Los Angeles at St.Louis Thursday March 25, 2010
Los Angeles -110 +1.5 (-300) Over 5.5(+110)
St. Louis -110 -1.5 (+250) Under 5.5 (-130)
Both teams will be playing their second game in two nights as St.Louis lost at Detroit and Los Angeles dropped a shootout to Colorado. The Blues loss was more painful as they are now ten points out of playoff contention and realistically are playing out the string. Meanwhile, Los Angeles played a strong third period and overtime last night, and were fortunate to get at least one point after trailing most of the game by two goals. The Kings are closing in on punching a ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2002, and have been better on the road as of late. Conversely, St.Louis has the second worst home record in the NHL.
The Pick: Take Los Angeles -110
Upset Alert: Carolina +150 over Washington
Yes, the Capitals have the best record in the NHL, BUT... perhaps a letdown vs. Carolina after beating Pittsburgh last night? Carolina has beat the Caps twice this season and the last two meetings have gone to overtime. Plus, Washington has everything locked up, in terms of playoff seeding. This may be a rare time to go against them.
St. Louis -110 -1.5 (+250) Under 5.5 (-130)
Both teams will be playing their second game in two nights as St.Louis lost at Detroit and Los Angeles dropped a shootout to Colorado. The Blues loss was more painful as they are now ten points out of playoff contention and realistically are playing out the string. Meanwhile, Los Angeles played a strong third period and overtime last night, and were fortunate to get at least one point after trailing most of the game by two goals. The Kings are closing in on punching a ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2002, and have been better on the road as of late. Conversely, St.Louis has the second worst home record in the NHL.
The Pick: Take Los Angeles -110
Upset Alert: Carolina +150 over Washington
Yes, the Capitals have the best record in the NHL, BUT... perhaps a letdown vs. Carolina after beating Pittsburgh last night? Carolina has beat the Caps twice this season and the last two meetings have gone to overtime. Plus, Washington has everything locked up, in terms of playoff seeding. This may be a rare time to go against them.
Islanders at Rangers 7pm MSG
New York Islanders +125 +1.5 (-250) Over 5.5 (+115) at
New York Rangers -145 -1.5 (+210) Under 5.5 (-135)
One of the biggest rivalry's in all of sports is revived tonight when the Islanders travel into Madison Square Garden to take on the Rangers. Both teams have recently fallen out of realistic playoff contention and an Islanders victory tonight would be the final blow to the Rangers. The Rangers have lost 3 straight and 7 of their last 9 and seen themselves free fall in the Eastern Conference playoff race. A 2-1 lackluster loss at Boston Sunday afternoon was the biggest defeat of the season. A regulation victory would have seen the Rangers pull to within 1 point of 8th place Boston, but instead saw them fall to 5 points back. Boston won last night in Atlanta making the Rangers deficit 7 points.
The Islanders on the other hand have played well in recent days going 3-1-2 in their last 6 including victories over the Canucks and Devils. They sit 10 points behind Boston and are still alive mathematically. John Tavares has broken out of his rookie swoon and was named 2nd star of the week. Tavares had 5 points in Vancouver March 16th and has been much more noticeable as of late. The Rangers appear to be dead and haven't shown the effort of a team desperate to make the playoffs. If the season continues to fall for the Rangers, many questions during the offseason will have to be answered by a front office with high expectations. Will this be the summer Glen Sather finally takes the fall?
The Islanders lead the season series 3-1, taking both games at Madison Square Garden by 1 goal.
Take the Islanders +1.5 as they always play well in MSG.
