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Last Word On Sports

Sports News Since 2011. Honestly.

Last Word On Sports Logo

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Month: January 2012

The NHL All-Star Game; Must See TV?

Posted on by Grant Alexander
© by alexis.zargo

I’m going to start off by saying, “I love the All-Star game”. I know it’s not real hockey, and I know it doesn’t mean anything, but I don’t care. I love watching the players try plays they wouldn’t normally try. I love watching them put rivalries and grudges aside. And I love watching them enjoy themselves with their friends and families. And that’s what the weekend is all about; family. Or more importantly, the kids.

They really have the opportunity to put a face to the names of their favorite players as they fly around the rink and show off their skills. They get to share a laugh as Ovechkin sports over-sized clown glasses during his penalty shot. And they get to watch with awe, as the Guardians try to save the NHL from the evil Gary Bettman, or Devan Dark, or whoever it is supposed to be. Wait, I’m lost, who are the Guardians? And what are they doing? Lets just act like the rest of the hockey world, pretend it never happened, and move on.

There are a few things I don’t like about the All-Star game though. First and foremost is, the fan voting. I know it’s only for the first 6 players selected, and fan interaction is normally a good thing, but it’s got to go!  At least make changes so that only 1 player per team can be voted in, or something similar. This year, of the 6 selected players, only 2 of them deserve it (Karlsson, and Thomas), which leaves 4 undeserving players. Not only that but it means that 4 players that have earned their right to be there, aren’t, and that’s not sportsmanlike. And what about their legacies? 7-time All-Star sounds better than 4 or 5, depending on how many times that players been snubbed. Could it affect a Hall of Fame induction? I’d like to think not, and maybe I’m going a little too far, but it irritates me to say the least.

The Second thing that upsets me is the new format. I get that it adds a new spin on things.  I understand the whole “schoolyard pick-em” thing, and obviously the NHL loves the extra night of festivities and primetime television, but I think the whole thing is a little hokey. I do however like the way they chose the team captains this year though, making one the captain of the host team, and the other the captain of the Stanley Cup winning team. I hope they continue to do it that way if they decide to keep this format. The “pick-em” is good in theory, but the picks just end up being obvious and over-diplomatic. On the schoolyard you wanted to win at all costs, so you would pick the best players. For this event nobody really cares about winning as it is just for fun, so the captains pick their family members or old roommates, teammates, friends, friends of friends, and then if there’s anybody left they might pick by skill. I bet if you took the time to analyze the relationships of each player to the captains, you could easily predict the two teams before they are picked. Then they play an entertaining, but meaningless game, to decide which captain “picked” better. There has to be a better way…

Well, there is, and it is a perfect segue into the third thing I hate about the All-Star game; it’s meaningless. Players could potentially get hurt playing a game that doesn’t mean anything. But, I think there is a simple solution; Follow Major League Baseball. Go back to the classic (and much better) East vs. West format, and have home ice advantage for the Stanley Cup finals up for grabs. It’s what the MLB has done for a number of years now and it works great. I know the NHL is still going to most likely split into 4 Conferences within the next few years, but I hope they take my advice and keep two of them East and two of them West if not just for my purposes here. I know some people will say that it’s not fair for the teams that earn their home ice advantage by winning the most during the regular season, but in my opinion the only thing they have earned by wining their conference is home ice advantage against their conference which they will still get. If they have the easier conference, and most likely have only won the Presidents Trophy by a few points, why should they get a clear advantage over a team that they never competed with that could have had a tougher schedule? So why not have the best players from each conference play-off to decide it? It would be completely fair, and make the All-Star game that much more exciting. Oh, and if the NHL still wanted to do the pick’em thing, the captains from each conference wouldn’t be so diplomatic knowing the fate of the Stanley Cup might be riding on their shoulders…

…and that is the last word.

"Team" Doesn't Have An "I", But Tim Does!

Posted on by Carl Mostacci
The White House

Yesterday the 2011 Stanley Cup winning Boston Bruins made the annual NHL championship team visit to the White House to meet and celebrate with U.S President Barack Obama.  One person was notably absent and that was the 2011 Conn Smythe Trophy winner and the only American player on the Bruins roster, Tim Thomas.  He decided to decline the invite due to political reasons.

