NHL Day 2

NHL THURSDAY LOCKZZ

Anaheim Ducks @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Crosby and his team start the regular season tonight by taking on the Ducks.  Pittsburgh has a new coach and high expectations for this season.  This is only the first game of 82 but it will be a good test to see how they stack up against one of the best teams in the league (Anaheim).  The biggest issue the Ducks have right now is deciding which elite goalie to start on any given night.  That might sound like a nice problem to have but it can actually be detrimental to the mindset of the goalies.  Anyone who played hockey knows that goalies are delicate creatures. The Ducks are solidly in my preliminary top 5 in the NHL. I think Anaheim rolls on the road in a hostile environment.
Pick: Anaheim +120


Boston Bruins @ Detroit Red Wings
The Wings begin this by season taking on the same team that ended their season last spring.  Boston is still as solid as last year but, I think Detroit rolls in their home opener.  The Joe will be loud and hostile tonight.  Detroit fans don't like a lot of teams but they have a special kind of hate for Boston.  Datsyuk will be out so watch for young guns Nyquist and Tatar to get the Wings offense going. 
Pick: Detroit (-105)


Chicago Blackhawks @ Dallas Stars
Chicago is my early pick to win the Cup this year.  It's a long season and were just getting started but Chicago is one of those teams that could start off the season with a nice 15-2 run or something like that.  I think they roll Dallas tonight with Kane and Toews showing us that they are only getting better.
Pick: Chicago (-120)


Winnipeg Jets @ Arizona Coyotes
This pick is for my fellow writer, Bobby Catz.  The Totes are an interesting team.  Personally I think they could make playoffs but they don't have nearly what it takes to beat Chicago, Anaheim, LA, or San Jose in a 7 game series.  If there are 2 tiers of teams in the West, the Yotes are the best in the lower tier.  They should  be able to take care of bidness against the Jets tonight in their home opener though no doubt.
Pick: Arizona (-140)


Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals 
All of the excuse making Caps fans love to talk about how Ovi doesn't have any help.  Well I'm going  to call your bluff and make a pick on it. I think the Habs come in to town and shit kick the caps up and down the ice tonight.
Pick: Montreal (+115)