Sports Picks & Predictions

3-unit Play Take San Jose Sharks over Anaheim Ducks (10:35pm EST) These two teams faced off last Friday in Anaheim and the Ducks got the victory by a score of 1-0 in a tight defensive battle. You can be assured that the San Jose Sharks won't let it be a similar style game at home. They'll pick up the tempo and take advantage of their multitude of weapons on offense. Goaltender Antti Niemi should be back in the net for the Sharks tonight after missing the first 3 games, which should also be a big boost that they didn't have in the previous matchup. In addition, the Sharks really outplayed the Ducks in last Friday's game, as they put 31 shots on goals versus only 23 for Anaheim. With the recent loss to the Ducks on the minds of the Sharks players and a slow start to the season at 1-2-0, the Sharks will be highly motivated to get a victory tonight and I expect them to do it in easy fashion.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports

4-unit Play Take Toronto Maple Leafs over Colorado Avalanche (7:05pm EST) The Toronto Maple Leafs are back on the map in the NHL as they finally have a team capable of making the playoffs and possibly doing some damage. They've gotten off to a hot start at 3-0-0 led by a young core of talented players and an emerging goaltender in James Reimer. Reimer has been sensational in net this season with a .927 save percentage and a 2.34 goals against average. He'll go up against another team that is playing great hockey in the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche have won four straight games after dropping their season opener to Detroit. Even more impressive, all four victories have been on their current road trip. This is the last game of the road trip and the team has to be a little bit winded after traveling a total of 3,335 miles during the trip thus far and playing in two overtime games in their last three contests. Even if they drop this one tonight, it's still a successful trip for them so they might not be as motivated as they normally would be. Toronto, on the other hand, has played all of their games at home this season so far, a big advantage for this one. The Leafs will wear down the Avalanche as the game goes on, so play Toronto tonight.

3-unit Play Take #74 Chicago Blackhawks over Boston Bruins (8:35pm ET) It's a battle between the last two Stanley Cup Champions in Chicago today as the Blackhawks host the Boston Bruins. The Blackhawks look to complete a perfect a 3-game homestand with a victory today after wins against Dallas and Winnipeg. They have been playing great hockey and some of that is attributed to changes they have made on their top two lines, shifting budding star Patrick Kane to second line center. Coach Joel Quenneville always seems to push the right buttons and I'm sure the lineup moves will pay dividends long-term. The Bruins come into this game struggling quite a bit, some of which has to be attributed to the Stanley Cup hangover. They come off consecutive losses to Colorado and Columbus - not exactly world class competition. I think it might take a while before this team finally gets it all together, and tonight is going to be a tough challenge against a team that I think might be the best in the Western Conference. Play the Hawks to get a victory tonight.

6-Unit Play. Take Over (5.5) Detroit at Minnesota (8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15)

Weak number, Detroit always has a talented offensive team but this year they have focused on the defensive end and on the surface it looks good posting shutouts in two of their first four games with the last coming on Thursday night in 2-0 home win vs Vancouver. Detroit came out flat offensively in that one after having four day's off in between games, Vancouver who is still without high scoring Ryan Kessler was in a tough spot playing their first three games in four night's of the season after losing 5-4 the night before in Philadelphia. Vancouver only put five shots on goal in the third period at Detroit, not to take anything away from the Red Wings but I think the Canucks didn't have their full legs. Detroit will get a Minnesota team that bumped up their skill level at the forward position in the off season and a Wild team themselves that had a slow start being out shot in the first period 12-9 vs the Oilers before ending the game with a 35 to 22 shot advantage for the Wild in front of a 15,000 plus home crowd which is small for Minnesota. Expect a full house tonight with plenty of emotion, I think this pace will be a track meet,the Wild will also have Josh Harding in the net for the first time in 19 months after returning from a hip injury, now Harding is a good backup goalie but he isn't Nick Backstrom. I think this total should be 6 with under money attached but here we get to go over 5.5 at basically even money, great value !