Now I personally feel that is ridiculous.  People don’t get invited to the White House everyday.  Thomas shot down the opportunity to represent his country, which proudly preaches values of liberty and freedom, to his teammates with class.  Instead he did the exact opposite.  And for what?  Because he doesn’t support the political party that U.S President Barack Obama is a member of or his agenda?  How juvenille!  I was always taught in life you will at times have to be in the presence of people or do things you necessarily don’t want to do.  This was one of those times for Thomas.  He could have been professional, put his political differences aside and  just stood there in the background for the team picture with the President, perhaps shake his hand and make small talk if Obama started conversation, and that was it.  Instead by refusing to attend he made an even bigger deal of the situation.  Plus he made himself and his political opinion bigger than the team.

Prime Minsiter Stephen Harper is not my favourite Canadian Government leader, however I would jump at the opportunity to meet him.  Even former Bruin Tomas Kaberle, who has since played for two teams, attended the White House visit.  The Bruins players from Canada, Europe and other countries represented themselves and their places of birth with pride, class and respect.  Maybe the Bruins will repeat as Cup Champs this year and Obama won’t get re-elected in 2012.  Then Thomas will be able to say “I told you so.”  However if this doesn’t happen, this decision could be one he regrets for the rest of his life.  For the chance may never come again.

What do you think?

…and that is the last word.

NHL Midseason Awards

Posted on by Ben Kerr
Malkin

We have officially passed the midpoint of the NHL season.  And so its time for a look at who are the favourites for the various NHL awards so far.  Here are my picks, along with an explanation for each.

 

Calder Trophy: Ryan Nugent Hopkins, C, Edmonton
38 games played, 13 goals 22 assists for 35 pts.

The 18 year old, exploded out of the gates this year, and showed the talent that made him the first overall selection in last June’s Entry Draft.  Despite being injured about 3 weeks ago, RNH still leads all rookies in Point production.  He’s shown that he’s an outstanding playmaker, and is well on his way to being one of the best passers in the game.  He should be back from his shoulder injury shortly, and I fully expect him to pick up right where he left off.  A major reason why the future looks bright in Edmonton, even if the present sucks.  Honourable mentions: Matt Read, C/W, Philly and Adam Henrique, C, New Jersey.

 

Jack Adams Trophy: Ken Hitchcock, St. Louis Blues

The Blues struggled to start the season, and were the first club in the league to fire their coach, axing Davis Payne.  Ken Hitchcock took over and the team has gone on a tear never looked back.  He has the young blues team executing his defensive system to perfection.  Don’t believe me?  Just take a look at the stats that Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak have put up lately.  The Blues are now leading the entire NHL with only 96 goals against this season.  The Blues have 64 pts and are just one pt behind Detroit for 1st overall in not just the Western Conference, but the entire NHL. Honourable Mentions: Paul Maclean, Ottawa; Claude Julien, Boston.

 

Frank J. Selke Trophy: Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins

The Bruins have the best goal differential in the entire NHL at an absolutely incredible +70.  The next closest team is Detroit at +45.  This is in no small part due to the work put in by Bergeron this season.  Bergeron has become one of the best two way centres in the game, he’s able to play against other team’s best lines, and still produce at the offensive end.  He’s also an excellent Penalty Killer.  Bergeron is a +28 this season and it speaks to his excellent two way game.  Honourable Mentions: Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit; and Mikko Koivu, Minnesota.

 

James Norris Trophy: Erik Karlsson, D, Ottawa Senators

The Sens are the biggest surprise team in the NHL this year, and Erik Karlsson is the biggest reason why.  With 46 points he’s not only the highest scoring Dman in the NHL, but is 12 points higher than his next highest competitor.  He’s playing over 25:00 per game and is a +7 for the Sens.  Karlsson is the straw that stirs the drink in Ottawa, he’s been enormous for them, and is deserving of all the praise he’s getting this season, including the starting spot in the All-Star game.  Honourable Mentions: Zdeno Chara, Boston; and Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit.

