Look for Sabres to Feed off Optimism of new Ownership
The Pick: Buffalo -165 over Atlanta
Two teams tied for ninth place in the Eastern Conference square off in Buffalo. For the Sabres, this is their first game since Terry Pegula has taken over ownership of the club officially yesterday. He grew up a Sabres fan and clearly seems committed to bringing a championship to Buffalo. I especially liked this quote from Pegula for Sabres players and fans, "Starting today there will be no financial mandates on the Buffalo Sabres hockey department" The Atlanta Thrashers, who have the exact opposite ownership situation, with rumors swirling about where they may end up next season, have dropped three in a row and have only won once in February. Ondrej Pavelec has struggled in goal for Atlanta by giving up 14 goals in his last five games. The Thrashers just have not looked like a playoff team recently and Buffalo should have some momentum going into action tonight with the positive off ice news.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday Prediction
We're Expecting Flames to have Heritage Classic Hangover at home against Boston Bruins
The Pick: Boston -120 over Calgary
Last Week: 2-1
41,000 fans showed up in frigid Alberta on Sunday night and witnessed the home team Calgary Flames shut out Montreal 4-0 in a festive atmosphere in Canada. Tonight the Flames will get the usual 19,000 or so fans back indoors at the Saddledome. Sounds like it may be a letdown. Calgary is red hot right now winning three games in a row and losing only once in regulation in their last 14 games. The Flames are scoring in bulks recently. They have scored 23 goals in their last five games, which seemed unheard of earlier this season when the team was struggling mightily. One of the better Eastern Conference teams in the Boston Bruins head west and make their first stop in Calgary. Boston has made a flurry of trades recently and are coming into tonight on a two game win streak. The Bruins are 18-7-4 away from Boston and are looking to put more separation between themselves and second place Montreal. It's hard to pick against the Flames but we think Calgary is vulnerable tonight, especially after winning such a big game and even bigger event just two nights ago. Take the Bruins on the road in what should be the most entertaining game of the night.
The Pick: Boston -120 over Calgary
Last Week: 2-1
41,000 fans showed up in frigid Alberta on Sunday night and witnessed the home team Calgary Flames shut out Montreal 4-0 in a festive atmosphere in Canada. Tonight the Flames will get the usual 19,000 or so fans back indoors at the Saddledome. Sounds like it may be a letdown. Calgary is red hot right now winning three games in a row and losing only once in regulation in their last 14 games. The Flames are scoring in bulks recently. They have scored 23 goals in their last five games, which seemed unheard of earlier this season when the team was struggling mightily. One of the better Eastern Conference teams in the Boston Bruins head west and make their first stop in Calgary. Boston has made a flurry of trades recently and are coming into tonight on a two game win streak. The Bruins are 18-7-4 away from Boston and are looking to put more separation between themselves and second place Montreal. It's hard to pick against the Flames but we think Calgary is vulnerable tonight, especially after winning such a big game and even bigger event just two nights ago. Take the Bruins on the road in what should be the most entertaining game of the night.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Detroit at Tampa Bay
Steve Yzerman will welcome the Red Wings into his house for the first time since being named GM of the Lightning. Two first place teams will collide in Tampa as both can use the game as a measuring stick for how they match up against the other Conference's top teams.
The Red Wings once again prove that they are one of the best run franchises in all of sports. They haven't missed the playoffs since the 89-90 season. An incredible streak. They come off back to back wins against the Bruins, one of the East's other division leaders.
After a couple of seasons of missing the playoffs, the Lightning are 2nd in the Eastern Conference and feel confident that they can make a run. The acquisition of Dwayne Roloson has paid off. Roli has 4 shutouts already for the Bolts. Steven Stamkos is starting to make a case that he should be considered as the leagues best sniper, already with 40 goals this season.
Should be a good one in Tampa but the Wings 7-3-1 record vs. the Eastern Conference and greater depth in the West, leads us to believe that the Wings are the better team and they will show it.
Pick: Detroit -110
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday Prediction
Look for Blackhawks to win in Minnesota for Ailing Coach
The Pick: Chicago -185 over Minnesota
The big news earlier today was that Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville is hospitalized and in stable condition. The best information we have heard is that he is being treated for a undisclosed health concern. Perhaps this serves as extra motivation for the Stanley Cup Champions who are sitting four points out of a playoff position. Chicago has won only one game in regulation in their last five and return home after a six game road trip. The Blackhawks last home game was ironically a loss to tonight's opponent the Minnesota Wild 4-2. The Wild played at home last night losing to Vancouver 4-1. Minnesota has won five of their last seven road games and are only one point out of a playoff spot. Still this is as close to a must-win game as there is in the month of February for the Chicago Blackhawks. Look for them to inch closer to the playoffs by winning at home tonight.
