NHL picks

NY Islanders @ Boston Bruins  -1.5 (+165)

After winning their first 4 games of the season, the Islanders have lost 2 straight games by multiple goals. People are questioning how good this Isles team really is.  Boston on the other hand, is in the opposite position heading into tonight. I don't know what Claude Julien said to his guys but whatever he said worked. On October 13th, the Bruins lost 2-1 at home to Colorado. Their record was 1-3 and they had scored a grand total of 4 goals in their first 4 games. Since that night Boston has played 4 games, going 3-1 and exploding on offense with 16 goals. The massive increase in offensive production should scare any team heading into Boston to face them. I expect the Bruins to take care of bidness tonight.

Chicago @ Nashville +1.5 (-280)

This pick didn't come easy. Typically I would pick the Hawks to win against any team on the planet. In my head the Hawks should go 82-0 this year.  But tonight they head into Nashville to face a team with an almost identical record. Neither team has lost a game in regulation. Chicago sits at 4-0-1 and the Preds are 4-0-2. Chicago beat Nashville at home 2-1 in overtime 5 days ago. I think the Preds come out on top in a matchup that appears to be a toss up because they have home ice advantage this time.  However, with the Hawks there is always the threat of Kane and Toews taking over the game and putting on a scoring clinic. 

Pittsburgh @ Detroit (-115)

With Pavel Datsyuk back in the line up Detroit's offense appears to be shaping into a dynamic and lethal force. This is not your typical dump and chase, get the puck on net and get rebounds to score goals type of offense. This is a highly skilled European style puck possession offense. They are going to be one of the more exciting teams to watch and one of the most mentally frustrating teams to defend against. Pittsburgh isn't that far off from Detroit in terms of style. Any team with Crosby and Malkin on the ice has a chance to win a game. I like the depth of the Wings heading into tonight. Fans in Hockeytown will be pumped up to welcome back Datsyuk and Datsyuk will be eager to record his first goal of the season. 

Arizona Yotes +1.5 (-180) @ Minnesota 

Both teams head into tonight having lost 2 straight. I don't think anyone is getting blown out here. Arizona has a chance to win but if they lose it should only be by a goal.

Carolina @ Calgary -1.5 (+175)

All the rumors floating around about Staal possibly getting traded puts the Canes in a bad spot. The man who has been the identity of their team for a decade and is also their best player might be on his way out. Calgary is always a tough place to play if you're the visiting team. It's Calgary, there's nothing else to do but get drunk and go to a Flames game. I think the Flames trounce the canes at home.

Buffalo @ LA -1.5 (-125)

The fact that the line is -125 on the spread should tell you all you need to know. Buffalo isn't beating the defending champs on their home ice.