2-Unit Play. Take #71 Columbus (+1.35) over Dallas (8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15)

Dallas couldn't be any more of a false favorite, this team is give up a ton of shot's a game a problem that dates back to last year but the Star's have been bailed out by the play of goalie Keri Lehtonen. Columbus comes in here 0-4 and has looked horrible on the power play going 0 for 20, this is a team that made some big changes in the off season and it may take sometime to gel but this team has talent. This is a good spot to get going, Dallas has played in front of small crowds early on and I don't see that changing tonight with Columbus in town, I think this Columbus team is a dangerous 0-4 team and should come in here focused on getting rid of that goose egg, nice price to see that happen.

Thanks and Good Luck

2-unit Play Take #3 San Jose Sharks over Anaheim Ducks (10:05pm ET) The San Jose Sharks have been tabbed as potential Stanley Cup champions this season by many of the experts. They've been the best regular season team in hockey over the last five seasons, but have always fell short come playoff time. They made several offseason moves to try and improve the team and take that next step. I like what they've done and think this team has the potential to get the President's Trophy this season. We'll worry about the playoffs later. Anaheim, on the other hand, comes into this season a little bit overrated in my eyes as they are a flashy team that can score goals but doesn't back it up on the defensive end. This is Anaheim's first game after their European trip where they played two games in Finland and Sweden. They may be a little out of it with all of the recent travel, so I expect a slow start. San Jose looked very impressive in their last game, outshooting Phoenix by a whopping margin of 52-29 and winning the game easily 6-3. This is a great spot for the Sharks and I expect them to get the victory tonight.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports

3-unit Play Take #65 Edmonton Oilers over Minnesota Wild (8:05pm ET) We've cashed two straight winning tickets betting against the Minnesota Wild and tonight we go for three. The Edmonton Oilers come into town as a young hungry group that looks ready to turn the corner and possibly compete for a playoff spot. They were clearly the worst team in hockey last season, but a large part of that was due to a multitude of injuries and a lack of depth. They added some pieces in the offseason to improve their overall depth and also made a smart decision by putting Devan Dubynk in goal and relegating a declining Nikolai Khabibulin to a backup role. Nowhere to go but up for this team and I expect them to make significant progress. As I've said before, the Wild look to be heading in the other direction. They made some major moves in the offseason but it's unclear whether or not they are really improvements. A faster tempo is definitely a given with the new faces, but that doesn't necessarily translate to more wins. Minnesota doesn't have any business being favored this big against anyone until they can prove that their additions will make them more competitive this season. Take Edmonton as a heavy dog that provides very solid value.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports

10-unit Play Take Colorado Avalanche/Ottawa Senators UNDER 5.5 (7:35pm ET) The Colorado Avalanche visit the Ottawa Senators in a game where goals look like they will be hard to come by. The Senators made several additions to improve their paper thin defense. They added goalie Craig Anderson, from Colorado, earlier this year in a move that instantly reduced their goals against average. They also brought in a new head coach in the offseason, Paul MacLean, who has vowed to tighten up the defense and change the overall mentality of the team. Colorado also upgraded at goaltender when they traded for Semyon Varlamov in a move that the organization was very excited about. The Avalanche had a host of injuries to its blueliners last season, which was devastating to the team's defense. They're healthy right now and I expect a grittier performance on both ends of the ice. They played in tight one last night where they trailed 2-1 up until the last minute of regulation, eventually winning by a goal in a shootout. Both of these teams should be playing better fundamental hockey this season, which should lead to a tight low scoring affair in this one as well.

