Winter Classic Prediction

Take the Capitals to win the Winter Classic over Pittsburgh

The Pick: Washington +120

After all the hype it's finally here, even if it will be starting seven hours later then planned. Both teams are relatively healthy, and both are playing well entering this years Classic. Since struggling badly in mid-December, the Capitals have won 4 of 5 and are playing much better defense. As a matter of fact, they have given up only seven goals in those five games. If Washington continues to commit to defense and receives solid goaltending from Semyon Varlamov they're a very difficult to beat. Pittsburgh is coming off a loss at the NY Islanders on Wednesday, but has won 3 of their last 5 games. There is an outside chance that Jordan Stall will make his first appearance of the season for the Pens which will bolster the already explosive offense. It's a very hard game to pick, especially with the uncertainty of the condition of the ice. It may prove to be slow and sluggish which may lead to a low scoring game. We like how Washington has played lately, and the fact they they will be looking to avenge an earlier shootout loss to the Penguins on December 23rd.

New Years Eve..

There are several games on tonight's schedule. Since we are both in New Year's mode, we really didn't go into depth on any games.

One that jumps off the page is Detroit at home versus the Islanders. The odds are -300 for Detroit and +250 for NYI. It's funny, the last two meetings have both gone to the Islanders. A 6-0 win at the Coliseum last season and a 2-0 win at Joe Louis the season before. The Isles are 5-1-1 in their last 7 and come off an impressive 2-1 shootout win at home over Pittsburgh where they stopped Crosby's streak. I wouldn't bet on Detroit simply because the odds are ridiculous and the Islanders have won the last 2 meetings and are playing well.

We like Atlanta over the Devils. Atlanta is actually +110 in this game and could give you a nice return.

We like Vancouver over Dallas tonight -120.

Have a happy and safe new year. We will see you tomorrow.

Colorado at Edmonton

Two teams both in slumps will get together in sunny Edmonton tonight. Combined losers of 7 in a row, something will have to give. The Avs currently sit in 6th place in the West but only 4 points clear of 13th place Minnesota. The Oilers are probably the only team in the Western Conference (Calgary soon as well) that you can count out of playoff contention.

With everyone in the west getting points almost every game, the Avs will step up tonight and beat a team they are better than to keep their playoff pace going.

Pick: Colorado -150

Parlay Wednesday

Pittsburgh at New York Islanders -200

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils -130

Pittsburgh heads into Long Island tonight to face the Islanders. The Isles had won 3 straight and were 4-0-1 in their last 5 before reality set in Monday night at MSG where the Rangers beat them 7-2. Pittsburgh doesn't play until their winter classic game New Year's Day at Heinz Field. The Isles have played them tough the last few years at the Coliseum but with Rick Dipietro back in the lineup, Crosby and Malkin who are both Islander killers will have their way with a young and undersized defense group.

The Rangers travel to New Jersey tonight. In 2 previous meeting this season, the Rangers have won both and outscored the Devils 6-1 in those contests. The Devils still look like the worst team in the NHL and Martin Brodeur looks like a player that has had the game pass him by.

Tonights Pick: Take Pittsburgh -200 and the Rangers -130 and parlay them.

A $50 bet wins you $82.69

Tuesday Prediction

Philadelphia Flyers to win the Marquee Matchup of the night in Vancouver

The Pick: Philadelphia +120 over Vancouver

This could possibly be a Stanley Cup Finals preview with the teams with the second beat record in their perspective conferences facing off at Rogers Arena. The Philadelphia Flyers have not played in eight days since a rare 5-0 loss at home to Florida. They have still managed to go 7-2-1 in their last ten games, and have only lost twice in regulation on the road. Vancouver is also playing well in their last ten by going 7-1-2. The Canucks are starting to distance themselves from the rest of the Northwest Division and now have a four point cushion over second place Colorado. As well as the Canucks have been playing lately, we're expecting a well-rested and motivated Flyer team to win a hard fought road game.

Monday Prediction

Boston Bruins to continue winning ways in Florida

The Pick: Boston -140 over Florida

Last week: 3-2

Let's start the new week with the Boston Bruins heading to Florida for the second time this season. The Bruins won in Florida 3-1 earlier this season, and have won 6 of the last 7 games in the BankAtlantic Center. Boston is one of those teams that started the season well and have tailed off a bit recently. They're better than the record indicates and perhaps the win over Atlanta on Thursday is a sign that it's turning around. Boston is known for a strong defense, and the Florida Panthers struggle to score. Florida has played better recently, but in this matchup, the Bruins are the better team and we're expecting extra motivation since some people are saying that coach, Claude Julien's job may be in jeopardy if they don't turn it around. Look for the Bruins to start their five game road trip with a win over a Florida team that they have had lot's of success against.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta

The Thrashers are probably this year's most unnoticed team. Craig Ramsey has the perennial losers fighting for first place with the Lightning and Capitals. New GM Rick Dudley made some key moves in improving this team. The foresight to trade for Dustin Byfuglien and move him back to defense might be the best move any team has made all season.