TREND ALERT: HOCKEYSURESHOT 4-1 IN GAMES INVOLVING THE ISLANDERS
Tuesday March 23, 2010
Boston -120 -1.5 (+235) Over 5.5
Atlanta even +1.5 (-275) Under 5.5
The Atlanta Thrashers will host the Boston Bruins in what maybe their most important game in franchise history to date. The Thrashers have won 4 straight and sit 1 point out of the final playoff spot behind Boston. The Thrashers have picked up points in 5 straight and have turned their season around after losing 6 straight games prior to their current winning streak. The last game being a shootout loss to Phoenix which is also part of their 5 game point streak. Ilya Kovalchuk was traded before the Olympic Break when he put GM Don Waddell in a no win situation. Kovalchuk was offered a contract worth more than 100 million and refused to sign and is pending free agency. Turns out, moving the star forward might have been the best thing for the Thrashers franchise. As great as #17 is, he still is without a playoff game victory and has less than Kovalchuk like numbers with the Devils, with 5 goals and 7 assists in 16 games. The Thrashers have young talent in Evander Kane, Rich Peverley and defensemen Zach Bogosian to just name a few and trip to the playoffs might literally save their fan base and franchise. The Bruins are trying to hold on to a playoff spot during a disappointing season that has seen them not come close to matching their output from last year. It will be hard to hold on as the Bruins have scored less goals than anyone else in the NHL and now are without Marc Savard to injury after Matt Cooke's hit to the head. The Bruins come off a 2-1 victory over the Rangers and will now play a 2nd playoff like game in a row, this time on the road in Atlanta.
Besides the playoff series against the Rangers, this might be the biggest game in Thrashers history. Look for the Thrashers to come out flying as they have no pressure and nothing to lose.
SureShotPick: Although the Thrashers are getting +1.5, take them straight up. They score too many goals for the Bruins to match.
Monday March 22, 2010
Ottawa +120 +1.5 (-260) Over 5.5 (+105)
AT
Montreal -140 -1.5 (+220) Under 5.5 (-125)
Tonight, two teams going in opposite directions will meet in Montreal at the Bell Centre. Montreal has been on fire since the Olympic Break going 7-1-1 and earning points in their last 7 games. A win tonight can bring Montreal to 5th in the Eastern Conference. Ottawa was on a roll before the Olympic Break and have done a complete 180 since. They currently sit tied for 5th in the East with Montreal and Philadelphia. Ottawa is 1-7-1 since the break and have lost 5 straight in regulation. Earlier in the slide Ottawa couldn't find their scoring touch. Lately, their defense has gone south giving up 20 goals in their last 4 games.
SureShotPick: Montreal -140. These teams will continue to go in the direction they are currently heading.
Sunday March 21, 2010
Calgary -110 +1.5 (-310) Over 5.5 (+110)Minnesota -110 -1.5 (+255) Under 5.5 (-130)
Calgary enters this afternoon tilt as a desperate team that is two points out of the playoffs going into Sunday's action. They have won 6 of 8, including an impressive 4-3 win over San Jose on Friday night. The offensively challenged Flames, have scored 7 goals in the last two games and superstar Jerome Iginla appears to be getting out of a scoring slump. Minnesota is barely alive in the playoff race and has a laundry list of injuries. The Wild's most recent two game losing streak may have ended their slim playoff hopes. Although the Wild may get starting goalie, Niklas Backstrom back in the lineup on Sunday, he has not played since March 9th and may be rusty. The Wild struggle to generate shots on goal, which will be a problem against one of the best defenses in Calgary.
The Pick: Calgary -110
Calgary defeated Minnesota 5-2 earlier this month and they appear to be hitting their stride recently. The Wild are coming of a deflating loss to lowly Columbus, and realistically are out of the playoff chase.
Saturday March 20,2010
Washington -210 -1.5 (+140) Over 7 (+110)
Tampa Bay +175 +1.5 (-160) Under 7 (-130)
SureShotPick: Alexander Ovechkin is back from suspension and Tampa Bay has been brutal lately. Look for AO to come out strong and the Caps offense to overwhelm the weak Tampa defense.
Take Washington Straight up for a safe bet.