 

Georges Vezina Trophy: Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers

The Rangers are in First place in the Eastern Conference and only 1 pt behind the Wings for first place in the league..  King Henrik’s amazing season is the major reason why.  With a 1.93 Goals Against Average, and a 936 save percentage, he’s the key player on the team.  Lundqvist has provided the Rangers with excellent goaltending since joining the team, and this year he’s surpassed even his previous standard and is having a career year.  Lundqvist is the best goalie in the NHL this season, and deserves to win his first Vezina.  Honourable mentions: Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings, Jimmy Howard, Detroit Redwings

 

Hart Memorial Trophy: Evgeni Malkin, Penguins

The Penguins have been absolutely decimated by injuries this year.  They have only had Sidney Crosby in the lineup for 8 games.   Top Defenceman Kris Letang also missed significant time with a concussion.  Jordan Staal is out of the lineup long term as well.  These are the Pens key players.  Yet the team keeps fighting and is currently holding down a playoff spot.  Why?  Its in large part because in the abscence of Crosby; Malkin has become the best player in the NHL.  He is leading the league in pts despite playing less games than any of the other top 20 NHL scorers.  He has become a dominant force and is a threat to score or set up a goal on nearly every shift.  Geno is nearly singlehandedly keeping this Pens team afloat, and thats why he’s the league MVP at the half way point.  Honourable Mentions: Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers; Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers.

 

…and thats the last word.

Undefeated Syracuse Falls to Notre Dame; Week in Review

Posted on by taketheleap

Eric Atkins (0) and Pat Connaughton (24) and their Notre Dame Fighting Irish handed former #1 Syracuse their first loss of the season.

I just had to say it, didn’t I? This past Wednesday, I wrote this: “With the matchups [Syracuse and Murray State] have this week, both are expected to carry that perfect record into next week.” Just had to say it. In a complete domination of a game, the Fighting Irish ended Syracuse’s bid for a perfect record with a 67-58 dismantling of the Orangemen. The final score makes it look closer than it really was. To the unhinged delight of the only Notre Dame fan I know, this game was over early.

Every team is entitled to an “off game”; this was Syracuse’s. How they play after this embarrassing loss will determine  if they are Final Four material, or if they are another case of lost potential. I am banking on the latter.

Syracuse can take comfort in the fact that they were not the only Top 10 team to lose in the past week. Here are the Points of Interest from this past week:

  • Kentucky (19-1) now moves into the top spot atop the Associated Press poll. Their only loss came on December 10th, to Indiana, 73-72
  • Baylor lost in embarrassing fashion to their conference rivals Kansas last Monday, 92-74. The loss drops the Bears from #3 to #6. Kansas moves up two spots to #5.
  • Duke lost on a buzzer-beating three by Florida State‘s Michael Snare, 76-73, Saturday afternoon. Snare finished the first half in the exact same fashion, silencing the crowd at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke falls to #8 in the AP Poll. Florida State enters the rankings after beating UNC and Duke in consecutive weeks. They now sit atop the ACC with Duke and NC State at 4-1.
  • Michigan State lost to their cross-state rivals Michigan on Tuesday, 60-69, dropping them to #10.
  • Connecticut lost twice this past week; first on Wednesday to Cincinnati (70-67), then on Saturday to Tennessee (60-57). The Huskies drop to #24 from #13 in the AP Poll.
  • Murray State remains undefeated and has now matched Syracuse’s 20 consecutive wins. The Racers are now the only undefeated team in Division I. They should remain that way until next week, with their only matchup this week coming against Eastern Illinois. But then again, I said that about the Orange last week too.