3-unit Play Take #6 Carolina Hurricanes over Boston Bruins (7:35pm ET) The Carolina Hurricanes are in search of their first win and tonight looks like it will be a good opportunity to get it. They played tough at Washington and New Jersey, but now return home to face off against the Boston Bruins. The defending champs are definitely experiencing the Stanley Cup hangover as they are 1-2 and don't look like they have the same energy on the ice. I thought it might take a little longer for the Bruins to start showing these signs, but the bottom line is they aren't playing the same hockey as they did during their unbelievable playoff run. Boston coach Claude Julien has made several comments that his team is ?way too loose? and not focused enough to compete. The Hurricanes desperately need a victory to avoid digging themselves a hole to begin the new campaign. They have tons of young talent, but need to put it all together every night to have a successful season. They should be up for this one tonight so I like them as a home underdog.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports

3-unit Play Take #54 Ottawa Senators over Minnesota Wild (7:35pm ET) We cashed in betting against the Minnesota Wild yesterday afternoon and this is an even better spot today. The Wild are playing on back-to-back days and their third game in four nights. Early on in the season the players are still not fully up to speed and these situations take an extra toll on the team. They go up against an Ottawa Senators team that is automatically going to be better than they were last year with Craig Anderson in the net. Ottawa was 24th in goals against last year and the biggest problem was starting goaltender Brian Elliott. The Senators also hired a new head coach in Paul McLain and made some roster moves before the deadline last year and in the offseason. I like the moves that were made and think this team has the potential to be one of the more improved teams in the NHL this season. Minnesota appears to be going in the other direction with some of their moves, and will struggle to stay out of the basement. Tonight is also Ottawa's home opener, which should generate some additional energy. Take the Senators at as a small favorite here today.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports

3-unit Play Take #14 Washington Capitals over Tampa Bay Lightning (7:05pm ET) Division rivals square off for the first of six meetings in the 2011-12 season. The Washington Capitals are heavy favorites to win the Southeast Division again this season, something that is no longer much of a goal for them. They've been regular season machines for the last several years but have always come short in their ultimate quest for the Stanley Cup with poor playoff performances. However, this year they added what they think will be key piece to the puzzle - a dominant goaltender in Tomas Vokoun. They've had lethal offenses in the past, but now with a top 5 goalie, they are going to be a tough out. Tampa Bay had a magical season last year, finishing with 103 points when expectations were very low. It will be very tough to duplicate that effort again this year as they won't be able to sneak up on anyone. The Lightning swept the Capitals in the second round of the playoffs last season and there's no doubt that Washington has not forgotten that. The Caps are a better team this year and with revenge on their minds, will walk out with an easy win.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports

3-unit Play Take #6 New York Islanders over Minnesota Wild (1:05pm ET) The New York Islanders have one of the best young cores in the NHL and they are starting to enter their prime. After several lackluster seasons without a playoff appearance, the Islanders finally look like a team that may be able to contend. They improved their team in the offseason with some moves to add to the team's depth, one of their problems last year. The linesmakers don't believe it yet, evidenced by the small price at home, but the Islanders should be much improved. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild could be one of the worst teams in the sport this year. They made some questionable trades in the offseason, bringing in Heatley for Havlat and Burns for Setoguchi. The goal was to increase the offensive firepower, but I'm not sure that they improved their team overall. There will certainly be an adjustment period early on in the season, which makes now the time to bet against them. Take the young and up and coming Islanders to knock off the Wild in this one.

3-unit Play Take Nashville Predators/Columbus Blue Jackets OVER (7:05pm ET) When the Nashville Predators take on the Columbus Blue Jackets, you don't normally envision a game where the teams are lighting up the lamp all night long. However, there are some indications that things could be changing this season. The Blue Jackets brought on center Jeff Carter and defenseman James Wisniewski this offseason, which will definitely give a jolt to a previously inept power play. Wisniewski (unavailable for tonight due to a suspension) is a power play specialist and Carter is gifted at creating chances. Add them into the mix with All-Star center Rick Nash, and you have the makings of a decent offense for this team. That should be music to the ears of Columbus fans, as the team ranked 24th in goals scored last season.
As for Nashville, they've made a living off playing great defense and being conservative on offense in the past. The trio of defenseman Shea Weber and Ryan Suter and goaltender Pekka Rinne has been the backbone of the team and turned in a stellar campaign again last season. However, once you get past the stud defenders, there are some glaring holes on the backend. Strapped for cash with a smaller budget to work with, Nashville wasn't able to address any of these weaknesses in the offseason. And Nashville would also be hard-pressed to get a better performance from Rinne this season. Rinne had an outstanding .930 save percentage last season, which will be very difficult to repeat at that level so you can forgive him if a few more get past him this season. The Nashville offense will need to step it up if that's the case and break away from their conservative style. Take the Over in this one as these teams are going to be playing some higher scoring games this season.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports

