Friday Night NHL Action

Columbus @ Pittsburgh
Pick: Penguins -1.5 (+160)
The heater I’m on right now (16-5 in my last 21 picks) is starting to get to my head I think. I’m looking at this game and all I see is a blow out coming the Blue Jackets way. As expected, the Penguins offense took some time and some tuning to figure out how to utilize Crosby, Kessel, and Malkin in the most effective way. All the signs say they’ve got it figured out now. Good luck Columbus.


Calgary @ Washington
Pick: -1.5 (+155)
Another game, another ATS pick. Fuck it, Roll it! The Flames played on the road in Tampa just last night. The Caps played on the road last night as well except just over in Philly. Once again, the NHL schedule makes no sense. Caps at home coming off a win and Ovi has a chance to make history. I’ll take it.


San Jose @ Detroit
Pick: Red Wings -110
Datsyuk’s back in the line up.


NY Islanders @ Anaheim
Pick: Islanders +115
Ducks are coming off a home loss to Edmonton. Isles are coming off a loss on the road to the Kings last night. I’m going with my gut here. New York wins and the Ducks start thinking about parting ways with some people.

Sugar's Friday NHL Picks

Friday Night NHL Picks

Okay, so I started the season off 1-4 last night (Thursday NHL Picks).  Don’t hit the panic button just yet though folks.  I did some soul searching this morning and I’m ready to get back on this horse and give it the old college try.  

NY Rangers @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Pick: Rangers -110

The Rangers are coming off a difficult win on the road against the defending champions.  After taking down the Blackhawks on their banner raising night the Rangers are set to keep rolling on the road in Columbus.  The Blue Jackets are coming off a disappointing season plagued with injuries.  This Columbus team is much more talented than their performance showed last season.  However, the Rangers seem to be on top of their game.  Rangers over the Jackets in a tight game here.

Winnipeg Jets @ New Jersey Devils

Pick: Jets -1.5 (+250)

The Jets are playing their second in a back to back games but I don’t think that’s any reason to worry.  After dismantling the Boston Bruins last night 6-2, the Jets head to New Jersey to take on, what I consider, a weak Devils team.  New Jersey had a disappointing season last year and they didn’t do a whole lot to change things around in the offseason.  I like Winnipeg to keep rolling tonight.

Chicago Blackhawks @ NY Islanders

Pick: OVER 5.5 (+115)

I like the Islanders to win in this one but I don’t feel confident with any pick against the Blackhawks right now.  However, I do like the scoring threats on both teams.  This game features some of the games premier scorers.

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Detroit Red Wings

Pick: Wings -1.5 (+170)

Detroit didn’t have to wait long for Babcock to return to the Joe.  The first game of the season for the Wings features Babcock and the Leafs coming to town.  While I do think Babs is the best coach in the game, I think the Wings are in a much better position talent wise.  Wings roll in their home opener and Babs is left wondering if he made a big mistake.

Arizona Coyotes @ Los Angeles Kings

Pick: Coyotes +215

This is my ballsy pick of the night.  LA got thrashed by the Sharks in their home opener.  The Coyotes aren’t a powerhouse by any means but things don’t appear to be in ship shape in LA.  Coyotes win in an upset.

NHL Prospects

Top 5 Rising Stars in the NHL

The 2013-2014 regular season has come to a close.  The real action starts on Wednesday and if you’re anything like me you took off work for the remainder of the week.  Before we dive into some playoff predictions let’s take a look back on this season. 

A few notable things:

