NHL Locks

Thirsty Thursday NHL 

NY Rangers (+110) @ Boston Bruins

The Rangers have won 13 of their last 15 games; a stretch that has catapulted into playoff contention.  Both teams currently sit at 4th in their respective divisions with 52 points.  The Rangers’ coming off a loss gives me the confidence to roll with them on the road. It’s been over a month since they lost 2 straight games.  

Minnesota @ Buffalo (+145)

Both teams have been absolutely brutal lately. I think with Buffalo, being at home and facing a team that has been getting their asses kicked for the past month and a half, are the pick to make.  It’s the best chance they’ve had to win a game in a month probably. 

OVER/UNDER: Under 5 (+105)

Vancouver (-140) @ Philadelphia 

The Canucks have dropped 3 straight games heading into tonight.  The reason I’m picking them to win tonight is the manner in which they have lost those games.  They’ve had at least 30 shots on goal in all 3 of those losses and have outshot the opposition every time.  This tells me the scoring chances are there they just haven’t been converting.  It hasn’t helped that they haven’t scored in their last 10 PP opportunities.  Regardless, I expect the Nucks to win on the road in Philly tonight.

Edmonton @ Tampa -1.5(+105)

Tampa is riding a 2 game losing streak heading into tonight.  They haven’t lost 3 straight yet this season and I don’t think tonight will change that.  Tampa has been struggling producing offense lately.  Let’s just call Edmonton the Slumpbuster Tampa so desperately needs right now.

Colorado @ Florida (-145)

Over the past 5 games, Colorado has given up an average of 43.2 shots per game.  That’s a hell of a lot of shots for a goalie to stop night in and night out.  Florida is in the midst of putting together a nice little stretch of games.  I think they get the best of the Avs tonight and come away with 2 points.

Montreal (-110) @ Ottawa

Montreal has emerged as one of the best teams in the east this year. They’ve won 7 of their last 10 while Ottawa has lost 7 of their last 10.  Ottawa is a tough place to play on the road but the Habs’ potent offense and elite goaltending are a safe bet tonight.

Detroit (+145) @ Saint Louis

Detroit wraps up their 6 game road trip  tonight in Saint Louis.  If they win tonight they will head home with an admirable 4-2 record on their coast to coast 12 day trip.  I expect the Wings to come out playing with purpose and intensity.  Tonight will be 2 hard earned points to keep them in the thick of the Atlantic Division race.