A so so evening last night, I find it is a little easier for me to focus my attention on a few games rather than all the games. As of now I see Calgary at a decent sized dog and cannot understand why the line is so high as of now. Granted, the Islanders play a tough brand of hockey in their home barn, you cannot take your foot off the gas against this young, unproven Calgary team that plays with a huge chip on their shoulders with something to prove. I also like Chicago tonight. Yes this will be third time I have selected them this week and while Tampa is a low favorite at home, where they have dominated all season, I can still see Chicago fighting to the very end in this one. I also believe that this line should be a bit higher given the nature of success Tampa has at home, and no Kane for the Hawks. That's all for now, I will be back! The overall record sits at 24-19-2.
Good Afternoon Folks,
I hope everyone is having a wonderful friday and are looking forward to a relaxing or eventful weekend! I have some free time between shifts today to give some insight on my selections. And . . . . here . . . we . . go!
Calgary Flames ML
The Flames are amidst a very tight playoff race as we speak, competing in a very difficult conference, as well as division, to win games. As of right now they are on the outside looking in, trailing Minnesota by a single a point and leading San Jose by just 2 points. Here the Flames have a difficult task at hand this evening and will try to beat the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum in a back-to-back situation. Karri Ramo has been solid on the road this season and has decent numbers against NY. Halak on the other side has more or less the same type of numbers, more on the mediocre side, against the Flames making me again question the nature and continual rising of this high line. My stat of the evening, Calgary is 6-0 on the road versus the Islanders all time and to further my research, the Flames have faired well this season in the second game of a back-to-back.
Boston Bruins ML
I know some of you may think I am crazy for continually playing the Bruins, but hey I guess I'm a glutton for punishment haha. On a more serious note, the Bruins inconsistency has them on the verge of missing the playoffs if they do not get their acts together up, quick and in a hurry. The Devils just lack any sense of urgency right now, trading away their best veteran leader, coped with lack of quality coaching (sorry Lou and Scott) I don't see any short-term success. Long story short, in order to keep pace in the standings the Bruins must have this one. Tuuka has come down with the flu and is a game time decision, even still Svedberg is a reliable backup against an offensively depleted team like NJ. The Bruins have had success in recent past against the Devils and the line for the Bruins is respectable.
Chicago Blackhawks ML
Again, most of you are going to think I am nuts for taking Chicago three times this week but I really like the situation they are in this evening. Tampa Bay is off a lengthy, west coast road trip (5 games in 7 days), not to mention the Lightning have not played a game in 5 days, rising a concern of a slow start. I think the line is far too low for Tampa (-140) and should be at least -165,-170, possibly higher against a team on the back end of a back-to-back, who also lost the best player in the NHL earlier this week. Chicago is rallying together and playing as one solid, impenetrable unit. Scott Darling could get the call encouraging his team mates to play even harder in front of him.
I could have an insight or two for the later games, pending goalie matchups and line movements!
Wish me luck