 Vancouver fuckin sucks, who would have thought that back in September?  The typical garbage teams remained garbage teams.  The Wings narrowly escaped missing the playoffs for the first time in 23 years.  Why the hell did Tampa trade St. Louis for Ryan Callahan?  Speaking of the Lightning, Ryan Malone really dropped off huh?  Just a few years ago he was a contributing member of a Stanley Cup winning team in Pittsburgh, now he’s railing lines and slammin’ beers in Florida.  Tim Thomas is back in the NHL.  He spent most of the season with a farm team, the Florida Panthers, and got his shot in the League when he was dealt to the Stars.  Where the fuck did Gustav Nyquist come from?  Detroit is paying their leading scorer (Nyquist) $800,000 this year and paying Todd Bertuzzi $2.175 million; what the hell is going on?  Ovi scored 50 goals again but his team didn’t make the playoffs.  Nice work Ovi. What’s the Russian word for selfish?  Ryan Miller finally got out of Buffalo.  It only took him a decade but who’s keeping track.  Colorado emerged as a powerhouse with their new psychotic coach, Patrick Roy.  Sidney Crosby played a full season without any major injuries.  That must be tough for the most protected player in the history of the game.  Nick Lidstrom’s number was retired in Detroit.  The Wing’s owner, Mike Illitch, presented him with a Dodge Ram as thanks for his 2 decade stint as the most prolific player at his position.  Good choice Mike; I’m sure a Dodge Ram was just what Nick wanted and just a little too pricey for a guy worth $20 million.  But hey, you have to save money somewhere when you’re paying a guy on the baseball team you own $29.2 million a year for the next 10 years (Miguel Cabrera). Finally, Team Canada won the gold medal in Sochi.  We get it; you guys are good at hockey. You also elect guys like Rob Ford as mayor of your biggest city.  Be proud. 

Every NHL season is a platform for players to increase (or decrease) their value to their team.  With 82 games and the never ending train of injuries, there are a lot of opportunities for guys who don’t normally see a lot of playing time to get out there and make a name for themselves.  So, who came out of the woodwork this year?  Here’s my list of the Top 5 Rising Stars in the NHL.

#1 Gustav Nyquist, Detroit Red Wings

B/Y: 1989

Shoots: Left

Position: Right Wing

Draft Status: 4^th round; 121^st overall

2013/2014

56 GP, 28 G, 20 A, 48 PTS

Nyquist isn’t officially a rookie this year because he played for the Wings in the playoffs the past 2 seasons and just barely broke the maximum number of games allowed to lose rookie status. Nevertheless, “Goose” officially got brought up from the Grand Rapids Griffins this season and has been a scoring machine ever since.  In just 56 games this year he scored 28 goals and recorded 20 assists.  If he was officially recognized as a rookie he would be the leading rookie scorer with 20 less games than his peers.  He’s fast and possesses natural scoring ability.  He is on track to take the reins on the Wings as Datsyuk and Zetterberg phase out of their prime. 

What the people say:

@TheFakeBabs: Gustav Nyquist was more valuable this year than Claude Giroux, and there’s no argument that can prove me wrong.

@patcaputo98: how should we spell Gustav Nyquist’s nickname: Snypquist or Snipequist

@bobwojnowski: Gustav Nyquist is the fastest-rising star in Detroit sports in a long time. Wow. He’s almost single-handedly leading Wings to playoffs.

#2 Oliver Ekman – Larsson, Phoenix Coytotes

B/Y: 1991

Shoots: Left

Position: Defense

Draft Status: 1^st round, 6^th overall

2013/2014

79 GP, 15 G, 29 A, 44 PTS

Ekman-Larsson is possibly the best defensemen in the NHL right now.  The only thing holding him back is the team he plays for.  Playing for a small market team isn’t getting him the attention he would get if he played for a more well-known club.  Nevertheless, he is a young Lidstrom.  His defensive play is just as good as his offensive play.  This is a kid you will be hearing a lot about in years to come.

What the people say:

@Five4Howling: The Coyotes need to make up a new trophy to give Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

@nick_danbergman: Let’s go Oliver Ekman-Larsson! I mean lets go yotes!

@SportsnetSpec: Ekman-Larsson is a superstar

#3 Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Lightning

B/Y: 1990

Shoots: Right

Position: Center

Draft Status: Undrafted. Signed with Tampa in 2011.

2013/2014

 81 GP, 24 G, 26 A, 50 PTS

Tyler Johnson is the diamond in the rough for Tampa.  After going undrafted, Johnson returned to play one more year of junior hockey for the Spokane Chiefs and put up 115 points his final season.  This was enough to turn some heads and landed him a contract with Tampa.  He played in the AHL for a year and worked his way up to the Show.  He exploded onto the NHL scene this year; putting up 24 goals and 26 assists.  Not too shabby for an undrafted 5’9” center.  Ironically enough, he played alongside St. Louis for much of this season.  Johnson has great speed and play making abilities.  He’s fantastic on the penalty kill and isn’t afraid to get dirty.  He is in the running for Rookie of the Year this year and is on track to become one of the elite centers in the game.

