New to the Last Word On Sports world is, Phantom Picks. Just like “tips from the tipster”, Phantom will be giving you the low-down on the best picks in the lineup of Saturday night hockey games. So look forward to his picks every Saturday, and feel free to comment, or send in your own picks for the evening.
Hey all! Looks like we have a bunch of Eastern Conference teams playing back to back this week. And there also looks to be some pretty good odds on some top road teams. So with 11 games on the docket, lets get started…
Boston @ Toronto
If I’m taking this game straight up, I’m taking the Leafs. They’ve been playing like the team to beat, and right now they are. Plus, they will be at home, with a sell-out crowd, for HNIC. However, in the betting world you rarely get straight up odds, and this game is no exception. With Proline, Toronto is getting fifty-five cents on the dollar (1.55), and Boston is getting two to one odds (2.00). Two to one on the Stanley Cup champs?! A team that historically plays tough against Toronto, and also manhandled them earlier in the season? Not to mention Kessel (the Leafs leading scorer), STILL seems to disappear when playing his former club? Anyway, I’ll settle down and take Boston on the long shot paying 2.00.
Buffalo @ Ottawa
Both teams are coming off of a back-to-back here. Buffalo with a win and Ottawa with a loss. I think we are seeing the turning point here for both teams. Ottawa has been over-achieving, and I think they are starting to come back down to reality, especially without their captain. Buffalo is the opposite, and I think with Enroth proving himself as a viable option they are headed in the right direction. I’m happy to take Buffalo here, especially with the underdog odds of 1.85.
Winnipeg @ New Jersey
The Peg have won two in a row, and they should take pride in that because I don’t see a third coming. Give me Jersey at 1.50.
Washington @ New York Islanders
If there ever was a chance for the Islanders to take down the Caps this could be it. Washington is on a road trip, and they played last night. Also Washington hasn’t been the best on the road (although perfect at home), and the Islanders are .500 at home. So I don’t blame you if you want to take a chance on cashing in on their 2.20 odds. But it’s just not something I’m going to do. This is a battle of two offensive teams, and the Islanders are bringing a knife to a gunfight so to speak. Look for the best team in the NHL right now to keep on rolling. Caps at 1.45.
Montreal @ New York Rangers
This one is a little tricky. The Habs have won four straight, and have a winning record on the road. But they are playing back to back, and the Rangers are on a two game win streak of their own. Not to mention, Avery will do his best to pump up the team and the crowd in his return. I’m gonna take the rested home team here. Rangers at 1.70.
Columbus @ Philly
The Jackets definitely need to string some wins together to get back in the hunt. But playing the Flyers at home isn’t a way to do that. The odds aren’t great, but I’ll take em. Philly at 1.30.
Anaheim @ Detroit
Here are two of the biggest disappointments so far this season. Both teams are struggling and in need of a win. The “tale of the tape” has The Wings weighing in at 1.45, and the Ducks at 2.20. I don’t like any struggling team getting 1.45, even if that team is the Detroit Red Wings. Not only that, but Anaheim has the talent and ability to beat any team in the league. I’m gonna keep my Ducks in a row here, and take the road dog at 2.20.
St. Louis @ Minnesota
Looks like a little “Cards magic” rubbed off on the Blues, as the Championship winning Cardinals were honoured last night, resulting in a win over the Canucks. I’m gonna call traveling on the Blues, who come into Minny to take on a red-hot Wild team. They rocked Vanc themselves two nights ago, scoring 5 goals. And that was without their big guns hitting the score sheet. Look for them to factor in tonight, and look for Minny to win their 4th straight. Wild at 1.60.
Edmonton @ Phoenix
The kids are rolling right now, and look to be having fun doing it. They have won 6 straight, and are currently the hottest team in the NHL. I don’t see a stop in the desert slowing them down. The Yotes have been given home field advantage in the odds department, which is funny because they haven’t been very good at home. Give me the Oil at the away odds of 1.85.
Pittsburgh @ Los Angeles
This is a toss up for me. The records suggest that the Penguins should win this one, especially with Malkin finding his stride last game. But L.A. is a tougher team than their record indicates. And I don’t see them going on a big slide, having lost two in a row already. I think they right the ship here against the Guiners, in this possible Stanley Cup matchup. I’ll take the Kings paying only the slight “home field advantage odds” of 1.65.
Nashville @ San Jose
Taking in consideration the current goaltending situation (Rinne back on vezina form after signing his big contract, and Niemi looking like Swiss cheese in his last 2), as well as the home/away records (Preds- 4-2-1 on the road, Sharks- 2-2 at home), The Preds look like a steal at 2.10. But this is sports, and you have to know when to chase those big odds, and when to play it safe. The Sharks are the better team, and they’re playing at home on a Saturday night. Look for one of the “Joe’s” to lead this team to victory. San Jose at 1.30.
Favorites
New Jersey
Washington
Philly
San Jose
Pick ‘ems
New York R
Minny
Edmonton
Los Angeles
Long shots
Boston
Buffalo
Anaheim
That’s it for this week. Look for more Phantom picks coming next week. And of course good luck, and let me know how you did!