Wednesday March 17, 2010
Chicago -150 -1.5 (+195) Over 5.5 (-125)
Anaheim +130 +1.5 (-235) Under 5.5 (+105)
Anaheim lost 5 in a row before defeating San Jose in their last game. Chicago is coming off a pretty miserable weekend, obviously losing Campbell, but also blowing a 3 goal lead in the 3rd to Washington, being up a goal late to Philly who tied it with 2 minutes left and won with 2.1 seconds left.
Anaheims playoff's hopes are gone and haven't been consistent in their play lately.
Tonight, the Blackhawks will start Corey Crawford who was called up from Rockford of the AHL, where he has gone 20-14-2 with a 2.80 goals-against average this season. Crawford has 7 games experience in the NHL but hasn't played since the 2007-2008 season. Ironically his only victory came against Anaheim. A 3-0 win at United Center March 5, 2008.
Chicago has a lot to prove after a shaky weekend. Take them straight up
Pittsburgh +120 +1.5 (-245) Over 5.5 (+120)
New Jersey -140 -1.5 (+205) Under 5.5 (-140)
The Devils and Penguins will be meeting for the second time in six days at Prudential Center with first place in the Atlantic Division and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference on the line. The Devils have owned the Penguins this season ,they're 5-0-0 in the season series while outscoring the defending Stanley Cup champions 17-3. The most recent Devils' victory, a 3-1 decision last Friday.
Tonight is also throwback night at the Prudential Center which will make watching the game bring you back to 1989.
Last 10: Pittsburgh 6-1-3 New Jersey 5-4-1
Although New Jersey is 5-0-0 against Pittsburgh this season, only one of those games has been in Calendar year 2010.
Look for a low scoring playoff like game where Pittsburgh covers the spread.
Take the Penguins +1.5
Tuesday March 16, 2010
NY Islanders +225 +1.5 (-120) Over 5.5 (even)
Vancouver -265 -1.5 (even) Under 5.5 (-120)
The New York Islanders start a 3 game Western Road trip in Vancouver Tuesday night riding a 3 game point streak which was highlighted by a 4-2 win on home ice Saturday night over New Jersey and a 4-1 win over Toronto the next night also at home. Unfortunately for the Isles, they are now on the road. The Islanders haven't won a road game since January 9th. A 5-4 Shootout win in Phoenix. Since then the Isles have lost 8 straight on the road, all in regulation.
The Vancouver Canucks are finally home after a NHL record 14 game road trip which saw them go an impressive 8-5-1. Since they are home, they have won twice beating Ottawa and Calgary. Vancouver by SureShot's estimation might be the most solid all around team in the West. They are playing well and if they don't take the Islanders lightly, they should win this game easily. However, the Islanders are have beaten Chicago, Detroit, Colorado, Phoenix, and own a 7-4-1 record vs the Western Conference.
The Islanders and Canucks haven't met since November 2008 at Nassau Coliseum where the Islanders won in a shootout 2-1.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
San Jose -165 -1.5(+177) Over 5.5(-115)
Dallas +145 +1.5 (-215) Under 5.5 (-105)
Sureshot Pick: San Jose enters the game on a rare two game losing streak, while Dallas is close to making tee times come mid April. The Sharks lacked intensity on Saturday after they could not put the Panthers away at home, and also on Sunday in Anaheim as they trailed 3-0 in the first period. These are not great signs for a team that has aspirations of winning the cup, but for tonight anyway, Dallas should be the perfect opponent. The Sharks have won four straight in Dallas, and goalie Evgeni Nabokov is 8-0 in his last nine starts in Dallas. For the Stars, it has been a struggle as of late. They have given up 21 goals in their last five games. Goalie, Marty Turco, was pulled on Sunday after allowing four goals on eighteen shots. Backup, Kari Lehtonen will get the start in net for Dallas as they try to change their fortunes. Dallas is simply allowing too many solid scoring chances, and they are giving opposing teams too much space in their defensive zone. Not a good sign with the Sharks coming to town.
The Pick: We expect San Jose to be angry and to control this game offensively. Look for them to rebound after two losses.
