I know you’ve been waiting all week for this… And the wait is finally over! Saturday night hockey and Phantom Picks are back!
It looks to be a tough week, with a full docket, some interesting matchups. Only 3 teams of the 20 are playing on the second of back-to-back nights. But its not fatigue, as much as it is injury, that might factor in tonight. With several starting goalies still out for there respective clubs. Lets take a look…
Phoenix @ Buffalo
Buffalo is the better team here, and they have been playing great hockey despite losing their starting goalie. But I like the upset. Phoenix has played well on the road, and Buffalo has to be a little worn out from that nail-bitter last night. I’ll take the road dog at 1.90.
Washington @ Toronto
Toronto is forced to dress a handful of Marlies for this, “Which team can stop the bleeding?” matchup. And it’s hard not to take Washington here; especially considering Toronto’s starting goalie is on the IR. Washington at 1.65.
New York Rangers @ Montreal
New York is one of two teams going for their 8th straight win tonight, and unbelievable they’re not favoured! Montreal has been playing better as of late, but this is a no-brainer for me. I’ll take the incredibly hot Rangers, with the road dog odds of 1.85.
Boston @ New York Islanders
Boston is the other team going for their 8th straight. And like the Rangers, I see them getting it as well. Let the battle of the streaks continue! And give me Boston at 1.45.
New Jersey @ Tampa Bay
Both teams have similar records, and both have been mediocre over their last ten. However, Tampa is 6-1-0 at home. I will take Tampa at 1.50. But I do like Jersey’s odds at 2.10 for the upset.
Pittsburgh @ Florida
I think these days, as TSN has pointed out, the only real deal is the “real deal James Neal”. I’m not buying the Florida hype, and I’m not picking them to win tonight. Pittsburgh at 1.55.
Columbus @ Nashville
If Columbus can’t score on other teams around the league, how the hell are they gonna score against Nashville? Nashville has the best goalie in the league, and one of the best defense corps. They are also 7-1-2 over their last 10, and Columbus hasn’t won on the road at all this season. Columbus does have nice odds at 2.50. But I’ll take Nashville at 1.35.
St. Louis @ Minnesota
This game is tricky. Both teams have won 3 straight, and both have been good over their last 10, with Minny being a little better. Minny gets the edge here, especially considering the Blues record on the road. But the odds have Minny as a huge home favourite at 1.50, and St. Louis at 2.10. I think this is a big miss-match, and I’m going to take St. Louis at 2.10.
San Jose @ Dallas
Again, I think there is a big miss-match of odds here. Dallas, who has lost 4 straight, is favoured at 1.70. And San Jose, who is hot right now going 7-2-1 over their last 10, is the underdog at 1.80. Now, I do think Dallas is due for a win, they are way to good a team to lose 5 straight. But San Jose is 5-2-0 on the road, they just smoked Detroit 5-2 on Thursday, and it would be an insult not to take them as the underdog here at 1.80.
Chicago @ Edmonton
Edmonton’s home record stacks up nicely against Chicago’s road record. But I honestly think Chicago is the best team in the league right now, and for some reason Toews is out to prove it. Chicago at 1.60.
Favorites
Washington
Boston
Tampa Bay
Pittsburgh
Nashville
Chicago
Pick ‘ems
Minnesota
Dallas
Long shots
Phoenix
New York Rangers
St. Louis
San Jose
OWC (Odds Worth Considering)
New Jersey 2.10
Columbus 2.50
That’s it for this week. Look for more Phantom picks coming next week. And as always, good luck, and let me know how you did!