 

Upcoming Games of Interest:

  • Ohio State (#4) hosts Michigan (#20); tip-off is Sunday, 1PM EST.
  • North Carolina (#7) hosts unranked-but-leading-the-ACC NC State; Thursday, 7PM EST.
  • Remember when Pittsburgh used to be ranked? The 11-9 Pitt Panthers take their mediocre show home to host #9 Georgetown; tip is Saturday, 4PM EST.
  • Florida (#14) hosts Mississippi State (#18) on Saturday, in what could be a turning point for both teams. Tip is 1:30PM EST.
  • Speaking of turning points, #16 Indiana travels to Wisconsin (#25), in what the Badgers hope will be a solid mark in their Madness resumé. Tip is Thursday, 9PM EST.
  • Virginia (#19), in their bid to rise to the top of the ACC, drive down to NC State on Saturday, hoping to topple the upstart Wolfpack from the top of the conference. Tip is 8PM EST.
  • Connecticut (#24) travels to play suddenly-relevant Notre Dame. Tip is Sunday, 1PM EST.

 

One loss and your season can come crumbling down; one off-day; one buzzer-beating shot; one unlucky bounce… and it’s all over until next year. Every team that has ever lost in March Madness knows this pain all too well. Syracuse now knows that pain. It’s what I love about college basketball. To borrow a phrase: On any given day, anyone can win.

… and that’s the last word.

UFC on FX 1: Ushering in a New Era

Posted on by Mark Modeski

Let’s get one things straight: MMA is a war – in every way, shape and form.

The UFC and FOX have promised us a series of wars over the next seven years. In November of last year they treated us to a preview of the violence we can expect, with a clear and decisive victory by way of knock-out by Junior Dos Santos. If that first event in November on was a preview, then the first official event on FX this past weekend was the very definition of what a war is…A series of hostile and decisive battles.

By that definition, the brass at UFC and FOX could not have possibly asked for more out of the event on Friday. Many felt that the one hour teaser that they were treated to in late-2011 left much to the hearts desire – a lot of talking, almost no fighting. This event, was four hours of decisive fights, showcasing up-and-coming talent across all of the weight classes in the UFC.

While the fights were great, leaving us like a room of George W. Bush cabinet members, wanting more – there were some moments where the old school UFC fans were definitely feeling like they were under order of a new regime. The production of the event felt less like a ZUFFA event, and more like a FOX Sunday football game (right down to the theme music); the whole thing felt over-saturated with commercials, commentators and an almost false sense of enthusiasm at times.

My biggest criticism was that of the commentating; I can forgive the over-the-top production value and commercial density – that’s just FOX being FOX. The absence of Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg, definitely left a void in the colour commentator category. Jon Anik and Kenny Florian were putting me to sleep with their commentating during the fights; and if not for the pace of the action, I very well may have. Like any war, the media plays an important role – if you fail at effectively speaking to people, your propaganda machine, and thusly support will start to die. Jon Anik and Jay Glazer sounded almost like they didn’t know what they were talking about – which is unfortunate, as it’s not true. This all said, a head bow to Ariel Helawani, I did enjoy his post-fight interviews (even if they did seem redundant).

When all is said and done, I look at this as being the first war in a conflict ridden world. It was the first full event, and for that I think it was a success! Yes, there are kinks to work out – but, it was a good watch and it was free. I just hope Dana White doesn’t lose too much creative control to FOX; that will be the true testament to the “partnership” over time.

Main Card Results:

– In the main even Jim Miller choked out Melvin Guillard  with a rear naked choke in the first round. I think Miller is poised for a title shot (despite his recent loss), and I think he is ready for it.

– Josh Neer returned to the UFC in style, with a first round guillotine choke on Duane Ludwig.

– In a battle of less experienced fighters, Mike Easton won a majority decision over Jared Papazian.

– In what was anointed the Fight of the Night (should have been KO of the Night too), Pat Barry finished off Christian Morecraft with a clean shot to the chin.

… and that is the last word.

Medlock to the NFL?

Posted on by Carl Mostacci

 

Baltimore Raven Kicker Billy Condiff missed a 32 yard field goal, that sent his team packing from the 2011 NFL Playoffs

After Baltimore Ravens Kicker Billy Cundiff missed a 32 yard game tying field goal at the end of regulation in the AFC Championship Game, will the Ravens look at signing Canadian Football League Hamilton Tiger Cats kicker Justin Medlock to take on the job.