The Pick: Chicago -185 over Minnesota
The big news earlier today was that Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville is hospitalized and in stable condition. The best information we have heard is that he is being treated for a undisclosed health concern. Perhaps this serves as extra motivation for the Stanley Cup Champions who are sitting four points out of a playoff position. Chicago has won only one game in regulation in their last five and return home after a six game road trip. The Blackhawks last home game was ironically a loss to tonight's opponent the Minnesota Wild 4-2. The Wild played at home last night losing to Vancouver 4-1. Minnesota has won five of their last seven road games and are only one point out of a playoff spot. Still this is as close to a must-win game as there is in the month of February for the Chicago Blackhawks. Look for them to inch closer to the playoffs by winning at home tonight.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday Prediction
Dallas Stars look to sweep season series over lowly Edmonton Oilers
Prediction: Dallas -130 over Edmonton
The Dallas Stars find themselves in second place in the Pacific Division after dropping five of their last six games. The good news for the Stars is that they defeated tonights opponent three times in the month of January. Dallas has won only three games since January 18th and two of those wins were against the Oil. This is the start of a key three game Western Canada road trip for the Stars who should welcome getting on the road after struggling on their recent homestand. The Stars will be without leading scorer Brad Richards for at least the next two games. Perhaps that will motivate the rest of their forwards to step up their game.
Edmonton is playing their fourth of a six game homestand and have lost the previous three and netted only four goals in that span. Trade rumors are flying in Edmonton as Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner appear to be on the block. The Oilers have the fewest points in the league with 40 and have given up a league high 200 goals. Take Dallas to sweep the season series.
Prediction: Dallas -130 over Edmonton
The Dallas Stars find themselves in second place in the Pacific Division after dropping five of their last six games. The good news for the Stars is that they defeated tonights opponent three times in the month of January. Dallas has won only three games since January 18th and two of those wins were against the Oil. This is the start of a key three game Western Canada road trip for the Stars who should welcome getting on the road after struggling on their recent homestand. The Stars will be without leading scorer Brad Richards for at least the next two games. Perhaps that will motivate the rest of their forwards to step up their game.
Edmonton is playing their fourth of a six game homestand and have lost the previous three and netted only four goals in that span. Trade rumors are flying in Edmonton as Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner appear to be on the block. The Oilers have the fewest points in the league with 40 and have given up a league high 200 goals. Take Dallas to sweep the season series.
Friday, February 11, 2011
New York Rangers at Atlanta Thrashers
Two teams free falling in the Eastern Conference meet tonight in Atlanta where something has to give. The Rangers have lost 5 in a row and if it weren't for the collapse of the Thrashers, might be on the outside looking in right now. The Thrashers are just 4 points behind the Rangers for 7th place and 1 point behind 8th place Carolina. A Thrashers win (just 2 wins in last 13 games) would climb Atlanta into 8th place and just two points behind the Rangers. Another Rangers loss and most fans would go into complete panic mode.
However, the last two seasons the Thrashers have moved up into being a respectable team. Since trading Kovalchuk, the Thrashers went on a great run just to fall short of the playoffs last year. However, they have yet to win an important game. Tonight is one of the most important games in the young history of the franchise. A big win at home could propel the team and get them back on track. Also helping the cause is the return of Tobias Enstrom.
However, the Rangers have a Stanley Cup winning coach and have had 3 days off since losing a tough one in Detroit. We don't trust Atlanta's ability to win big games and the Rangers have shown they are good enough to make the playoffs.
Pick: Rangers -105
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Toronto at NY Islanders
The Maple Leafs travel to Long Island coming off a win at home against the Thrashers last night. The Isles have been off since Saturday and come off a 5-3 win in a spirited game with the Senators.
The Isles have played better under Jack Capuano and are starting to get healthy albeit too little too late. Kyle Okposo is back and on a line with Frans Nielson and Michael Grabner and they have produced some offense for the Islanders while Milan Jurcina is back on defense. The Islanders are 14-9-3 with Jurcina in the lineup this season.
