You might want to sit down for this one. For the second time this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs won’t be on Hockey Night in Canada! It’s okay though, put the paper bag down, there are still 11 games on the card tonight, and NHL Centre Ice is offering it’s free mid-season preview until Sunday. So if you don’t already have the premium hockey package, enjoy all of the hockey you can handle over the next few days. Oh, and also, if you order the package during the free preview, you can get it for a discount rate for the remainder of the season. Anyway… lets get to the games!
New York Rangers @ Buffalo
Buffalo played a tight checking game against Florida last night that wound up going to overtime. Buffalo ended up winning the game, but I’m sure there is a certain level of fatigue that came with the win. Both clubs seem to be starting their backups tonight, which is bad for the Sabres seeing as Enroth has lost a lot of his confidence lately. Biron is no gem, but I’ll still take New York at 1.70.
Vancouver @ Ottawa
With Toronto and Montreal out of the picture tonight, Ottawa steps into the spotlight. The primetime HNIC game on CBC tonight will be the Sens and the Canucks. The Canucks usually getting the spotlight in the late game, will get a chance to showcase their talent on primetime to the rest of Canada. Which is exactly what I think they will do. Vancouver at 1.50.
Pittsburgh @ New York Islanders
Cancel the game, Sids not playing! Oh wait, it’s the Islanders. As much as I think Pittsburgh should win this game sans Crosby. I don’t like the “slam dunk” odds Proline is issuing. Pittsburgh is just over .500 on the road, and the Islanders are .500 at home. Pittsburgh should still win for 1.35. But it’s rare to see a home team getting 2.50, while the other team is missing their best player.
Tampa Bay @ Philly
Can’t wait to see what happens in the second meeting of this 4-game season series. The first game made for one of the most exciting games in history, where neither team attempted to play hockey! I think the Flyers settle their grudge here after losing that first game in embarrassing fashion. Philly at 1.30.
Winnipeg @ Detroit
Winnipeg is in tough tonight. They played at home yesterday and recorded a win over Carolina, but had to wake up this morning and travel to Detroit. The Red Wings aren’t an easy team to beat on rested legs, and are even harder on tired ones. Detroit at 1.35.
Boston @ Columbus
Boston is on a 2-game slide coming off the best winning streak of the season. I think they get back on track tonight against the leagues worst team. Boston at 1.35.
San Jose @ St. Louis
This is probably the toughest game of the evening to call. The Sharks are great on the road, while the Blues are great at home. San Jose has the better team, but the Blues have proven that there is no team they can’t beat. I’m going to flip a coin here, and take San Jose at 1.70.
Anaheim @ Nashville
This is the third game of the 4-game series between these teams that saw Nashville win the first two quite easily. I think the Ducks exact some revenge here, not only for this season, but also for the playoffs last year. All the talent is there in Anaheim, they just need someone to harness it. I think Boudreau could be that guy. Give me the Ducks at 2.10 for the major upset.
Minnesota @ Phoenix
I keep betting against Phoenix and losing! How can they be that good?!? Well hopefully tonight I get my revenge by taking the NHL’s hottest team, and best according to the standings. Believe it or not the Wild, who have won 6 in a row, are the underdogs here. Minnesota at 1.80.
Edmonton @ Calgary
I know Edmonton played last night. But the kids are playing at an elite level right now. And they are doing it with smiles on their faces and twinkles in their eyes. It’s infectious! Edmonton at 1.80.
Dallas @ Los Angeles
Both of these teams are an awful 4-5-1 over their last 10. And both have the talent to demand better. LA should win this one, but don’t rule out Dallas at 2-1 odds. With both teams playing badly nothing should be taken for granted. Los Angeles at 1.55.
Favorites
Vancouver
Pittsburgh
Philly
Detroit
Boston
Los Angeles
Pick ‘ems
New York Rangers
San Jose
Long shots
Anaheim
Minnesota
Edmonton
OWC (Odds Worth Considering)
New York Islanders 2.50
Dallas 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!