With his strong, consistent boot, it would be a mistake for teams not to bring him in. Routinely kicking 50 plus yards with accuracy Medlock deserves a very close look by many NFL teams.

 

What do you think?

…and that’s the Last Word

Serie A Review Week 18 and Week 19

Posted on by Frank Giuliano

Serie A Review of Week 18

Week 18 housed some good results. The match between Catania Calcio and AS Roma was postponed due to heavy rainfall in Sicily. Udinese Calcio fell to a 3-2 loss to hosts Genoa at the Marassi Stadium. Juventus FC put in a sub-par performance tieing Cagliari Calcio 1-1 in Turin. Bianconeri winger Milos Krasic could have had the winner but missed a sitter in front of the net scuffing his shot well wide. The derby of Milan goes to Internazionale FC as they came out winners, 1-0. Diego Milito pounced on an Ignazio Abate miss cue to put the Nerazzurri back in the hunt for another Scudetto. The Rossoneri dominated this encounter from start to finish, but could not capitalize on their chances.

Serie A Preview of Week 19

Welcome to the end of the first round in the Serie A where the three top teams – Juventus FC, AC Milan, and Udinese Calcio – will be tussling for the Winter Champions title! Records show that in the past 7 years, the side that is leading at the half way mark of the Seria A season goes on to become the Scudetto champions. Who will it be?

First, we preview Atalanta v Juventus. Bianconeri boss, Antonio Conte, returns to Bergamo with nothing but the 3 points in mind as the Old Lady are a win away from being crowned winter champions. Juventus is still undefeated in the Serie A. Atalanta boasts a solid home record having only lost to AC Milan.

Parma FC v Bologna FC – the Derby of Emilia Romagna. Parma star Sebastian Giovinco is looking to bounce back to the form he was in before the Christmas break.

Cagliari Calcio will host ACF Fiorentina at the Stadio Sant’Elia. The Sardinians are coming off a hard fought tie against Juventus and will be aiming to obtain four points in two matches. The Viola fell to a shocking defeat at the hands of lowly US Lecce and will want to rebound immediately.

Speaking of Lecce, they will aim to secure their first home win of the season against Chievo Verona.

AC Milan travels to Novara. The Rossoneri are in the middle of an injury crisis at the moment. Kevin Prince Boetang and Alexandre Pato add to the long list of injured players which has caused the Diavoli to ask Genoa to send back midfield player Alexander Merkel who was on loan. AC Milan’s new signing Djamel Mesbah will most likely get the nod to start in this fixture. It will be slim pickings for coach, Max Allegri.

Next, Internazionale FC is involved with yet another top of the table clash as they will host SS Lazio at the San Siro in Milan. The Nerazzurri kept their winning streak alive to 6 games with a big win against cross-city rivals AC Milan. They will be seeking to close the gap at the top of the table. It will not be easy though, as the Biancocelesti usually do very well against Inter. Miroslav Klose is in fine form. Lazio also has one of the best road records in the Serie A.

Udinese Calcio is looking to return to winning ways against visiting side Catania Calcio. Udinese is very strong on home turf, while the Sicilians tend to struggle on their travels. With an Udinese win, a Juve loss, and a Milan tie or loss, the bianconeri of Udine will be crowned Winter Champions for the first time in the club’s history. It is a long a shot though. Personally as a Milan fan, I would love to see Udinese be crowned as winter champs.

…and that is the last word.

 

Week 18 15 Jan 2012
Catania P – P Roma
Cesena 3 – 1 Novara
Chievo 1 – 0 Palermo
Fiorentina 0 – 1 Lecce
Genoa 3 – 2 Udinese
Juventus 1 – 1 Cagliari
Lazio 2 – 0 Atalanta
Milan 0 – 1 Inter
Napoli 1 – 1 Bologna
Parma 3 – 1 Siena

 

Week 19 22 Jan 2012 (14.00 UK)
Atalanta Preview Juventus(Sat 19.45)
Bologna Preview Parma(11.30)
Cagliari Preview Fiorentina
Inter Preview Lazio(19.45)
Lecce Preview Chievo
Novara Preview Milan
Palermo Preview Genoa
Roma Preview Cesena(Sat 17.00)
Siena Preview Napoli
Udinese Preview Catania
FIXTURES
Week 20 29 Jan 2012
Catania – Parma
Cesena – Atalanta
Chievo – Lazio
Fiorentina – Siena
Genoa – Napoli
Juventus – Udinese
Lecce – Inter
Milan – Cagliari
Palermo – Novara
Roma – Bologna

Cam Newton – The Best Rookie to Ever Play?