Toronto has struggled once again this season but have a bright spot as of late. 22 year old James Reimer was called up to fill a void due to injury this season but has played so solid that they couldn't send him back down. It appears he will be in net tonight for Toronto as he holds a 5-4 record, a 2.38 GAA and .929 save %.
The Isles will go with another young goalie who is still up because of injuries but his play also has heads turning around the league. 20 year old Kevin Poulin holds a 4-2-1 record, 2.44 GAA and .924 save %.
Tonight's game is pretty much meaningless in terms of playoff position but the Poulin and Reimer matchup could be one we see for a very long time.
Tonight's Pick: Islanders -125. Simply because we don't think Toronto can win back to back nights and travel in order to do so coming off a tough fought win.
Tuesday Timeout
Top Five Players to be Moved at Trade Deadline
It's a date that has been circled on the calendar all season for hockey fans. Monday, February 28th is the day for contenders to make that last move which could result in a Stanley Cup, and for rebuilding teams to sell of veterans for future assets. Last years deadline saw 53 players moved and according to TSN that was the most ever. This years deadline could virtually attract the same amount of activity. Hockeysureshot feels that five NHL clubs are realistically eliminated from playoff contention. They are Edmonton, New Jersey, NY Islanders, Toronto and Ottawa. We feel that Florida, St. Louis, and Columbus will be teetering on the brink of elimination by month's end.
Which leaves us to the five most attractive players to be moved by contenders. First, let's take a look at the clubs who are projected to be the most active. The Pittsburgh Penguins and GM Ray Shero always seem to make a move at the deadline. With the injury to Evgeni Malkin, and the health concerns of Sidney Crosby look for the Penguins to acquire a forward.
The NY Rangers are in the midst of a losing streak and badly need a point man on their struggling power play. Los Angeles could use a winger to play with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Two Northeast division rivals, Boston and Montreal are looking for a stay at home defensemen. Throw in the San Jose Sharks as another team looking for defense. The Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators desperately need offense.
The goaltending market seems dry, but are the Philadelphia Flyers comfortable with Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher? Does Washington truly feel confident in Semyon Varlmov and Michal Neuvirth between the pipes? Below we break it down.
Breakdown of top five players to be moved:
#5 Chris Phillips, Ottawa Senators
Veteran defensemen who has struggled on a awful Ottawa team this season. He is a free agent at the end of the year which is important and will probably welcome a change of scenery. Philips has not registered a goal and is a -26 this season. He clearly has missed former defense partner Anton Volchenkov. He is big at 6'3 220 lbs. and would clearly help a team that has a solid defense.
Prediction: We'll guess that Philips ends up a Boston Bruin. Boston has offensive assets that Ottawa desperately needs.
#4 Dustin Penner, Edmonton Oilers
Penner is the Oilers leading scorer, but that's not saying much since he only has 34 points. He's a streaky scorer who had success in the playoffs with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. He is signed through next season so the team that acquires him will need to have salary cap space. Penner would be a good fit on a line with a skilled center.
Prediction: The Pittsburgh Penguins were looking for a forward before the injuries to Crosby and Malkin. Penner may be their best option.
#3 Tomas Kaberle, Toronto Maple Leafs
It seems like Kaberle has been on the market for years. Toronto needs to move the free agent to be and start building with young players in the organization. He may be a bit overrated, but will undoubtedly help a team looking for offense from the blueline.
Prediction: The NY Rangers are the most logical fit and we can't see why he wouldn't waive his no trade clause to play on Broadway.
#2 Bryan McCabe, Florida Panthers
McCabe is having a solid year for Florida and would add grit and leadership to any clubs blueline. The Panthers are continuing to rebuild and are realistically a year or two away from serious playoff contenders. The value of physical stay at home defensemen come playoff time can't be underestimated. Florida Panthers GM, Dale Tallon should receive plenty of offers for McCabe right down to the final hour.
Prediction: Montreal would love to pair him with Hal Gill, especially since they have lost Andrei Markov for the season.
#1 Tomas Vokoun, Florida Panthers
Here is our surprise of the trade deadline. The Florida Panthers Tomas Vokoun is an elite goalie who is not signed past this year. They have the highly regarded, Jacob Markstrom waiting in the wings. If the Panthers are still sitting seven points out of the playoffs by the end of the month they may have to move Vokoun to get something back for him at least. The bigger question is if any of the contenders are seriously looking at a goaltender. If they are, Vokoun would be a huge addition.