Monday March 15, 2010
Boston +150 +1.5(-215) Over 5 (-120)
New Jersey -170 -1.5 (+177) Under 5(even)
Boston will invade "the Rock" in Newark tonight looking to add some space between them and the teams breathing down their necks for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston enters tonight 1 point ahead of the New York Rangers and 4 points ahead of Tampa Bay. If the Bruins can take care of business tonight, and tomorrow at Carolina, it will go a long way to cementing a playoff birth. The Devils are coming off a 4-2 loss Saturday night to the New York Islanders. Yann Danis got the start for New Jersey on Saturday and gave up 4 goals on 29 shots. Look to see Martin Brodeur back in goal tonight, rested. The Devils have gone 4-5-1 in their last 10.
The Devils have won both games this season by 2-1 scores against Boston.
SureShotPick: Take the Devils straight up.
Sunday March 14, 2010
Phoenix -125 -1.5 (+230) Over 5.5 (-115)
Atlanta +105 +1.5 (-270) Under 5.5 (-105)
Two teams going in opposite directions. The Coyotes have won 3 straight and are probably the most heartwarming story in the NHL this season. A team destined to be relocated has come together and played for each other and now sits 19 games over .500 and 2 points ahead of LA for the 4th spot and home ice in the first round of the playoffs. They also acquired Wojtek Wolski at the trade deadline, maybe the most under rated move this year in the NHL. Atlanta has lost 5 straight and headed for another season of disappointing their fans and being on the golf course come the middle of April.
Look for Phoenix to keep it going. Take them straight up.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Ottawa +155 +1.5(-190) Over 5.5(even)
Vancouver -175 -1.5(+165) Under 5.5 (-120)
UPSET ALERT
SureShotPick: One of my favorite angles when betting hockey is going against a team that is playing its first home game after a long road trip. Vancouver is coming off the mother of all road trips, the longest in NHL history, a 14 game trip which saw them go an impressive 8-5-1. In our estimation, the Canucks are the most complete team in the Western Conference and are built for playoff success. They have a star goalie, balanced scoring, physical defensemen, and experienced coaching. That being said, we think they may come out flat against a hungry Ottawa team on Saturday night. Yes, Ottawa has struggled, going 1-3-1 in their last five. However, they did beat the Canucks in early February 3-1 behind solid goaltending by Brian Elliot. This is their final game on a three game Western Canada trip, and this may be a rare time to want to play the Canucks. The Senators are starting to get healthy and are still battling with Buffalo atop the Northeast division.
The Pick: Depending how risky you feel: Ottawa straight up or getting -1.5
Saturday March 13, 2010
New Jersey 2
New York Islanders 4
Pick: Isles +1.5
Friday, March 12, 2010
Minnesota +115
Buffalo -135
SureShotPick: Minnesota enters this game on a four game losing streak, which included an uninspired effort last night in a 5-1 loss at Detroit. We didn't like their effort on Tuesday night either against the Florida Panthers as most of that game was spent in their zone. Starting goalie Niklas Backstrom will be back in net after getting a rare night off last night. The Wild struggle to score goals and will need Backstrom to come up with a big effort as they are close to being eliminated from playoff contention. Buffalo, on the other hand enters this game on a three game winning streak and is feeling good about themselves after putting up five goals Wednesday night on Dallas. That was the first time in over a month that the Sabres scored more then four goals. They win many low scoring games, especially at home, where they are 21-8-6 which is second best in the eastern conference. Friday night will be the Sabres last home game before embarking on a five game road trip, and we expect them to keep the momentum going.
Take Buffalo to win a low scoring affair.