Posted on by Anto Dowsett

 

IMG_9314 © by PDA.PHOTO

“With the 1st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers, select Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn.”  The legacy was born

A uniquely gifted quarterback, who possesses both passing and rushing skills was drafted into the league by its then bottom-dwellers, the Carolina Panthers.

Cam Newton was sensational during his only year at Auburn, which only some football fans may know about. Prior to Auburn, Cam Newton was a back-up quarterback at Florida. He was second string, to the eventual Heisman winner, and probably the most controversial quarterback known to man, Tim Tebow. After two years at Florida, and a short stint at Blinn Junior College, Mr. Newton made his way to Auburn where he would go on to win a National championship, and a Heisman trophy, just as Tim Tebow did. He ended the year passing for a total of 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns, all the while running for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns. As one can tell, he was quite the dynamic player.

But not all was swell for SuperCam. When he declared for the 2011 NFL draft, many critics believed that Cam was not accurate enough, and that he would be a bust-worthy candidate in the league. Many thought he would rely on his legs too often, and that it would get him into trouble at times. But Cam, just like his believers predicted, did not comply with these critics. Not one bit.

After relaxing his nerves during the preseason games, Cam began his regular season career with 422 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 18 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. What a start! And he wasn’t done there; the following week Cam broke his own rookie passing yards in a game record by accounting for 432 passing yards against Green Bay. At the end of the year, Cam amassed 4,051 passing yards (record-breaking), 21 passing touchdowns, 706 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns (record-breaking). He also holds the record for most total touchdowns by a rookie with 35, and is the first player in NFL history to record 4,000+ passing yards and 500+ rushing yards.  Clearly, Cam Newton is quite the athlete.

Due to the fact that he reached the end zone on so many occasions, Cam released a touchdown dance that became quite famous (or infamous, depending where your loyalties lie) and caused him to receive the nickname “SuperCam”. After scoring a touchdown, he pretended to rip his shirt open just as Clark Kent does when he becomes Superman. This “dance” would reach the NBA level where Dwayne Wade and LeBron James would mimic the shirt rip, while Cam was in attendance as a sign of respect for all that Cam has done.

Unfortunately, Carolina finished with the sub-par record of 6-10 and finished third in the NFC South, below the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. Barring a few critical injuries, this team is composed of many great players that could make a Super Bowl run in the future. But do remember, the Panthers’ record does not take away from what Cam accomplished. His statistics could very well make him the Rookie of the Year. But is that all? I don’t believe so; I think Cam Newton is the best rookie of all-time.

…and that is the last word.

Phantom's NHL Picks – Saturday Night Edition January 20, 2012

Posted on by Grant Alexander

After a lengthy Christmas and mid-season holiday, Phantom Picks are back! So this Saturday, instead of tearing out what’s left of your hair, grab a pen and paper and get ready for the tips and predictions that will make your night a successful one. There are four afternoon games this Saturday, but I recommend just enjoying the unpredictability of Saturday afternoon hockey and saving your wagering for the evening lineup. Also all four afternoon games should be pretty intense, as three of them feature top contenders playing their division or conference rivals. So as good as the games will be to watch, they won’t be the easiest to predict. But I do recommend taking some mental notes, as there is a good chance these teams will meet again come April. Lets take a closer look at the ten remaining games…

Montreal @ Toronto

What hockey fan doesn’t love the Habs and the Leafs squaring off on Saturday night. This is the tradition HNIC was built on, and these teams never disappoint. I’m not going to say that this will be an exception, as it should still be an entertaining, high scoring affair. But right now these are two teams in different phases of their season. The Leafs are fighting hard to reclaim that 8th spot, and Montreal is going through a bit of an identity crisis. I’ll take the Leafs at 1.50.

