I'm just going to go game by game with my picks/reasons - not sure what my action will be yet but lets see how this goes. Feel free to post any thoughts or opinions too please.
Carolina @ Toronto (-115, 5.5)
Toronto just plain sucks, and although they beat the Devils in their last (doesn't everyone beat the Devils this year though??) their #1 goalie is still out and they lean on Gustavsson to start his 7th straight. The kid had one win in December prior to the devils game...Carolina is 9-3 vs the Leafs in the past 3 seasons, and has won 4 straight in Toronto.
Action: Carolina -105 and over 5.5 total.
Atlanta @ Pittsburgh (-177, 5.5)
This is just one of those games I have a feeling about...The Pens played terribly in their last, losing 3-1 to Ottawa, while the Thrashers played a tight match against Tampa Bay who have been one of the hottest teams in the league, losing 3-2 in overtime. The Pens may be looking past their two games this week against Atl and NYI towards this weekend's winter classic game scheduled for Saturday at Heinz field. The Thrashers have been playing too well to overlook at this price I think.
Action: Take Atlanta at +160
Montreal @ Washington (-176, 5.5)
These two teams are going in completely opposite directions, the Habs having dropped 6 of 8, and the Caps winning 3 of 4 - their only loss coming via a shootout vs. the Pens on the weekend. Washington will be looking to avenge their playoff collapse to the Habs last year, and with Ovy waking up from his scoring slump, it could be a rough night on the Montreal bench I think.
Action: Washington -176
Boston @ Tampa Bay (-119, 5.5)
This should be a great game and I'm really looking forward to watching it. Boston squeaked out a shootout win last night against Florida but trailed a fair portion of the game, while Tampa has been one of the hottest teams in the league this month. Boston destroyed Tampa in their last meeting on Dec 5th by an 8-1 margin but the Lightning have been rolling ever since and will be looking to avenge that loss on their home ice.
Action: Tampa Bay -120
Chicago @ St Louis (-109, 5)
Yet another game that should be great to watch. The Hawks come in to this one on a 4 game winning streak and having won 6 of 10. Early word is that Patrick Kane will also be returning from injury tonight so that's a big help. The Blues have also won 6 of 10, but aren't scoring many goals and seem to be relying heavily on goalie Jaroslav Halak to help them squeak out points.
Action: Chicago -105
Dallas @ Nashville (-127,5)
Two teams who could both use a win here, Dallas comes in having lost 2 straight while Nashville has lost their last 4. Both teams were shut out in their last game as well, which could lean towards a bet on the under 5 total. Truly anyone could win this in a 1-0 or 2-1 type game, but go with the Stars who are fighting for top spot in the pacific division and take the extra odds.
Action: Dallas +115 and Under 5 total
Philadelphia @ Vancouver (-140, 5.5)
Two of the top teams in the league in this one - Philly comes off the Christmas break after losing an embarrassing one at home to Florida 5-0. The flew in to Vancouver a day early to help offset the time difference and had a good skate yesterday according to coach Laviolette. The Canucks earned a win over the Oilers in their last, and Luongo can easily steal a game for them if he plays well. Boucher should return to the net for the Flyers, and he's unbeaten in regulation through his last 7 starts.
Action: Flyers +125
Buffalo @ Edmonton (-120, 5.5)
Buffalo is just in the toilet lately, losing an ugly one to the Flames just last night by a 5-2 margin. They've also lost 9 of their last 10 on the road. Sabres are also without their leading scorer Derek Roy who is gone for the season. The Oilers gave Vancouver all they could handle in their last game before the Canucks overtook them, but they've been playing some better hockey of late. I'm taking the Oil but I don't feel good about it...lol
Action: Edmonton -120
Anaheim @ Phoenix (-150, 5.5)
This is the last of a 7 game road trip for the Ducks, and Phoenix gets their starting goalie back from injury. Phoenix has been playing well defensively and won their last with a shutout. No real strong feeling on this one, but take the 'Yotes and under 5.5 total just for fun.
Action: Phoenix -150 and under 5.5 total