Prediction: The Washington Capitals can say all they want about how they like their young goalies, but if the opportunity presents itself to acquire Vokoun they would have to consider it. With the Penguins injury issues and the Flyers having goaltending questions of their own, this could be a move that make the Capitals the favorites in the Eastern Conference. There has to be enormous pressure on Washington to advance far in the playoffs this season and they may feel a goalie like Vokoun may give them their best shot.
It's a date that has been circled on the calendar all season for hockey fans. Monday, February 28th is the day for contenders to make that last move which could result in a Stanley Cup, and for rebuilding teams to sell of veterans for future assets. Last years deadline saw 53 players moved and according to TSN that was the most ever. This years deadline could virtually attract the same amount of activity. Hockeysureshot feels that five NHL clubs are realistically eliminated from playoff contention. They are Edmonton, New Jersey, NY Islanders, Toronto and Ottawa. We feel that Florida, St. Louis, and Columbus will be teetering on the brink of elimination by month's end.
Which leaves us to the five most attractive players to be moved by contenders. First, let's take a look at the clubs who are projected to be the most active. The Pittsburgh Penguins and GM Ray Shero always seem to make a move at the deadline. With the injury to Evgeni Malkin, and the health concerns of Sidney Crosby look for the Penguins to acquire a forward.
The NY Rangers are in the midst of a losing streak and badly need a point man on their struggling power play. Los Angeles could use a winger to play with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Two Northeast division rivals, Boston and Montreal are looking for a stay at home defensemen. Throw in the San Jose Sharks as another team looking for defense. The Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators desperately need offense.
The goaltending market seems dry, but are the Philadelphia Flyers comfortable with Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher? Does Washington truly feel confident in Semyon Varlmov and Michal Neuvirth between the pipes? Below we break it down.
Breakdown of top five players to be moved:
#5 Chris Phillips, Ottawa Senators
Veteran defensemen who has struggled on a awful Ottawa team this season. He is a free agent at the end of the year which is important and will probably welcome a change of scenery. Philips has not registered a goal and is a -26 this season. He clearly has missed former defense partner Anton Volchenkov. He is big at 6'3 220 lbs. and would clearly help a team that has a solid defense.
Prediction: We'll guess that Philips ends up a Boston Bruin. Boston has offensive assets that Ottawa desperately needs.
#4 Dustin Penner, Edmonton Oilers
Penner is the Oilers leading scorer, but that's not saying much since he only has 34 points. He's a streaky scorer who had success in the playoffs with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. He is signed through next season so the team that acquires him will need to have salary cap space. Penner would be a good fit on a line with a skilled center.
Prediction: The Pittsburgh Penguins were looking for a forward before the injuries to Crosby and Malkin. Penner may be their best option.
#3 Tomas Kaberle, Toronto Maple Leafs
It seems like Kaberle has been on the market for years. Toronto needs to move the free agent to be and start building with young players in the organization. He may be a bit overrated, but will undoubtedly help a team looking for offense from the blueline.
Prediction: The NY Rangers are the most logical fit and we can't see why he wouldn't waive his no trade clause to play on Broadway.
#2 Bryan McCabe, Florida Panthers
McCabe is having a solid year for Florida and would add grit and leadership to any clubs blueline. The Panthers are continuing to rebuild and are realistically a year or two away from serious playoff contenders. The value of physical stay at home defensemen come playoff time can't be underestimated. Florida Panthers GM, Dale Tallon should receive plenty of offers for McCabe right down to the final hour.
Prediction: Montreal would love to pair him with Hal Gill, especially since they have lost Andrei Markov for the season.
#1 Tomas Vokoun, Florida Panthers
Here is our surprise of the trade deadline. The Florida Panthers Tomas Vokoun is an elite goalie who is not signed past this year. They have the highly regarded, Jacob Markstrom waiting in the wings. If the Panthers are still sitting seven points out of the playoffs by the end of the month they may have to move Vokoun to get something back for him at least. The bigger question is if any of the contenders are seriously looking at a goaltender. If they are, Vokoun would be a huge addition.
Prediction: The Washington Capitals can say all they want about how they like their young goalies, but if the opportunity presents itself to acquire Vokoun they would have to consider it. With the Penguins injury issues and the Flyers having goaltending questions of their own, this could be a move that make the Capitals the favorites in the Eastern Conference. There has to be enormous pressure on Washington to advance far in the playoffs this season and they may feel a goalie like Vokoun may give them their best shot.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Atlanta at Carolina
A big game in the SouthEast Division Saturday night as two struggling teams try to take claim of the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes seem to be a bit hungover after hosting the All-Star Weekend and the Thrashers have been terrible now for about a month.
