We have an interesting scenario this week, as for the first time this year Saturday isn’t carrying the brunt off the load schedule wise. So this week Sunday is the new Saturday. There are ten scheduled games this Sunday, including a Proline Pool, with three of the games starting at 12:30. Saturday does have eight games (three afternoon, five evening), including the typical HNIC double header, but due to the shortage it has been linked to Fridays games to make a massive, combined Pool of 15 games. A pool that big is sure to have a nice big one winner payout, but with that many games you might as well be flipping a coin, or throwing darts at a board. So for this week, lets stick to Sunday’s action.
Pittsburgh @ Buffalo
When Buffalo is at the top of their game they can hang with, and beat Pittsburgh. Unfortunately for them those games have been few and far between this year as they are currently sitting in last in the East. There is some good news for Sabres fans though as Pittsburgh should be a little tired from their rivalry matchup yesterday against the Flyers. If I’m a pool player I would probably play it safe and take Pittsburgh, but playing the odds, it’s hard to turn down a rested home team paying over 2 to 1. Buffalo at 2.10.
San Jose @ Detroit
Detroit has now won 22 straight games at home. Do I see 23? Sure, why not. Do I also like a top team paying 2.20? I do. This is another one I would probably split. Take Detroit straight up, but San Jose on the inflated odds. San Jose at 2.20.
St. Louis @ Chicago
Wow, am I that indecisive today, or is the odds maker sleeping? This is another game where I think the underdog odds are way to high. Chicago is back to form after a ten-game losing slide, but there is no way they should be favoured by that much over a tough divisional opponent that is 10 points ahead of them in the standings! St. Louis at 2.00.
Boston @ Minnesota
Minnesota actually has big odds at home in this one too. However, they played a tough game yesterday, and they don’t matchup well with the Bruins. Boston at 1.45.
New Jersey @ Montreal
Jersey has been on fire lately, and with the odds even, they’re the obvious choice here. New Jersey at 1.70.
Anaheim @ Florida
Florida is holding strong to their third spot in the East. On the other side of the league Anaheim is desperately trying to claw their way into a playoff spot in the West. Both teams are playing well right now, but I think Anaheim needs it more, so I give them the edge here despite being the slight underdog. Anaheim at 1.80.
Nashville @ Dallas
These teams have a similar record over their last ten. They also matchup pretty evenly with their home and away records. The odds are also close to even. Hmm, might as well take the better team. Nashville at 1.80.
Columbus @ New York Rangers
Take the Rangers in the pool, but don’t put money on them otherwise. The odds are so small I don’t think you’ll even get your money back! But on the other side of things, if you feel adventurous, Columbus is getting 3 to 1. New York at 1.25.
Colorado @ Winnipeg
Winnipeg is stellar at home. Why buck the trend. Winnipeg at 1.55.
Vancouver @ Edmonton
Vancouver battled Toronto last night, so they might be a little tired, but they are one of the hottest teams in the league. I do like Edmonton’s odds here, but the Canucks are just too strong. Vancouver at 1.45.
Favorites
Boston
New Jersey
New York Rangers
Winnipeg
Vancouver
Pick ‘ems
Buffalo
San Jose
St. Louis
Underdogs
Anaheim
Nashville
OWC (Odds Worth Considering)
Columbus 3.00
Edmonton 2.20
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!
