is 2-1-1 showing that they are all fighters and will rally to continue their climb up the league ladder.

Sabers / Panthers … Not worth it … I think I’ll leave this one alone, to close to call. Both teams are struggling, this is any teams game. Like John Madden would say “You know, at the end of this game we will have a winner and a loser and one will have won, and that’s what that’s all about!”

Coyotes / Red Wings … Not worth it … with the Wings favored at -310, you might as well just keep your money and put it on the Ducks or Sharks. However, I don’t think this is going to be a cake walk for the Red Wings … with Doan and Vrbata firing on all cylinders, and Phoenix sitting at 10-3-1 in the last 14 … this is going to be a very good match.

Blackhawks / Avalanche … Not worth it … Chicago being the worst (well, not counting LA … who does?) in the conference and Colorado and Phoenix fighting over that #8 spot for the playoffs this game is going to be interesting … why? Well with Colorado’s 17-8-1 home record (one of the best in the West) they have a strong foundation to play on … what worries me is having Sakic, Smyth and Stastny out … how will that affect their drive? If I were to choose it would be Colorado, but I would pass on this one since the money won is not proportionate to the risk.

Sharks / Flames … Sharks +115 … Well, cause I love the Sharks (no secret) … Nabby looking like he is unstoppable right now, and being tied for first with Dallas should give the Sharks a boost. This is going to be Nabby’s game to lose … he is 10-7-1 against the Flames with 2 shutouts … The Sharks being on a 3 game win streak helps too.

Round 2 - 1/30/08

Quite a few great games and odd lines this evening. Here are my picks:

Penguins +125 at Thrashers -145

Just in case you don't know, I'm a Penguins fan and -145 for the Thrashers is absurd. Pittsburgh wins.

Result: Thrashers beat Penguins 4-1.

Ducks +120 at Wild -140

I love the Wild, but I also love the Ducks and the Ducks will repeat this year so any opportunity you get to take them at a +, do it. Anaheim Wins

Result: Ducks lose to Minnesota 5-1.

Blackhawks +125 at Avalanche -145 - Over 5.5 +110

This is a pretty even game and you never know which goalie, and which version of that goalie, will show up for the Blackhawks. Avalanche have been struggling lately after going on a mini-run behind the rejuvenated Theodore so I'll take the Blackhawks just for the +125. I'll also take the over.

Result: Colorado beats Chicago like they stole somethin', 6-3.

Tow the Line

Well I’m not much of a gambling man, unless it’s poker, I can’t help but look at NHL lines and laugh. If ever a gambling man wanted to have an advantage over the house in sports betting, NHL is it. The people who make hockey lines clearly don’t know hockey as well as they do the other “mainstream” sports and it gives people an opportunity to capitalize. They seem to rarely take key injuries, fatigue, backup goalies giving starters a rest, or any of the factors that decide hockey games into account. With that in mind, I’ve decided I’d put my holiest of marbles on the line, or on the ice if you will, and start a series where I discuss questionable lines of the night. It's just for fun and I'll be honest about my failures. It’s also important to note that I’m rarely interested in getting 1 to 2 on my money or anyone’s money for that matter, so I’ll only analyze what I see as mistakes. Let’s kick it off:

Kings +175 at Flyers -210 - Over 6.5 EVEN

Now you’d have to be nuts to take the Kings in this matchup, but the interesting part of the line is that over 6.5 goals is even and under is -120. So let’s see, a high scoring team with the propensity for allowing goals faces a team struggling to find a goaltender and a 5-2 final score is even? I’ll take the over. I take the Flyers and over 6.5.

Result: Flyers win but in overtime by a score of 3 of 2. LA put up quite a fight.

Penguins +170 at Devils -200

Now the first thing to realize is that the people who set hockey lines basically assume the home team will always win. Of course, tell that to San Jose who’s only lost 4 games in regulation on the road but is only .500 at home and winless against the big teams of their division. Now, the Penguins went into the break struggling a bit as Conklin started to look human again. The Devils, on the other hand, were hot and found some offense stashed away in the depths of their defensive brains. I wouldn’t take Pittsburgh, but I wouldn’t take the Devils. -200 against the Penguins is a sucker bet, unless that team is Detroit or Anaheim. I’ll take the Penguins, just to see what happens.

Result: Penguins surprise the Devils and score 3 in the third to win 4-2.

Blues +105 at Leafs -125

Another classic example of the line being skewed based on home ice. Let’s face it, the Leafs are terrible and while St Louis has had its problems they’re still a much better team than the Leafs. I’ll take the Blues just because I would never take the Leafs for anything less then even even against the Kings.

Result: St Louis jumps out to a quick 2-0 lead and then allows Toronto to temporarily climb back into it before winning 3-2.

Capitals +150 at Canadians -170

The Canadians have been great lately and I do love to see Canadian teams make the playoffs so go Habs. However, the Caps have been very good as well and are one point away from leading their division after Carolina's monumental mid-season collapse. The coaching change did wonders for Washington, election time encourages me to compare this to the country but I refrain, and even without Nylander, they're still in position to make their first playoff berth since before Jagr stole their money. This is a tough one to call, but -170 against the Caps is a sucker bet. I’ll take the Capitals just out of spite.

Result: Caps actually played a good game but their backup goaltender couldn't out duel a streaking Huet. Huet with a 35 shot shutout and Habs win 4-0.

Coyotes +125 at Blue Jackets -145

This is another game where those numbers would be flopped if Phoenix were at home. Bryzgalov versus Leclaire and with Carcillo back tonight the Yotes should have a little extra jump. That and Shane Doan playing like a man possessed, or a guy who’s sick of missing the playoffs, and the single biggest waiver pickup in a decade have the Coyotes defying expectations and beating down the door of the playoffs. I’ll take the Coyotes, just because -145 in this situation makes no sense to me.

Result: After allowing a goal on the very first shot and trailing going into the third, Phoenix has a 3 goal third period to win 4-2.

Dallas at Vancouver - under 5 +110

Dallas: anemic offense great goaltending. Vancouver: one good offensive line and great goaltending. Under 5: +110? I’ll the take under and hope Naslund doesn't wake up.

Result: I screwed this one up by failing to remember that Luongo was not returning to his team until later this week. The backup goaltenders, yes plural, could not beat Dallas but the offense of the Canucks made an important effort and closed the gap to a final of 4-3 Dallas after being down 4-1.

Preparing for the 2007/2008 NHL Season!

Its to early to start a countdown - that would just depress us! However - Free Agency starts in 4 days ... July 1!!! Are YOU ready?