10-unit Play Take #58 Carolina Hurricanes over Tampa Bay Lightning (7:05pm ET) The Carolina Hurricanes host the Tampa Bay Lightning in the season opener for both of these squads. The Lightning are coming off a season in which they turned more than a few heads by getting just one goal away from the Stanley Cup Finals. They are led by their high-powered offense featuring Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier, which resulted in the 7th rated offense last season. Most of the same faces return for Tampa Bay but it's really hard to imagine that this team can do much better than they did last year. Expectations are going to be a lot higher coming into this season and they're not going to be sneaking up on anyone. I also have huge question marks in the net as Tampa Bay goes with 41-year old Dwayne Roloson once again. Roloson had a solid season last year but how much does he really have left in the tank at his age?
Carolina is a fairly young team with a lot of talent that has room to grow. They also kept most of their team intact and should have good chemistry right off the bat. They rely heavily on Cam Ward who is coming off of his best season ever with a 2.56 goals against average and a .923 save percentage. He's young and entering his prime so you can expect plenty of similar seasons from him going forward. Carolina looks to be a tad underrated heading into the 2011-12 hockey season and I think they can provide some good value early in the season. This is also a huge revenge game for the Hurricanes. The Lightning eliminated the Hurricanes from playoff contention in shocking fashion by beating the Canes 6-2 at the RBC Center on the final day of the 2010-11 regular season. An underrated Carolina team with revenge on their minds should get the win today.

3-unit Play Take #2 Boston Bruins over Philadelphia Flyers (7:05pm ET) The puck drops for the first time this season in the opener between the Philadelphia Flyers and the defending champion Boston Bruins. It seems like just yesterday that Tim Thomas was holding the Stanley Cup over his head after the Bruins defeated the Canucks in Game 7 of the Finals. It was actually a little more than three months ago, but for the Bruins in couldn't have felt like a lot of time off with championship celebrations, touring around with the Cup and the beginning of training camp shortly thereafter. While this will probably take a toll on the Bruins at some point this season, it probably works to their advantage tonight. The Bruins kept most of the key ingredients from their championship squad in place and they played 25 playoff games this past season with three of their series going the full seven games. As a result, there will be a lot of familiarity given that the faces haven't changed much and that they were all playing together throughout their entire playoff run.
The same can't be said for the Flyers, who haven't seen the ice in meaningful games in five months and they have a lot of new faces playing together. Gone are team captain Mike Richards and the talented Jeff Carter, both who were traded away for more youthful components. Part of the reason for the moves was the signing of goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and part of it was to keep the team competitive in the future. However, in the short-term it looks like it will undoubtedly make the Flyers less competitive. Of the 20 players Philadelphia dressed for Game 4 of the conference semifinal series against the Bruins in May, 11 won't be around for this season's opener. It's going to take some time for this team to jell and see how much chemistry they actually have together. In the meantime, I expect to see some early-season struggles from Philadelphia.
The Bruins won the season series 3-1 against Philly last year and also swept the Flyers in the playoffs. The cohesiveness of the Bruins should take advantage of a newly constructed Flyers team and get the win in today's opener in Boston.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 13 Boston at Vancouver (8 pm ET) The playoffs have been very good this year, and they are ending with what should be a very good game. The home team has yet to lose so far in this series, but I expect that to change right now. Boson has a serious mental edge in this series, and they aren't the ones who have to deal with the immense pressure n playing in hockey-crazy Vancouver right now. Roberto Luongo has been a total mental case, and it's hard to have a lot of faith in him. Injuries and a suspension have really hurt Vancouver's depth, and that is going to hurt them. Boston is at least as talented, they have the much better goalie, and they are more focused. They have yet to play a bad game in this series, and if they had caught a break in Vancouver the series would be over. They'll get that break tonight!

