Here are today's NHL Picks for Thursday, November 6, 2008
Ron's Straight Up Record: 101 wins 75 losses
*Note: Ron went 3-0 on Wednesday night!
Edmonton vs. Pittsburgh
VS.
(5.5) (-165)
Ron's Comment: The Oilers let one get away last night in Ohio, as they had a 4-2 lead vs. the Blue Jackets in the third period and they allowed Freddy Modin to get under their skin. In fact, by Modin running the crease, it seemed to have thrown the whole team off track, as the Oilers were in revenge mode. The Pens are 10-2 SU LY4 as a Home Favorite and they are coming off a game where they won by 3 Goals or More.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 5 Edmonton 4
NY Islanders vs. Atlanta
VS.
(5.5) (-150)
Ron's Comment: Big letdown spot here for the Islanders, as they are coming off a HUGE 2-1 upset win over the Rangers in their own building and they could be over confident against the inconsistent Thrashers. The Islanders are 2-9 (SU) as a Road team - Vs Non Division Opponent - With 1 day off - Coming off a 2 game winning streak.
Prediction: Atlanta 4 NY Islanders 2
Toronto vs. Boston
VS.
(5.5) (-165)
Ron's Comment: The Leafs can�t continue to play catch up hockey and give big leads at the beginning of the game and now you�re seeing the inexperience cash in. The Bruins let one slip away against this same Leafs team last month and I�m pretty sure they won�t let that happen again. Leafs have the Habs on Saturday night, so look ahead spot here too for the Buds. Toronto is 3-7 SU as a road underdog before a division game the last 2 seasons.
Prediction: Boston 3 Toronto 2
Tampa Bay vs. NY Rangers
VS.
(5.0) (-180)
Ron's Comment: There�s a pattern developing in New York, as the Rangers have a hard time getting up against teams with a losing record, as they lost to Toronto and the Islanders and barely beat the Thrashers. Tampa Bay is 7-8 SU in their last 15 trips to the Gardens and will be ready to rebound after last night�s shootout lost.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 3 NY Rangers 2
Carolina vs. Washington
VS.
(6.0) (-160)
Ron's Comment: Whenever you have marquee names in your line up like Ovechkin, Federov, and Backstrom, you will be getting some line value. The Caps are nowhere near the team they were in the second half of last season and the Canes get things done with hard work. The Capitals are 1-9 (SU) as a home favorite the last 5 years in November. Plus, Ward is 10-4 SU vs. Washington with 3 shutouts!
Prediction: Carolina 4 Washington 2
Philadelphia vs. Ottawa
VS.
(5.5) (-135)
Ron's Comment: Every team turns a corner in their season, either for the good or the bad and it looks like the Sens have turned on to let�s get going avenue! The Sens are coming off a decent road trip, won an OT thriller against the Caps in their last game and own a 9-3-3 record vs. the Flyers in their last 15 home games. When an Ottawa team is a home Fave - Total is 5.5 - After a non division game - Coming off vs. Southeast division opponent and coming off a Home win as a Favorite; the Sens are 8-2 SU in this role since �99.
Prediction: Ottawa 5 Philadelphia 3
Minnesota vs. Colorado
VS.
(5.5) (-150)
Ron's Comment: Colorado is just one of those teams you really have to pick your spots when betting with them or against them and their riding a 4 game losing streak. Minnesota is one of those teams that depend too heavily on their goaltending; basically, they are the Devils of the west! Definitely one of those games you stay away from betting wise, but Backstrom is 7-1 SU vs. these Avs.
Prediction: Minnesota 3 Colorado 2
Nashville vs. Calgary
VS.
(5.5) (-160)
Ron's Comment: When CALGARY played as a home team - During Last 3 Years - Lost Last Game by 2 Goals; the Flames are 12-3 SU in their next game! Nashville reminds me of a baseball team with no closer, they score by comity!
Prediction: Calgary 4 Nashville 1
Phoenix vs. Vancouver
VS.
(5.5) (-165)
Ron's Comment: Every team has a building they wish they can skip on the schedule and for the Coyotes, that building is GM Place in Vancouver. The Coyotes are 2-12-1 SU in their last 15 trips and Vancouver is 11-5 (SU) as a Favorite last 5 Years and won their last game by 4 Goals or More.
Prediction: Vancouver 6 Phoenix 3
St.Louis vs. San Jose
VS.
(5.5) (-165)
Ron's Comment: Andy Murray was the National Canadians Hockey coach during the 90�s and ran a great system, he might have to go back and get those work books on how to play defense with an inexperience goalie. The Blues have a goaltending issue right now and they can�t be forechecking in an aggressive fashion, as team defense needs to be their first priority right now. Dangerous game for the Sharks, they might not take this Blues team serious and fall into their trap.
Prediction: San Jose 3 St.Louis 1
Florida vs. LA Kings
VS.
(5.5) (-135)
Ron's Comment: Ersberg looked great in his 1-0 lost to the Ducks in their last game, Terry Murray is giving him another shot tonight against the Panthers. Great angle on the Kings, they are 13-3 SU as a Home Favorite - During Last 4 Years and lost their game by 1 Goals or Less.
Prediction: LA Kings 5 Florida 3