Winter Classic Prediction

Take the Capitals to win the Winter Classic over Pittsburgh

The Pick: Washington +120

After all the hype it's finally here, even if it will be starting seven hours later then planned. Both teams are relatively healthy, and both are playing well entering this years Classic. Since struggling badly in mid-December, the Capitals have won 4 of 5 and are playing much better defense. As a matter of fact, they have given up only seven goals in those five games. If Washington continues to commit to defense and receives solid goaltending from Semyon Varlamov they're a very difficult to beat. Pittsburgh is coming off a loss at the NY Islanders on Wednesday, but has won 3 of their last 5 games. There is an outside chance that Jordan Stall will make his first appearance of the season for the Pens which will bolster the already explosive offense. It's a very hard game to pick, especially with the uncertainty of the condition of the ice. It may prove to be slow and sluggish which may lead to a low scoring game. We like how Washington has played lately, and the fact they they will be looking to avenge an earlier shootout loss to the Penguins on December 23rd.

New Years Eve..

There are several games on tonight's schedule. Since we are both in New Year's mode, we really didn't go into depth on any games.

One that jumps off the page is Detroit at home versus the Islanders. The odds are -300 for Detroit and +250 for NYI. It's funny, the last two meetings have both gone to the Islanders. A 6-0 win at the Coliseum last season and a 2-0 win at Joe Louis the season before. The Isles are 5-1-1 in their last 7 and come off an impressive 2-1 shootout win at home over Pittsburgh where they stopped Crosby's streak. I wouldn't bet on Detroit simply because the odds are ridiculous and the Islanders have won the last 2 meetings and are playing well.

We like Atlanta over the Devils. Atlanta is actually +110 in this game and could give you a nice return.

We like Vancouver over Dallas tonight -120.

Have a happy and safe new year. We will see you tomorrow.

Colorado at Edmonton

Two teams both in slumps will get together in sunny Edmonton tonight. Combined losers of 7 in a row, something will have to give. The Avs currently sit in 6th place in the West but only 4 points clear of 13th place Minnesota. The Oilers are probably the only team in the Western Conference (Calgary soon as well) that you can count out of playoff contention.

With everyone in the west getting points almost every game, the Avs will step up tonight and beat a team they are better than to keep their playoff pace going.

Pick: Colorado -150

Parlay Wednesday

Pittsburgh at New York Islanders -200

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils -130

Pittsburgh heads into Long Island tonight to face the Islanders. The Isles had won 3 straight and were 4-0-1 in their last 5 before reality set in Monday night at MSG where the Rangers beat them 7-2. Pittsburgh doesn't play until their winter classic game New Year's Day at Heinz Field. The Isles have played them tough the last few years at the Coliseum but with Rick Dipietro back in the lineup, Crosby and Malkin who are both Islander killers will have their way with a young and undersized defense group.

The Rangers travel to New Jersey tonight. In 2 previous meeting this season, the Rangers have won both and outscored the Devils 6-1 in those contests. The Devils still look like the worst team in the NHL and Martin Brodeur looks like a player that has had the game pass him by.

Tonights Pick: Take Pittsburgh -200 and the Rangers -130 and parlay them.

A $50 bet wins you $82.69

Tuesday Prediction

Philadelphia Flyers to win the Marquee Matchup of the night in Vancouver

The Pick: Philadelphia +120 over Vancouver

This could possibly be a Stanley Cup Finals preview with the teams with the second beat record in their perspective conferences facing off at Rogers Arena. The Philadelphia Flyers have not played in eight days since a rare 5-0 loss at home to Florida. They have still managed to go 7-2-1 in their last ten games, and have only lost twice in regulation on the road. Vancouver is also playing well in their last ten by going 7-1-2. The Canucks are starting to distance themselves from the rest of the Northwest Division and now have a four point cushion over second place Colorado. As well as the Canucks have been playing lately, we're expecting a well-rested and motivated Flyer team to win a hard fought road game.

Monday Prediction

Boston Bruins to continue winning ways in Florida

The Pick: Boston -140 over Florida

Last week: 3-2

Let's start the new week with the Boston Bruins heading to Florida for the second time this season. The Bruins won in Florida 3-1 earlier this season, and have won 6 of the last 7 games in the BankAtlantic Center. Boston is one of those teams that started the season well and have tailed off a bit recently. They're better than the record indicates and perhaps the win over Atlanta on Thursday is a sign that it's turning around. Boston is known for a strong defense, and the Florida Panthers struggle to score. Florida has played better recently, but in this matchup, the Bruins are the better team and we're expecting extra motivation since some people are saying that coach, Claude Julien's job may be in jeopardy if they don't turn it around. Look for the Bruins to start their five game road trip with a win over a Florida team that they have had lot's of success against.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta

The Thrashers are probably this year's most unnoticed team. Craig Ramsey has the perennial losers fighting for first place with the Lightning and Capitals. New GM Rick Dudley made some key moves in improving this team. The foresight to trade for Dustin Byfuglien and move him back to defense might be the best move any team has made all season.

Tampa comes into Atlanta after 2 overtime games in New York which saw them get 3 out of 4 possible points on the road. Steven Stamkos has entered discussions in comparison to Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin as a league top player. Tampa has been hot and is 6-2-2 in their last 10.
However, Atlanta will find a way to win this game at home and get back on track.

Pick: Atlanta -135