The Hurricanes trail Atlanta by just 1 point for the 8th and final playoff spot in the East.
For a while, Atlanta had a nice lead on 9th place but now with their struggles, find themselves just 1 point in front of Carolina and just five points in front of 10th place Florida, who has 2 games in hand.
Look for the experienced Hurricanes to turn it around at home and start their 2nd half run to the playoffs.
PICK: Carolina -140
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Calgary at Atlanta
Two teams heading in opposite directions meet tonight in Atlanta as the Flames travel south to play the Thrashers. Calgary has lost just once in regulation in their last 10 games and all of a sudden found themselves just 2 points behind 8th place Chicago in the Western Conference.
Calgary got off to a terrible start this season but have found the hot hand lately and have won 5 in a row with impressive wins over Dallas, Vancouver, Nashville twice and St. Louis.
Atlanta has won just twice in their last 10. The Thrashers were a feel good story this season and at one time, found themselves atop the SouthEast Division. Things have gone poorly since and Atlanta can fall out of playoff position for the first time this season with a loss and Carolina win tonight.
Atlanta was beaten soundly at home by the Islanders on Tuesday night 4-1 and didn't look like a team desperate to make the playoffs. Islanders announcer Howie Rose rumored that some team officials feel a sale of the team and move could happen as early as next season. Could this be what has turned their season downward?
Tonight we like the Flames. The Flames have the character and experience to keep the momentum going forward towards the playoffs.
PICK: FLAMES +105
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wednesday Prediction
Ducks over Sharks in key Pacific Division tilt
Prediction: Anaheim -105 over San Jose
Give the Sharks credit for coming back from a 3-0 deficit and beating Phoenix at home last night 5-3. They may not have made their coach happy with how they played the first two periods, but they ended up with two points. Tonight they head to Anaheim to face the Ducks who have won seven of their last ten games. The Ducks shut out the Sharks 1-0 on January 9th and have a very respectable 17-7-1 record at home. San Jose has been way too inconsistent to have any confidence in them winning on back to back nights. All Star goalie, Jonas Hiller gets the call for the Ducks, while Antti Niemi will start again tonight after being pulled last night. We think Anaheim has a slight edge over the Sharks tonight.
Prediction: Anaheim -105 over San Jose
Give the Sharks credit for coming back from a 3-0 deficit and beating Phoenix at home last night 5-3. They may not have made their coach happy with how they played the first two periods, but they ended up with two points. Tonight they head to Anaheim to face the Ducks who have won seven of their last ten games. The Ducks shut out the Sharks 1-0 on January 9th and have a very respectable 17-7-1 record at home. San Jose has been way too inconsistent to have any confidence in them winning on back to back nights. All Star goalie, Jonas Hiller gets the call for the Ducks, while Antti Niemi will start again tonight after being pulled last night. We think Anaheim has a slight edge over the Sharks tonight.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Tuesday Prediction
NHL Action returns following All-Star Break
The Pick: Chicago -125 over Columbus
As we start the second half of the NHL season the defending Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks would qualify for the playoffs by a mere point. Chicago lost it's last two games before the break after winning six of their previous eight games. It appeared that the Hawks were getting back on track but had difficulty with the Flyers and Wild at home. They now embark on a six game road trip beginning with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Chicago has beaten Columbus in two of the three meetings thus far this season and in their wins have won by three goals. Columbus continues to be led by Rick Nash, and is barely in the playoff picture with only 51 points in the ultra competitive Western Conference. This pick is based on the fact that Chicago is the better team, and that they should be feeling some heat that they could miss the playoffs.
The Pick: Chicago -125 over Columbus
As we start the second half of the NHL season the defending Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks would qualify for the playoffs by a mere point. Chicago lost it's last two games before the break after winning six of their previous eight games. It appeared that the Hawks were getting back on track but had difficulty with the Flyers and Wild at home. They now embark on a six game road trip beginning with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Chicago has beaten Columbus in two of the three meetings thus far this season and in their wins have won by three goals. Columbus continues to be led by Rick Nash, and is barely in the playoff picture with only 51 points in the ultra competitive Western Conference. This pick is based on the fact that Chicago is the better team, and that they should be feeling some heat that they could miss the playoffs.
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