WEEK 2
March 11, 2010 odds by SBGGlobal.com
Montreal -240 -1½ (+120) UNDER 5½ (-125)
SureShotPick: Montreal has been hot since the break. After a tough loss in San Jose where Montreal controlled most of the game, the Canadiens have won three straight impressive contests. Montreal went into LA and won soundly, had a 2 goal rally in the final 2 minutes against Anaheim to tie and then go on to win in a shootout, and a solid performance at home vs. Tampa Bay two nights ago. Montreal is currently in 7th in the East looking to solidify a playoff position. Edmonton is 8-21-2 on the road this season and are last in the NHL. Look for Montreal to continue playing well.
Take Montreal straight up.
NY Islanders +110 +1½ (-260) UN 5½ (-125)
SureShotPick: The Islanders own a 17-13-2 home record. They have beaten Detriot 6-0, Chicago 5-3 and Buffalo twice at Nassau Coliseum and have lost only 3 games by more than 1 goal at home since Christmas. The Islanders are the underdog in this one.
Take NYI getting 1.5
March 10, 2010
NY Rangers +145 +1.5 (-210) Over 5 (-125) New Jersey -165 -1.5 (+175) Under 5 (+105)
SureShot Pick: The Devils are 3-5-1 since acquiring Ilya Kovalchuk and are looking to bounce back after falling 2-0 to NHL bottom dwellers Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. The Rangers lost in OT to Buffalo Sunday night 2-1 and have lost 3 straight albeit 2 of them in Overtime. The Rangers sit 9th in the Eastern Conference 3 points out of a playoff spot. The Devils currently sit 4th but really need to turn things around if they want to secure home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
So far this season these 2 teams have met 4 times with only 16 total goals scored. The Rangers hold a 3-1-0 series lead this season by winning 2 in regulation and 1 in a shootout.
Look for this to be a low scoring defensive game as 2 of the leagues best goaltenders go head to head.
Take the Under as only 1 of the 4 games between these 2 teams this season has seen a goal total higher than 5.
March 9,2010
NY Islanders +205 +1.5 (-150) Over 5.5 (-105)
Philadelphia -245 -1.5 (+130) Under 5.5 (-115)
SureShot Pick: The Flyers own the NHL best streak against another team at 14 straight. Unfortunately for the Islanders, they are the team on the losing end of that
streak. The Islanders haven't beaten the Flyers since a 4-2 win at Nassau Coliseum on February 12, 2008. During this streak, the Flyers have outscored the Islanders 48-23 and the Islanders have failed to score more than 2 goals in 12 of those games.The Islanders traded away Andy Sutton to Ottawa the day before the trade deadline and lost defenseman Andrew MacDonald due to injury. The Isles routinely get pushed around by the Flyers and don't match up well physically at all. The Flyers are hot lately and have gone 6-1-1 in their last 8. Look for the dominance to continue as the Red Hot Flyers take on the struggling and rebuilding Islanders.
Take the Flyers straight up for the pick of the week.
March 9, 2010
Vancouver -120 -1.5 (+240) Over 5.5 (even)
Colorado even +1.5 (-280) Under 5.5 (-120)
SureShot Pick: This game features a battle for first place in the Northwest division as the Vancouver Canucks hold a slim two point lead over second place Colorado. Vancouver is playing its second to last road game tonight in a season high 14 game road trip due to the Olympics. The Canucks have been potent offensively with US Olympian, Ryan Kesler on a nine game point streak and the Sedin twins lighting up NHL goalies on a nightly basis. For the surprising Avalanche, we are expecting a big effort tonight as they are out to prove that they belong atop this division. They played very impressively on Saturday night against a hot St. Louis team and by reading the quotes of the Avalanche players, it seems like this game has been marked on the calender for some time. The Av's have not seen Vancouver since getting blasted 8-2, and 5-2, in back to back games in November.
The Pick: Vancouver may be focused on finally seeing this long road trip ending, while we think Colorado with be motivated and ready to put in a huge effort for their biggest game of the season.
Colorado even up.