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 12 Boston vs. Vancouver (8 pm ET) The home team has won every game in this series, and I don't expect it to change here. Vancouver has been terrible in Boston, so that will be hanging over their heads. On top of that they have the pressure of potentially winning the Cup - and I don't think they are tough enough to stand up under that pressure. Roberto Luongo also gave Tim Thomas some ammunition for motivation after making a boneheaded comment leading up to the game. It all leads up to a likely game seven in my eyes.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 9 Boston at Vancouver (8 pm ET) The Canucks have been a disaster. They only barely won their first two games, and then were just awful in the next two. They will benefit from playing at home, but I am not convinced that that will be enough. Boston is playing with a tremendous amount of confidence right now, and Tim Thomas has been absolutely dominant while Roberto Luongo has struggled and was even benched last time. He is not a mentally tough player, and he cannot be trusted to bounce back well. The Sedins have been a real problem as well, and they are struggling to handle the pressure. Boston is playing much looser right now, and that can make all the difference. Vancouver simply does not deserve to be the heavy favorite that they are.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 8 Boston vs. Vancouver (8 pm ET) The question here is whether the anger Boston feels can be carried over and channeled positively in this game. I am betting it can. Horton is a big loss, but if they are going to win this game it isn't going to be because of him but because of defense, goaltending, and hunger. Vancouver was humiliated last time out, and they are not a strong enough mental team to be relied upon to bounce back well. Boston knows that it is a whole new series if they can get a win here tonight, and that coupled with their anger will give them the edge.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 6 Boston vs. Vancouver (8 pm ET) It's incredible that a team that has played as well as Boston has is down 0-2 in the series and looking for a miracle to keep their dreams alive. They have played 120 minutes and 11 seconds of hockey in these finals, and with the exception of one goal in the last 18 seconds of the first game and a terrible 11 second overtime period they have been at least as good as Vancouver - and they have done it in a very tough setting in Vancouver. Now they are home in a far more welcoming environment, and they are going to be angry and frustrated. They are mature and talented enough to turn that anger and frustration into something positive, and I fully expect them to do so.

10 Unit Play Take 1 Boston at Vancouver (8 pm ET) Vancouver is the better overall team, but they are not well positioned to win this one - certainly not at this price. The city of Vancouver is going insane right now, and the pressure on the players is immense. They have been off a long time since their last game. That means they have had a long time to sit around, get rusty, and think about what they have to do. This isn't the most mentally tough team out there, so I expect them to be tentative and a bit overwhelmed by the scope of the situation. Boston has less on the line because they are on the road, and they should be looser and more focused. This is the kind of game that Tim Thomas and the Boston defense could steal, and I am willing to bet that they will.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 75 Tampa Bay at Boston (8 pm ET) This game is a total coin flip in my mind. You can make strong arguments for both teams, and both have clear issues that could get in the way if they aren't careful. In the end, though, I have to take the Lightning. First, they have significantly better offense. Their defense matches up reasonably well, and though Boston's goaltending is better overall it has not been trustworthy in this series. Most significantly, though, there is the Steve Yzerman factor. Yzerman was the toughest, most clutch player in the league during his career, and he has instilled that attitude on his team in his short time in Tampa. He is going to have this team motivated and ready to go, and I just don't see Boston being able to match that.

