With the large number of games being played during the week to compensate for the All-Star break, and the four scheduled matinee games, we have a lighter line up than usual this Saturday night. Only eight games on the docket, unless you happen to be a Proline Pools player. Because of the short number of games Proline has included two of the matinee games on their Saturday pool ticket to round it out to ten. I will include those two games on my list here, but be warned that if you want to play the pool this Saturday, you will have to have your ticket in by 2pm instead of the usual 7pm.
Washington @ Montreal
Both teams are looking for a win tonight as they have each lost twice this week. Montreal always plays tough at home, and Washington needs a win to get back into the playoffs. I’m going to take the Caps in this tight game, as their need is more dire. Washington at 1.80.
Vancouver @ Colorado
Colorado is slowly forfeiting their playoff chances as they have lost their last four games. Vancouver on the other hand, is on the other side of the spectrum trying to catch Detroit for the Conference lead. I like the safe money here, as it’s always hard to break out of a slump against a top team like the Canucks. Vancouver at 1.45.
Toronto @ Ottawa
Kessel and Lupul are back in Ottawa to reunite with the Senators’ stars after their victory with Team Chara at the All-Star game. This won’t be a friendly affair though as the battle of Ontario is back in a big way. Look for nasty game that goes right down to the wire as both teams fight to avoid a big 4-point swing in the standings. I would consider this game dead even, except for two small factors. Ottawa is at home, but they played the night before. Which leans me towards Toronto’s side, as I would rather take the rested team over the home team. Toronto at 1.85.
Buffalo @ New York Islanders
Very similar situation with this game. Aside from the fact that there is no real rivalry here, both of these teams are close in the standings, and like Ottawa, the home team was in action last night. I will again take the rested road team, who like Toronto, also happens to be a slight dog. Buffalo at 1.85.
Los Angeles @ Carolina
These teams actually have similar records over their last ten games despite the different directions they are heading. L.A needs to win to gain a little breathing space in the west, and funny enough Carolina actually needs to lose to try and hang on to a possible lottery pick. Of course they won’t actually try to lose, but I will still take the Kings here. Los Angeles at 1.65.
Florida @ Tampa Bay
Battle of the sunshine state, or is that Denver? Never mind. Anyway, big rivalry game for these teams and they both need the win. Tampa is on their way up, as Florida is on their way down. And both are hoping to grab a hold of that eighth rung. I like the Lightening as their stock continues to rise, and unlike the games above, this time the home team will be the rested one. Tampa Bay at 1.65.
St. Louis @ Nashville
Well so much for change, as we continue with what seems to be trending today, and no I don’t mean breading. This matchup features another divisional rivalry with one of the teams tired from the night before. The only difference this time is the home team is heavily favoured. And I don’t like heavily favouring teams that are that close in the standings. The Blues are getting 2 to 1 here when they are actually the better team, and have the goaltending to be in any game despite how weary they are. I still like Nashville to win straight up, but the odds favour St. Louis. Nashville at 1.55.
Minnesota @ Dallas
I’m not going to go into a lot of detail here, except to say; Minnesota won’t be in the playoffs come April, and Dallas could be. Dallas at 1.50.
San Jose @ Phoenix
I have actually been impressed with The Coyotes so far this year, but not enough to grant them a playoff spot. Or a win in tonight’s game. I don’t think even Acme could help them win this one! Meep, meep! San Jose at 1.40.
Detroit @ Edmonton
Do you think Gagner has another 8 points in store for tonight? I hope for Edmonton’s sake he does, cause that’s probably what it’s going to take to pull off the win. Detroit at 1.35.
Favorites
Vancouver
Los Angeles
Dallas
San Jose
Detroit
Pick ‘ems
Washington
Toronto
Buffalo
Tampa Bay
Nashville
Underdogs
Washington
Toronto
Buffalo
OWC (Odds Worth Considering)
St. Louis 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!