BONUS PICKS FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010
Ottawa (-170) over Edmonton: I know we lost on the Senators Saturday night against Toronto, but they had an excuse. The whole team basically had the flu, and were short players, including captain, Daniel Alfredsson. Ottawa has struggled since the Olympic break going 0-2-1, but we expect them to get back on track as all indications are that the team is over the flu bug. Edmonton has a rare two game winning streak, which makes us think that Ottawa will not take them lightly.
Anaheim (-205) over Columbus: It almost feels like we are picking on the Blue Jackets by going against them on a nightly basis. How could you blame us after watching that horrendous performance last night in LA? They generated a mere 11 shots on goal, had their goalie get pulled, and lose their star player to injury. Ducks better get these two points if they have any aspirations of a playoff berth. We expect an angry and desperate Duck team to continue their winning ways at Honda Center. They have an 11-1-1 record in their last thirteen at home. This one seems too easy, which could be scary.
UPSET ALERT:
Florida (+155) over Minnesota: Perhaps not the biggest upset pick, but we think Minnesota is one of those teams to play against tonight. I know the Wild are much better at home, but Florida has won two in a row and are starting to get production offensively from David Booth and Stephen Weiss. They are coming off a convincing win over one of the hottest teams in the league lately in Carolina. We'll take a shot with Florida goalie Tomas Vokoun tonight. Plus the sparkplug on the Wild, Cal Clutterbuck is most likely out of the lineup tonight. One fact that is interesting regarding Florida: They usually make a frantic push for the playoffs around this time of year only to come up short in the end. They'll probably tease the slim fanbase in South Florida and fall short once again of a playoff spot, but might pull off the upset tonight.
March 8, 2010
Dallas +255 +1.5 (-105) Over 6.5 (-135)
Washington -310 -1.5 (-115) Under 6.5 (+115)
SureShot Pick: The Washington Capitals have won 13 in a row at home and tonight look to make it 14 when the Dallas Stars come to visit. The Dallas Stars let a 2 goal lead get away in Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon. Dallas who is 6 points out of a playoff spot are seeing their post season hopes fading. Dallas is 4-5-1 in their last 10 while Washington has only lost 1 time in their last 10.
Look for Washington to extend their home win streak. Dallas does not match up well on defense and look for Washington take advantage.
Take Washington straight up with a safe bet to start the week.
WEEK 2
Monday, March 8, 2010
Columbus +170 +1.5 (-175) Over 5.5 (+110)
Los Angeles -200 -1.5 (+155) Under 5.5 (-130)
SureShot Pick:
We don't love the game, but are willing to trust Los Angeles to get back on track tonight and end a two game losing streak. Columbus is out of the playoff race and is playing for pride only. They do have one of the hottest goalies in the league right now as Steve Mason is coming off a 42 save performance Saturday night in San Jose. The Jackets replaced coach Ken Hitchcock with assistant coach Claude Noel on Feb. 3rd and won their first three games with the new coach. However, they have dropped four in a row, albeit all one goal losses. The problems for Columbus are still the same: they simply do not score enough and get very little offensive contributions from their defense. The power play is 0-11 since the Olympic break, and leader scorer and Canadian Olympian, Rick Nash has not registered a point since Vancouver. As for the Kings, they were one of the hottest teams in the league before the Olympic break winning 10 of their last 12 games. Since NHL action has resumed they are 1-2 including a loss to Montreal at home Saturday. The Kings have been getting balanced scoring all season as they have eight players with more than 10 goals as opposed to the Blue Jackets who only have four. Los Angeles is holding on to the 5th seed in the Western Conference, and are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The Kings are the more talented team in this matchup and should be the more desperate team also.
The Pick: Los Angeles (-200)
WEEK 1
Sunday March 7, 2010 odds from Sportsbetting.com
Montreal +145 +1.5 (-200) Over 5.5 (+115)
Anaheim -165 -1.5 (+170) Under 5.5 (-135)
SureShot Pick:
Anaheim players won more medals than any other NHL team at the Olympics, but they haven't been nearly as successful since their return from Canada. The Ducks haven't looked good since they returned from Canada and the break.