10 Unit Play Take 71 Boston at Tampa Bay (8 pm ET) This series has gone back and forth, but Boston is the better team, and now that Vancouver has gone through I think they'll be motivated to join them before they get too tired and let Vancouver rest too much. Tim Thomas was brilliant last time out, and I expect more of the same. Tampa has had goalie issues, and I expect more of that as well. Boston is deeper defensively, better in net, and generally more consistent.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 70 Vancouver vs. San Jose (9 pm ET) There are few situations where I think that betting on odds this costly are justified, but this is one of them. Vancouver clearly is in control of this series, and the chance for them to close it down and move on to the finals while at home is going to be too much to resist. Vancouver has been dramatically better in the series, and San Jose has showed a shortage of heart and consistency. The Canucks have been frustrating through these playoffs, but the last few games they seem to have flicked a switch and figured out what they are capable of. That's bad news for the Sharks.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 68 Boston vs. Tampa Bay (8 pm ET) Boston threw away a huge chance to put a stranglehold on the series with a brutal third period collapse last time out, and now they have to come home tied. There are two ways a team can react to a setback like that - they can pout, or they can let it fuel them. I expect the latter. This is a team that has repeatedly faced adversity in these playoffs, and they have handled it well. Tim Thomas is a great goalie, and he will be much better here than he was last time. Boston will have a rabid crowd behind them, and that will lift them to a win.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 65 Vancouver at San Jose (3 pm ET) Vancouver made a late charge last time, but didn't quite pull it off. I still think that they are the tougher team here, and that they are hungrier. They have the chance to win this thing at home if they get a win today, and I feel like they have finally got their act together and realize what they are capable of in these playoffs. They are the better team with the more reliable goalie, and are well positioned here.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 64 Tampa Bay vs. Boston (1:30 pm ET) If the Bruins win this game the series is all but over, and I am not willing to count the Lightning out just yet. They have been very tough and very resilient through these playoffs, and I expect them to be fully capable of regrouping and get back on their game - especially because they are playing at home. Tim Thomas was brilliant last time out, but he was also helped by tentative play form the Lightning throughout. If they get their aggression back then this will be a very different game.

10 Unit Play Take 59 Boston at Tampa Bay (8 pm ET) The first two games of this series have been surprisingly high scoring, offensive games - 18 total goals in two games. That is far more than anyone would reasonably have expected in this series. I expect that both teams would prefer a more defensive style since both have lost a wide open game, so this game should be calmer and more defensive. That gives the Bruins the edge - a goalie I trust more, a deeper defensive core, and more general defensive discipline.

4 Unit Play Take 57 San Jose at Vancouver (9 pm ET) San Jose started well last game but couldn't keep it together. Still, Vancouver is not a mentally tough team and the Sharks are talented, so it makes sense to be skeptical of the Canucks and on the side of the Sharks - especially at a price like this. San Jose has done a good job in these playoffs of shaking off problems and getting back on track quickly. If they can get the Canucks back on their heels early then they will be in good shape here.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 56 Boston vs. Tampa Bay (8 pm ET) The Bruins were caught off-guard and flat-footed by the Lightning in the opener, but I don't expect that to happen again. Boston dug themselves into a big early hole in the opening round, so they know how much fun that isn't, and they won't be looking to do it again. I expect a much better pace of play from them, a stronger defensive effort, and a better result. Tampa Bay executed perfectly in the first game, but they aren't as good as they looked, and Boston is clearly better than they looked.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 53 San Jose at Vancouver (8 pm ET) I just don't trust this Vancouver team at all right now. They have not been mentally strong in these playoffs, and they have not gotten off to strong starts in the playoffs. San Jose absolutely should not be favored by as much as they are right now, so they are the clear play. Frankly, they would be the clear play in my eyes even if they were favored here.

10 Unit Play Take 52 Boston vs. Tampa Bay (8 pm ET) Both teams have been off for so long that it's hard to know how well they will come out of the gates in that one. In the face of that uncertainty I would lean towards the home team - especially when that home team has the best goalie on the planet right now. We know Tim Thomas will be ready whereas we can't be sure that Dwayne Roloson can maintain his incredibly strong play. That plus their defensive strength gives Boston the edge here.

