After a long two-week wait, The Leafs and Habs are back on Hockey Night in Canada, and all is right with the world! Not having either Montreal, Toronto, or both, on the Saturday night lineup, is almost sacreligious here in Canada, so it’s good to see them back. That being said, I think only one of these teams has a decent shot at winning tonight. And here’s why…
Vancouver @ Toronto
Toronto is back in the “Saturday night spotlight” this evening against Vancouver, but it’s not going to be easy. The Leafs do finally have the wheels to hang with the Canucks, but they happen to be catching them on the second of back-to-back nights. It’s a shame because I think it would be a good tilt if both teams were rested. It still might be, but smart money is on Vancouver paying 1.65.
New Jersey @ Montreal
This is a good matchup for Montreal. The Habs line up well against Jersey, plus they’re at home, plus its Saturday night, plus Jersey played last night. Montreal at 1.65.
Buffalo @ Pittsburgh
Both of these teams saw action last night, so it will be interesting to see who saved more in the tank for tonight. Pittsburgh is the obvious choice here, they are the better team, and Miller isn’t back to form yet. However, with both teams playing back to back you never know who could come out flat, and Buffalo is getting pretty sweet odds at 2.00. I think I will play it safe though and take Pittsburgh at 1.55.
Anaheim @ Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the home team, the better team in the standings, and they’re favoured. Anaheim though has the potential to be the far superior team. Do you think Boudreau has done enough yet? I do. I think they really find their identity on this road trip, and it starts in Winnipeg. Anaheim at 1.90.
Los Angeles @ Detroit
Detroit is incredibly hard to beat at the Joe, and nothing has changed this year. Couple that with L.A’s inability to score goals, and it looks like a route in the making. I don’t quite believe that though, because L.A does have a good enough team to make games close, and 2.50 is pretty high. Detroit should still be safe though at 1.35.
Tampa Bay @ Columbus
This is one of the closer games of the night. Tampa is the better team, but missing one of their superstars. And Columbus isn’t the pushover they were at the beginning of the season, plus they’re at home. Can Stamkos keep rolling without St. Louis? I think he can. Tampa Bay at 1.60.
St. Louis @ Nashville
This is the toughest game of the night to call, and might be the best one to watch. It’s a divisional matchup between two close teams in the standings, and both teams have won their last 4 straight. It might be a low scoring affair though as both teams have top-shelf goaltending, and pretty solid defensive units. It’s going to be a gritty, tough game that will probably be won by one goal and could end up in a shoot-out. Nashville is at home and favoured, but I think St. Louis is the better team. I’ll take them with the road dog odds of 1.85.
New York Islanders @ Minnesota
The leagues best team, against one of the leagues worst. Hmm… shouldn’t have to box this one, but stranger things have happened. Minny at 1.35.
New York Rangers @ Phoenix
I finally got my revenge on the desert dogs last week. And surprise, surprise, I’m going against them again! New York at 1.65.
Washington @ Colorado
Washington has had trouble scoring goals lately, and Colorado hasn’t been too bad at home. I still like Washington to win, but the hometown odds of 2.00 aren’t too shabby. Washington at 1.55.
Edmonton @ San Jose
This matchup sees two heavily offensive teams doing battle, with only one of them having the defense to back them up. I think San Jose’s depth and backend will be the difference here. San Jose at 1.40.
Favorites
Vancouver
Montreal
Pittsburgh
Detroit
Minny
Washington
San Jose
Pick ‘ems
Tampa Bay
New York Rangers
Long shots
Anaheim
St. Louis
OWC (Odds Worth Considering)
Buffalo 2.00
Los Angeles 2.50
Colorado 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!