Last night, Montreal won 4-2 in Los Angeles and controlled a good part of that game.
Take Montreal +1.5.
Saturday March 6, 2010 odds from Sportsbetting.com
New York Rangers +235 +1.5(-120) Over 6 (-130)
Washington -270 -1.5 (Even) Under 6(+110)
SureShot Pick: Washington has won 3 of the last 4 regular season meetings at home against the Rangers and own the best record in the Eastern Conference. The Capitals own a 24-3-3 record at home and are currently the hottest team in the NHL going 16-1-2 in their last 19 games.
Take Washington straight up.
Toronto +170 +1.5 (-160) Over 5.5 (+110)
Ottawa -200 -1.5 (+140) Under 5.5 (-130)
SureShot Pick: Ottawa is 23-9-3 at home while Toronto is tied with Edmonton for the leads fewest road win total at 8. Take Ottawa straight up.
Columbus +210 +1.5(-130) Over 5.5 (Even)
San Jose -250 -1.5(+110) Under 5.5 (-120)
SureShot Pick: The Sharks have won 10 straight at home vs the Columbus Blue Jackets according to ESPN.com and have never won in regulation at HP Pavillion. They have been outscored 69-28 all time there including a 6-3 loss October 8th.
Take the Sharks straight up as the trend will continue.
SATURDAY PARLAY:
Washington, Ottawa and San Jose straight up should net odds close to 2-1 according to Sportsbetting.com
Friday March 5,2010
Minnesota -180 -1.5 (+165) Over 5.5 (-130)
Edmonton +160 +1.5 (-190) Under 5.5 (+110)
HockeySureShot view: Edmonton has won only 3 of their last 21 games. Look for that trend to continue as they unloaded two of their better defensemen at the deadline. Minnesota is coming off two impressive victories (albeit one before the break) of 4 goals each. A 6-2 win at home vs. the Canucks on Feb 14th and a 4-0 shutout in Calgary on Wednesday. Look for Minnesota to continue the misery for the Oilers this season.
Pick: Take Minnesota straight up.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Montreal +195 +1.5(-145) Over 5.5 (+105)
San Jose - 235 -1.5 (+125) Under 5.5 (-125)
HockeySureShot View: The Sharks enter tonight's contest on a rare two game losing streak after losing at home to New Jersey on Tuesday 4-3. San Jose only generated 20 shots on goal that game and was flat for the first two and a half periods. We're expecting a better effort tonight as the rust from the Olympic break has probably worn off. As for Montreal, they are in the midst of a four game road trip and making a rare appearance in San Jose. Habs goalie Carey Price is coming off an impressive win at Boston, but he has been inconsistent all season. Montreal has also struggled this season on the road against quality opponents. Their record against Western Conference opponents is 3-9. They'll be facing the best in the west tonight and the Sharks are angry.
Our Pick: San Jose should rebound and take care of the Canadiens at home. SJ (-235)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Colorado +125 +1.5(-250) Over 5.5 (+110)
Anaheim -145 - 1.5 (+210) Under 5.5 (-130)
HockeySureShot View: The big question tonight, is how the two week Olympic break with affect the Ducks recent hot streak on home ice. Anaheim has won 11 straight at home and are only three points out of a playoff spot. Colorado is coming off a 3-2 loss to Detroit on Monday, which saw them come back from a 2-0 deficit. We are expecting the Ducks to keep the streak going in a close game.
Our Pick: Anaheim -145
Wednesday March 3, 2010
Edmonton +300 +1.5 (+120) Over 5.5 (-135)
Chicago -380 -1.5 (-140) Under 5.5 (+115)
HockeySureShot View: Although the payout isn't big, take Chicago straight up tonight agaisn't Edmonton. Look for Huet or Niemi to bounce back after a tough night on Long Island which saw the Blackhawks control play much of the game, only to see the Isles explode for 4 goals in the 2nd period mainly due to poor goaltending. Chicago is 3-0 vs Edmonton this season and the Oilers have been brutal the last 30 games.