What the people say:

@tombatron: You say penalty kill I say Tyler Johnson gets another short handed goal…

@BoltProspects: Tyler Johnson is good at the hockey.

@Ferda_Clothing: The kid is good.  Rookie Tyler Johnson (@tjohnny09) has now scored as many goals as @RealStamkos91 did in his rookie year (23). #ferda @TBL

#4 Vladimir Tarasenko, Saint Louis Blues

B/Y: 1991

Shoots: Left

Position: Right wing

Draft Status: 1^st round, 16^th overall 2010 entry draft

2013/1014

 64 GP, 21 G, 22 A, 43 PTS 

Tarasenko possess the textbook Russian skill set.  He’s explosive, creative, and has an incredibly quick shot release.  He has proven his worth on the Blues and will undoubtedly become a phenomenal NHL goal scorer in a few years.  At the young age of 22 years old, he has already had a 20 goal season.  He is fortunate enough to be on a highly skilled NHL team that will allow him time to develop his skills and mature as a player without putting too much of a burden on him too early.  The sky is the limit for Tarasenko.  He will be a first line all-star in a matter of time.  With Oshie, Backes, Steen, and now Tarasenko on offense the Blues are looking scary.

What the people have to say:

@dawn_k3: Joffrey Lupul needs to start worrying about 3 people: Steven Stamkos, Vladimir Tarasenko and Alex Steen.

@kfox9611: Hey @tara9191 I’ll say it for the 3^rd time.. I WILL CUT MY HAND OFF AND GIVE IT TO YOU, IF IT GETS YOU BACK FASTER. FIND A SURGEON #stlblues

@THNRyanKennedy: I asked Chris Stewart today about Vladimir Tarasenko: “He snipes. In practice, nine out of 10 shots are bar down.” #Blues

#5 Dougie Hamilton, Boston Bruins

B/Y: 1993

Shoots: Right

Position: Defense

Draft Status: 1^st round, 9^th overall

2013/2014

63 GP, 7 G, 18 A, 25 PTS 

Last but not least, Dougie.  If his name isn’t enough to make you love him then his play certainly is.  At 6’5” tall he towers over a lot of guys yet still possesses a great skill set.  Chara is getting older and this is the guy to take his place.  He is reliable and plays his position very well.  Playing on Boston has allowed him to develop his skills without being relied on too heavily.  You’ll be hearing a lot about Dougie, trust me.

What the people have to say:

@BigBadBruins88: Dougie Hamilton Bringing Down The BOOM! #NHLBRUINS

@AmalieBenjamin: Apparently my Twitter feed has turned into all Dougie Hamilton all the time.

@kluedeke29: Dougie Hamilton 8 goals in just 53 NHL games to date in his young career. The incomparable Bobby Orr had 13 in 61 as a rookie in ’66-‘67

Sugar's Surehand Saturday

NHL Picks, $Free.99

San Jose @ Colorado (+105) (WINNER!)

I'm feelin the avs at home. They have a solid home record this year and have been rolling lately. I expect Patrick Roy to have his team ready to go catch some sharks tonight. Avs roll at home. 

Columbus (+1.5) @ Carolina (WINNER!)

Columbus is in playoff hockey mode while the canes are out of the hunt. I expect Columbus to win outright but just to be safe I'm taking the spread. 

Detroit (+1.5) @ Toronto (WINNER!)

These two teams are going head to head for a playoff spot. With Washington on Detroit's ass and Toronto right there with them, the Wings have to win. I think the spread is a safe bet. 

Tampa (-1.5) @ Buffalo (L)

Stamkos bar-down for dayz. Buffalo sucks. Tampa is dirty. It's an easy decision. 

Montreal (-1.5) @ Florida (WINNER!)

Luongo is hurt already and sitting out. Florida is going to get lit up like the South during the Civil War. 

Minnesota @ Phoenix (-130)  (L)

Minnesota heads to the desert tonight to get fucked up by the Yotes. Look for @BizNasty2point0 to put a twisted wrister five hole a time or two. 

