Here are today's NHL Picks for Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ron's Straight Up Record: 121 wins 89 losses
*Note: Get Ron's TOP NHL PICKS in the members area.
Philadelphia vs. NY Islanders
VS.
(-155) (5.5)
Ron's Comment: Hard to believe, but the Flyers are 0-7 SU when Briere is in the line up this season and they are currently on a 3-game losing streak. Islanders are a Jekyll and Hyde team during a game. They can get up by 3 or 4 goals and turn into a charity fund in the 3rd period and give it all back. Numbers says the Islanders by 0.60 goals, so let's ride the computer forecast on this one, because either team can be reliable at this point of the season.
Prediction: NY Islanders 4 Philadelphia 3
Pittsburgh vs. Detroit
VS.
(5.5) (-200)
Ron's Comment: The Red Wings are 5-2 in their last 7 games and their strength of schedule in those games is 57% and the Pens are 4-3 with a SOS of 48%. Both teams are riding high, but the Pens are in a tough spot on the road vs. a Detroit team who are 18-3-4 SU at home when the total is 5.5, scored 3 goals FOR in their last game and coming off a Home win as a Favorite.
Prediction: Detroit 3 Pittsburgh 2
Ottawa vs. Montreal
VS.
(5.5) (-170)
Ron's Comment: Although the Canadiens are 8-4 SU on the season, they seem to have a lack of chemistry on their lines, but to their credit, they still find a way to win. The Kovalev and Plekanec line was one of the top lines last season and they've yet to gel this season and if it wasn't for the Koivu Tanguay line, Montreal would be a .500 club or maybe 6-8 like Ottawa. I keep waiting for the Senators to explode offensively game after game and continue to expect high scoring contest, but the Craig Hartsburgh system is not giving into the program. When you think Ottawa, you think goals and high scoring games, but the UNDER is 7-3-0 in their last 10 and they don't have the secondary scoring from past season.
Prediction: Ottawa 3 Montreal 2
Toronto vs. Calgary
VS.
(5.5) (-145)
Ron's Comment: Here's the road trip where Cliff Fletcher will get his wake up call and will be force to get an enforcer. People who are expected to play this role in Toronto aren't good at it right now and they don't have a chance against the big boys like Laracque and Brashear. So, what's going to happen to the team chemistry once the current so called �enforcers� gets their lunch handed to them? I have a feeling it's going to bring down team confidence and its going make it harder for the current role players to look their buddies in the eyes. Cliff Fletcher must get somebody to help out guys like Jamaal Mayer and you can't let a 19 year old like Schenn play this role. As for Tonight, Calgary is in a nasty mood, they've lost 2 in a row and the Leafs are in a good letdown spot after their 6-3 win over Montreal. Calgary has won the last 4 meetings at the Pengrowth Saddledome and looks like 5 tonight. Wake up Cliff, do the right thing here!
Prediction: Calgary 4 Toronto 1
Nashville vs. San Jose
VS.
(5.5) (-230)
Ron's Comment: Cheechoo is a listed as questionable and the Sharks have yet to lose at home this season. The Preds are 1-7 SU on the road this season and they need some goaltending help, as they are allowing 4.25 goals against on the road this season.
Prediction: San Jose 3 Nashville 2
Dallas vs. LA Kings
VS.
(-120) (5.5)
Ron's Comment: Sort of a law of average play here, as the Stars are coming off a lost and the Kings a win and both of these clubs have played in the inconsistent card this season. The Stars have seen the OVER in 5 out of 6 games at the Staples Centre and will be looking to put an end to the Kings 2 game winning streak. When LOS ANGELES team played as a home team - Last 2 years - Coming off a 2 goal win; The Kings are 2-9 SU in this role.
Prediction: Dallas 3 LA Kings 2