Tuesday March 2, 2010
Chicago -180 -1.5 (+160) Over 5.5
NY Islanders +160 +1.5 (-180) Under 5.5
HockeySureShot view: At first glance Chicago jumps right off the page at you, but not so fast. The Blackhawks sent six players to the Olympics and several key players, Toews, Kane and Keith were involved in the gold medal game just two days ago. The Islanders have proven they can beat good teams and have a lot to play for their remaining 20 games. They will probably fall short of the playoffs but have many young players looking to earn contract extensions for next season. Leading goal scorer Matt Moulson, Rob Schremp, and Sean Bergenheim just to name a few are without contracts currently for next season.
Our Pick: Take the Islanders getting a goal and a half. They have been solid at home only losing games by more than 1 goal 8 times out of 30 games. Their home record is 16-12-2.
A winning bet of $5 will make you a $2.78 profit
Tuesday March 2, 2010
Edmonton +220 +1.5(-125) Over 5.5 (-130)
Nashville -260 -1.5(+105) Under 5.5 (+110)
Hockey Sureshot View: Edmonton is clearly in a rebuilding mode, as they traded defensemen Dennis Grebeskov, ironically enough, to tonight's opponent. The Oilers are a woeful 8-19-2 on the road, and have given up a league high 211 goals. The injury bug has effected this team all season, as four key players, including starting goalie Khabibulin, are on injured reserve. Important players such as Ladislav Smid, Sam Gagner, and Ethan Moreau are listed as day to day. As for Nashville, they are sitting in the 7th seed, but only two points ahead of 9th place Calgary. The Predators power play has struggled all season, but may improve against Edmonton's second worst penalty killing unit in the league.
Our pick: Nashville has won 13 of the last 15 matchups between these western conference teams. Edmonton usually plays with pride, and may hang in for a couple of periods, but go with the more talented and desperate team. Take Nashville to cover the 1.5 spread.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
New Jersey +130 +1.5(-255) Over 5.5 (+120)
San Jose -150 -1.5 (+215) Under 5.5 (-140)
Hockey Sureshot View: We all know how difficult it is to predict hockey games, as there is so much parity in the league and one fluke bounce of the puck can change the outcome of a game. Tonight we have two elite teams coming off a two week Olympic break, which adds a new wrinkle to complicate things. We can go through all the Devils stats, such as the fact that they have lost their last five road games. Or that they have not meshed well since they acquired superstar Illya Kovalchuk. They are 5-10-2 in their last 17 games. We can talk about the Sharks Western Conference best home record. The explosive Thornton, Marleau, and Heatley line which is the best in league. Guess what? I'm throwing all of that out the window. Quite simply, this game is about two of the biggest Olympic flops. Devils goalie Martin Brodeur and Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov are coming off horrendous performances in Vancouver. These guys are just too good, and I am expecting both of them to be focused and anxious to put those poor performances behind them.
Our Pick: We'll trust the goaltenders here and go with the under(5.5). New Jersey is more rested, and we expect them to get back on track tonight in a close game.
*BONUS PICK* OTTAWA OVER NY RANGERS -165
Monday March 1, 2010
Detroit +105 +1.5(-270) Over 5.5 (+115)
Colorado -125 -1.5 (+230) Under 5.5 (-135)
Hockey SureShot view: After a 2 week plus break, it's tough to get a gauge on either team. Detroit is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in 18 years, the longest streak in professional sports. Colorado has surprised people this year but not SureShot. Their roster has talent on it and injuries last season lowered their expectations. We are not in love with this game but Detroit should come out hard as the team with more to lose.
Reccamendation : Don't touch this game but if you must, take Detroit getting +1.5. A $5 bet would make you $1.85.
Final Score Detroit 3,Colorado 2
Thanks for the great tip on the Sharks game- I won $7.65!
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