Sugar's Super Saturday College Pickapalooza

#11 Dayton (+10) vs #1 Florida (P)

Gator Nation is in for a shocker. Dayton (once again) ain't got shit to lose. They've made a name for themselves in this years tourney. If it all ends tonight, they still will have accomplished something great. Fuck that noise though, Flyers are comin in hot and lookin to round up them Gators. Dayton FTW (if not, +10 should be enough).

Sugars Money Bundle of the Day!

Sugar’s “Topless Tuesday” College Pick

Michigan (-3) @ Illinois (WINNER!)

Illinois heads into tonight riding a 3 game win streak.  Unfortunately this 3 game win streak also doubled the number of conference wins they have this season.  From January 8^th thru February 15^th (38 days), the Fighting Illini went 1-10.  They lost games at home; they lost games on the road; shit, the whole country lost just having to watch this team “play”.  They’re coming off a big upset win in East Lansing which featured Michigan State’s worst performance since 1898; their inaugural season.  The Wolverines are looking to lock up the Big Ten regular season title. Look for the Wolverines to come into town and go to work on Illinois. 

Sugar’s Pick: Michigan -3

Puck Picks of the day

Carolina @ San Jose -215 (L)

Carolina started their West Coast swing with a 5-3 loss in Anaheim.  Tonight they ride into San Jose looking for a different result.  Unfortunately for them, the Sharks have a potent offense that will most likely light them up for another 4-5 goals.  Look for Carolina to get eaten alive in the Shark Tank as the Sharknado takes its next victim. 

Sugar’s Pick: San Jose -215

Vancouver (+1.5) @ Phoenix (WINNER!)

On paper the Canucks win this game 32-1.  This season has been a non-stop struggle for Vancouver though and the “numbers” tell a different story.  As much as I hate the Canucks, and I really fuckin’ hate them, I think Vancouver wins this one.  If not, they should still cover. Both teams are coming off 4-2 losses and are looking to rebound with a win.  The playoff race is getting tight and both teams need points badly. Vancouver has the star power to score in bunches while the Yotes play a passive style, more suited to their talent level.  Look for Tortorella’s team to roll in the desert, increasing the Yotes’ chances of hitting the links in a couple weeks. 

Sugar’s Pick: Vancouver +1.5

UPSET PICK OF THE NIGHT

Detroit (+110) @ New Jersey (L)

The Devil’s are old as balls (see my last write up on them for more details on that subject).  Detroit will be without Zetterberg and most likely Datsyuk as well.  Datsyuk’s menstrual cramps are debilitating and he will be out once again.  Seriously though, he sits out a shit ton.  Nevertheless, the Wings have consistently found scoring from their young stars.  Tatar and Nyquist will be leading the offensive charge as Detroit heads into Jersey.  The Devils are too old to keep up with the Wing’s speed and puck control.  Detroit, coming off a 6-1 win in Ottawa, takes this game and continues the push for another post season appearance. 

Sugar’s Pick: Detroit +110

NHL Picks

Sugar’s NHL Picks of the Day

Detroit (+1.5) @ Ottawa (WINNER!)

The Wings play the second game of their Eastern Canada road trip tonight.  Last night, despite the score only being 2-1, the Wings looked solid in their first game back.  Tonight, they face the Ottawa Senators.  On paper Detroit matches up well with Ottawa, however, for various reasons they have struggled to play well against them this season.  Look for that to change tonight as the Wings head into Ottawa looking for their second win in as many days. 

Sugar’s Pick: Detroit +1.5

Phoenix (+1.5) @ Winnipeg (WINNER!)

Winnipeg has struggled with injuries this year.  Evander Kane has been in and out of the line up all year long resulting in a lack of offense from the Jets.  Phoenix is having another “Phoenix Coyote like” season.  Their mediocre season has been enough to put them at 5^th place in the Pacific Division; one point behind Vancouver (4^thplace).  They will probably end up making the playoffs as one of the last seeds and be a nice first round warm up for one of the teams that actually has a shot.  Winnipeg will not make the playoffs, again.  The shift to the Western Conference has not been good for them.  Winning in the West

has proved more difficult than originally thought for the Jets.  I predict Phoenix goes up to Winnipeg and wins 4-2.  If they lose it will be a 1 goal game and the ‘Yotes will cover. 

Sugar’s Pick: Phoenix +1.5