As we crack open the third box on our advent calendars, and head deeper into the holiday season, The NHL also matures. No more, good start/bad start talk. Were in the heart of the season, and performance is everything. A number of coaches have already been fired, and I’m sure there is more to come. Lets see which teams are for real, and how the new coaches will handle their new squads…
Toronto @ Boston
As much as I would love to see Toronto beat Boston once this year, I don’t think it’s going to happen. Boston is deeper up front, tighter on the back end, and has all the truculence Burke can only dream about. Reimer is back, but it’s not enough. I just don’t see it happening. Boston at 1.40.
Ottawa @ Washington
Washington is one of the teams with a new face behind the bench. I think the Caps rally and help Hunter get a big win at home. Washington at 1.40.
Pittsburgh @ Carolina
Bring on the Staals! That’s right, the brothers are at it again. But with Eric still pining over what he did to Mark, I don’t know how aggressive he will be against other brother Jordan. Which is too bad because the Canes really need Eric at top form in order to win. Plus Jordan looks to be the best of the brothers right now. Not only that, but Carolina is another team with a new coach. And the new coach (Kirk Muller) has the pleasure of trying to coach against one of the best teams in the league. Oh, and Crosby scores tonight, there I said it. Pittsburgh at 1.30. However if you’re an odds man (or woman), Carolina is getting 2.70, at home…
New Jersey @ Winnipeg
This is a close one. I think Jersey is showing signs of life despite losing their last three. And I really feel they are due for a big win. It might not be tonight though, as they did play last night, and Broduer looked horrible in the loss. Winnipeg at 1.70.
New York Rangers @ Tampa Bay
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the New York Rangers are statistically the best team in the NHL right now. How can they have underdog odds against anybody save maybe Boston or Detroit? I like Tampa, but I’ll take those underdog odds. New York at 1.85.
Chicago @ St. Louis
This game is a battle for second place in their division. We should see a hard fought rivalry game here, especially considering they both played last night. I think the Hawks might have a little more in the tank. Give me Chicago with the road dog odds of 1.80.
Buffalo @ Nashville
It’s Miller time! Ryan Miller is back in net tonight, but faces a tough challenge. His team played a tough game at home last night, and now they travel to Nashville to take on the hometown Preds. Miller isn’t Crosby and I don’t think he shines in his debut. Although I do like the odds that say he could (2.00). I’ll take Nashville though at 1.55.
Philly @ Phoenix
Philly played a tough game last night in Anaheim, and won on a lucky 4-minute power play in OT. So I’m thinking they will be a little tired tonight, but they are also a far superior team. This is a toss up, but give me Philly at 1.65.
New York Islanders @ Dallas
New York gave Chicago a real good go last night. Unfortunately they’re in tough again tonight. Dallas at 1.40.
Calgary @ Edmonton
This is a huge Rivalry game on HNIC this evening. The only problem is one team is looking to trade their captain, while the other would like to anoint two more. One teams going up, one teams going down. I’ll take the team on their way up. Edmonton at 1.60.
Florida @ San Jose
I know Florida is a legit good team. I still won’t pick them though. San Jose at 1.50.
Favorites
Boston
Washington
Pittsburgh
Nashville
Dallas
Edmonton
San Jose
Pick ‘ems
Winnipeg
Philly
Long shots
New York Rangers
Chicago
OWC (Odds Worth Considering)
Carolina 2.70
Buffalo 2.00
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!