Tampa comes into Atlanta after 2 overtime games in New York which saw them get 3 out of 4 possible points on the road. Steven Stamkos has entered discussions in comparison to Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin as a league top player. Tampa has been hot and is 6-2-2 in their last 10.
However, Atlanta will find a way to win this game at home and get back on track.

Pick: Atlanta -135

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

We would like to wish a happy and safe holiday season to all our friends and family and our readers. Thank you for checking on the site each day and making this more fun than we could have imagined.

-HOCKEYSURESHOT

We will have an exciting announcement coming soon about the future of this site.

Thursday Prediction

Nashville Predators Will Get Back on Track at Home Versus Ottawa

The Pick: Nashville -150 over Ottawa

The Nashville Predators were one of the hottest teams in hockey a week ago, but have since dropped two straight including a 4-1 loss last night in Chicago. In their last two games they have been outscored 10-2 which is something that coach Barry Trotz will certainly address. The good news for the Predators is that they should have goalie Pekka Rinne back from injury tonight. As for Ottawa, they have all sort of problems going on as they are slipping out of playoff contention. They are struggling to get consistent goaltending from either Pascal LeClaire or Brian Elliot. The Senators have allowed the second most goals in the Eastern Conference. As for the Ottawa offense, although it has produced a bit more lately, it still struggles against good defensive teams which the Predators are. Nashville should be able to contain the Sens offense and end their two game losing streak at home.

Florida at Pittsburgh

The Panthers go into Pittsburgh tonight coming off an impressive 5-0 win in Philadelphia. Florida holds a 15-16 record and has at times played better than anyone thought. The Penguins also come off a blowout win. A 6-1 drubbing of Phoenix Monday night at home. Pittsburgh has been the hottest team in the NHL over the last month with just 2 losses in their last 15 games.
While Florida has a knack for playing hard and outworking their opponents, the Penguins won't take them lightly and will win this at home.

Pick: Pittsburgh -230

Tuesday Prediction

Colorado's Six Game Win Streak Ends Tonight

Los Angeles at Colorado

The Pick: LA +109

The Colorado Avalanche enter tonight's game on a six game winning streak and are the highest scoring team in the league. These two clubs played once this season with LA winning 6-4 at the Pepsi Center back in October. The Kings will be playing their final game of a 5-game road trip and are 2-2 thus far. The Avalanche are the more faster team, but the Kings are the more physical team and may give the Avalanche defense problems, especially since the Av's are missing Kyle Quincey and Kyle Cumiskey on the blueline. Look for the Kings to cycle the puck in the Colorado zone and wear down the Avalanche defense. Jonathan Quick has been brilliant in goal all season and will be looking to end a personal two game losing streak.

Monday Prediction

Tampa Bay will put an end to the Hurricanes four game win streak tonight.

Tampa Bay -150 over Carolina

Record Last Week: 5-2

We start the new week in the Southeast Division with the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Carolina Hurricanes for the first time this season. Both clubs enter the game on winning streaks. Tampa has won three in a row, while the Hurricanes have notched four straight victories. The question for the Lightning is who will be in goal as Mike Smith was injured in practice. Tampa should be able to muster enough offense to beat the Canes at home on Steve Stamkos bobblehead night. The Lightning are 10-2-2 when scoring first and are very productive at home with a 9-2-2 record. Carolina is playing very well lately and we love how Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner are playing but it won't be enough against the Lightning tonight.

Dallas at Detroit

Dallas traveled to Detroit late last night after a 2-1 win in Columbus. The surprising Stars are 19-10-3 and just 2 points behind the Red Wings for first place in the Western Conference. Detroit however is proving that they are still one of the team's to beat in the West. The Wings own a 12-4-2 record at Joe Louis Arena and sat on their rear's last night as Dallas played in Ohio.

We look for Detroit to widen their mark in the Western Conference and keep Dallas off of their back.

Pick: Detroit -200

Toronto at Vancouver

HockeySureShot looks to go 5-1 for the week after Saturday's action.

The Maple Leafs head into Vancouver tonight to face the Canucks. We are going to stay with our trend to bet against the Leafs on the road. Read about that in our previous blog here.
Vancouver is 10-3-2 at home while Toronto is 4-9-1 on the road. The Canucks have been hot lately going 7-2-1 in their last 10.

Vancouver is the better team and should win this game.

Pick: Vancouver -200

Ottawa at Colorado

Ottawa travels to Denver tonight to play the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs are one of the most impressive young teams in the league and look to continue their winning ways at home. The Avs hold an 8-4-1 record at home this season while Ottawa has won just 6 road games in 15 tries.
Colorado's young offense should outmatch the Senators D.

