NY Islanders vs. Ottawa
VS.
(5.5) (-240)
Ron's Comment: The Ottawa Senators are running on past reputation and losing 4-0 to the Habs on Tuesday night might be the beginning of the end of their season. The Sens have no offensive defenseman, Hartsburgh doesn't know if he's coming or going with his line juggling and you can't carry two of the same type of character players like Neil and Ruutu in your line up. The reason why Ottawa isn't playing well is pretty darn obvious, they have no chemistry on this team and when you have a player like Alfredsson smashing window panes in practice, you've got problems. Hartsburgh is not the coach for this team, they need a real �prick� behind the bench to push the right buttons, but unfortunately, he's stuck in a studio in Toronto. Ottawa has no identity, they have no flare and they keep hanging their goalies out to dry and they are taking WAY too much blame for the team's downfall. It's a real mess in Ottawa and until you address the leadership problem from the top, then nothing will get done in the rank and file. Islanders will just need to stay out of the box tonight and they will have a shot. The Sens are 1-6 SU after a 4 or more goal lost in their last 3 years.
Prediction: NY Islanders 3 Ottawa 2
Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
VS.
(5.5) (-165)
Ron's Comment: The Philadelphia Flyers are probably one of the biggest underachievers I've seen in the last 5 years of the NHL. They've got all this talent and they can't find any consistency and when they win, they give their fans Tums on the way out for the ulcers they've given them! Here's another team with leadership issues and until one guy stands out as the top guy, this team will flirt with the lower spots in the standings. Let's face it, Stevens is not the coach for the Flyers, they need a Pat Quinn type coach who understands the Flyers mentality and the fans expectations. Philadelphia is the best sports town in my view on earth; they have the best fans who understand sports and they appreciate good hard work. Pat Quinn would be the best fit in Philly and the Flyers should be making a phone call soon! The Pens are rolling and they are 12-3-0 in their last 15 meetings at home vs. Philly.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 6 Philadelphia 4