Carolina @ New York Islanders

Here’s a battle of two basement dwellers that are closer to draft picks than a playoff spots. But the Islanders have been playing better hockey as of late, and I would give them the nod in this bout. That being said, this is one of the only teams Carolina does have a shot at beating, even considering their road record. I will take New York at 1.55, but the 2.00 the Canes are getting is worth noting.

Columbus @ Detroit

Detroit has only lost 2, ya I said 2 games at home all year long. I don’t think the NHL’s worst team is going to give them their third. Take the measly 1.20, and move on.

Florida @ Winnipeg

These teams are both fighting for that 8th spot that Florida currently holds. If you look at the road record of Florida and the home record of Winnipeg, this should be a no-brainer in favour of the Jets. But the Panthers will be fighting a little harder to protect their spot, and I would give them the edge if it weren’t for the fact that they played a late game against Chicago last night. Look for this one to possibly go into overtime with the Jets continuing their winning ways at home. Winnipeg at 1.60.

Buffalo @ St. Louis

For the last decade I would give the clear advantage in goaltending to the Sabres. And to start this season I would have still given it to the Sabres. But as of right now, not so much. Miller is frustrated to say the least, and the tandem in St. Louis is now the best in the League. Look for that to be the difference again for the Blues as they continue to climb their way to the top of the standings. St. Louis at 1.35.

Chicago @ Nashville

This is one of those tight divisional games you love to watch on a Saturday night. Chicago is the better team, and Nashville is the hotter team. I was leaning towards Nashville at home, but I just can’t pick against “Captain Serious” when he is in the zone. This guy (Jonathon Toews) just loves to win big games. I do like the 1.85 Nashville is getting at home, but they are also down Suter. Chicago at 1.65.

Tampa Bay @ Phoenix

Tampa, for me, is probably the most disappointing story of the year. They have tremendous talent but for some reason cannot keep the puck out of their net. They have given up a league worst 159 goals! Stamkos does have the ability to win a game single handedly, and I love the 2.00 that they’re getting, but they also played last night in Dallas. It pains me to do it but give me Phoenix at home for 1.55.

Dallas @ Minnesota

Minnesota is on the biggest slide of the season, and I don’t see it stopping here with their captain still out. I’m also not a huge fan of Dallas right now either though, and they did play last night. Hmm, I guess in this battle of mediocrity I’ll have to take the bigger odds. Dallas at 1.90.

Calgary @ Edmonton

Calgary would be the clear favorite if they were hosting, but things the way they are Edmonton has the slight advantage at home. Calgary has been the better team lately especially with the big three being out for the Oilers, but the Oil did just get Eberle back. This is the West Coast equivalent of Toronto-Montreal and should be a good tilt. That being said I’ll take the slight edge of the hometown team who are actually getting underdog odds. Edmonton at 1.80.

Colorado @ Los Angeles

This is a tougher game to call than it looks. The obvious favorite is L.A as they should be the better team. But taking a closer look at the stats, L.A doesn’t score many goals. In fact they have scored the least amount of goals in the league with 106. But they have also only given up 107 goals with is the 5th least in the league. So based on these stats it’s safe to say that they play a tight checking, low scoring game that quite often ends in overtime or a shootout, where they happen to be a league worse in both categories. And Colorado on the other hand is 7 and 0 in shootouts, and has only 2 overtime losses. I will still take L.A to win (hopefully in regulation), mainly due to the fact Duchene is still out for Colorado, but I wouldn’t put the mortgage on it. Los Angeles at 1.45.

Favorites

Toronto
New York Islanders
Detroit
St. Louis
Phoenix

Pick ‘ems

Winnipeg
Chicago
Los Angeles

Long shots

Dallas
Edmonton

OWC (Odds Worth Considering)

Carolina 2.00
Nashville 1.85
Tampa Bay 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!