Our Pick: Colorado -165

Ducks at Islanders

The Islanders come into tonight's game losers of 20 of 21. Rick Dipietro will be in goal tonight. Rick has made an inspired comeback, his numbers are not. Rick ranks last and 2nd to last in the NHL in Goals Against and Save Percentage. The Islanders are having trouble scoring as well and are not playing inspired hockey.

As for the Ducks, they have won 3 straight and have tied Dallas for the Pacific Division lead with 38 points. They are also 7-2-1 in their last 10 and will travel to Long Island after beating the Caps in overtime last night.

Take the Ducks to continue their winning ways and the Islanders to keep up their losing ways.

Pick: Ducks -125

Wednesday Prediction

Injuries mounting for the St. Louis Blues.

Detroit -180 over St. Louis

Alex Pietrangelo is the latest Blue to go down to injury joining key players Andy McDonald, David Perron, T.J. Oshie, and Roman Polak on the inactive list for tonight's game at Detroit. The Blues are having trouble scoring goals of late and meet a Red Wings team that put up 51 shots on goal Monday night vs. LA only to lose 5-0. As a matter of fact, the Wings have lost 3 of 4 at home which rarely happens. We expect them to be angry and take out some frustrations on the Blues tonight. St. Louis is playing hard and still picking up points despite all the injuries and should keep this close. Jaroslav Halak has the ability to steal a game for the Blues, but tonight he will face a difficult challenge holding down the Wings explosive offense. Detroit has already defeated the Blues earlier this season 7-3.

Tuesday Prediction

The Streak Ends Tonight!

Philadelphia -125 over Pittsburgh


The Pittsburgh Penguins have won 12 straight heading into this tilt in Philadelphia with the rival Flyers. Philadelphia has defeated the Penguins twice thus far, and would want nothing more than to hand the Penguins their first loss since November 15th. The Flyers played well in their four games last week by winning three, and only losing to the Sharks in a shootout, a game in which they outplayed SJ. These two teams are only separated by one point, which should add to the suspense tonight. We like the way Philadelphia has played lately and still think they are the better team.

Monday Prediction

Calgary -130 over Columbus

The Flames return home after losing both games in California to the Kings and Ducks. As usual they are struggling to score goals, but have been playing better at home of late. Columbus defeated NYR at home on Saturday and will be playing their first game on a 3-game Western Canada trip. Calgary defeated Columbus 5-2 earlier this season and should win a low scoring game behind goalie Mikka Kiprusoff.

Love the Life you Live

Stripes and Polka Dots

Bubbles

Favorite

The Breakup

Tuesday Timeout

In the Western Conference it's not surprising to see the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings atop their respective divisions. What is surprising is seeing the Dallas Stars on top of the Pacific Division during the second week of December. This is a franchise that battled ownership issues over the summer, a reduced payroll, and are coming off a last place finish a year ago.

When the Stars started the season 4-0 they still had plenty of doubters. I saw them play live on Long Island, and they were pretty much the team I expected. A team that could score but had serious questions in their defensive zone. Kari Lehtonen was a big question in goal also, and Andrew Raycroft was an average backup at best. However, Lehtonen has made Stars fans forget about Marty Turco as he is 4th among goalies in wins. Raycroft has played brilliantly in the five games he has played thus far, posting a 1.65 GAA.

The defense, much maligned last season after giving up the second most goals in the Western Conference, has kept it together and is led by the 33-year old Stephane Robidas. He is a workhorse by playing 25 minutes a night and gives the team a veteran presence to help the younger defensemen Niklas Grossman and Matt Niskanen. Dallas has won ten games this season by one goal which is proof that coach Marc Crawford is finally focusing more on defense.

Even with the hot start and the development of promising young forwards James Neal and Jamie Benn, things are not all rosey in Dallas. Daily trade rumors surround leading scorer and free agent to be, Brad Richards. It is becoming more clearer that Dallas cannot take on more salary, and they may ultimately have to trade Richards. Fans are also not showing up in Dallas. If you watch a game on TV at American Airlines Center the front rows are almost always empty. The Stars rank 25th in attendance this year despite the fact they are a first place club.

Obviously, losing Mike Modano may have turned off some fans, but the Stars are better off in the long run. Hopefully, once football is over Stars fans will show up. This team has a solid core with the players we mentioned in addition to Loui Erikksson, who seems to always score big goals for Dallas. Definitely keep an eye on the Stars this season as it will be interesting to see if they're for real in the Pacific Division. With San Jose, Los Angeles, and Phoenix all having their ups and downs, this division is wide open.

Tuesday Pick: Boston -150 over Buffalo

Not sure what the deal is with Boston playing .500 at home thus far, but one would think they'll be a bit angry tonight after losing to Toronto on Saturday. This is the first of a three game homestand for the Bruins who handled Buffalo 5-2 during their first meeting. Ryan Miller was not in goal that night, but will get the call tonight and is coming off back to back shutout performances over Columbus and Ottawa. Look for the Bruins to win a tight game at home. In my mind Boston is the better team.

Season record: 4-0