4 Unit Play Take 40 San Jose vs. Detroit (9 pm ET) I've believed in San Jose the last couple of games, and I am not going to change now. It's always a bad sign when a team blows a 3-0 lead, but unlike a lot of teams in that situation they have not played disastrously badly in their three losses. Now they are at home in front of a rabid crowd, and I expect them to be ready and focused. They are certainly capable of beating Detroit, and their speed should be an advantage here. If Detroit had a better goalie I would be concerned about picking San Jose, but neither goalie here is a difference maker.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 31 San Jose at Detroit (8 pm ET) This is the third straight game San Jose has been in a position to end this series, and this is when they are going to get it done. They still have the same advantages they have had in the past - more speed, younger, and better goaltending. They have lost two in a row but they aren't looking or playing like a team that is trying to blow a 3-0 lead, and they don't seem to be panicking. Patrick Marleau has taken some serious criticism lately, and I expect him to be particularly fired up for this one.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 27 Vancouver at Nashville (8 pm ET) I don't trust Vancouver's mental game right now - they are their own worst enemies. Ultimately, though, handicapping is about betting on the best team at a fair price, and Vancouver, despite their issues, is the best team in the league. Vancouver has their second chance to end the series, and they should be better prepared for it this time. It's a good thing for them to be away from home as well - they have very supportive fans, but when things go bad the crowd gets very quiet and the team gets tense. Now they can just focus on the game and do what should come easy to them.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 24 San Jose vs. Detroit (8 pm ET) I have faith in San Jose here. They missed out on closing out the series in their first try, but now they are at home, and I think they are going to be in the right mindset to get this thing done. They have been the better, faster team throughout the series, and they should be able to exploit their advantages in front of a very friendly crowd. Dertoit felt like they were pulling off miracles just to win that last game, and I don't expect them to be able to do it again. If San Jose really wants to go all the way this year - and they can - then they need to shut down the Wings and end this thing here.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 14 Detroit at San Jose (7 pm ET) Detroit has not looked great in their series, but they haven't been blown out, either. Now their backs are against the wall. They are a veteran team who has been here before, and they are at home, so they are going to be fighting hard. The Sharks have looked good, but they are notoriously bad at finishing things off, and I don't trust them to be at their best in this one. I expect San Jose to win the series, but Detroit will teach them a lesson here before they do.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 12 Nashville vs. Vancouver (8:30 pm ET) This is a situation you don't want to overthink too much. When you have a good home team that is playing well and has a great goalie playing at home and you can bet them at better than even money then you do it. Nashville has played Vancouver very tight, and that's not going to change here.

4 Unit Play Take 4 Nashville vs. Vancouver (9 pm ET) Nashville won an overtime epic last time out. They did it in large part because of two factors - they had brilliant goaltending, and they were the more disciplined team. Neither is going to have changed since that last game. They will have a boost from being at home, and a determination to get the lead in the series. I still ultimately am not sure they will win the series, but they will win tonight. I also question the mental state Roberto Luongo will be in tonight. After almost stringing together two shutouts in a row he gave up a terrible goal late in regulation and then was beaten in overtime. He's far more fragile than he should be, and could be in for a sub-standard game.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 66 Philadelphia vs. Boston (7:30 pm ET) We are on a nice three game winning streak in the NHL, and this is the place to keep it going. Boston humiliated the Flyers in the opener. It was almost as if Philly forgot to show up. That will be a major wake up call for them. I'd be more concerned about that outcome if I didn't think that Philly was more than capable of winning games in this series. They also got a slow start last series but came back with a nice win in the second game. Philly is a solid home team, and will be hungry and determined here.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 62 San Jose vs. Detroit (3 pm ET) It was a very close game last time out for these teams - a 2-1 overtime win by the Sharks - but it exposed a bigger difference between the teams. Detroit looked like what they are - older. That wouldn't be a concern if the Sharks weren't playing well, but for four of their last five games they have looked very good. The goaltending is roughly equal in this series, and San Jose is playing with more jump, more intensity, and more general strength. Detroit's first round win isn't as impressive as first glance because Phoenix just wasn't into it.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 59 Nashville (+175) at Vancouver (9 pm ET)

Vancouver won the opener of this series but it wasn't easy. It was a grinding, defensive game and they were saved by their goalie several times. Combine that with the intensity of the last series and the short break they endured between series and you have a Vancouver team that is physically and emotionally spent. Nashville is much fresher, and they are going to be determined to stay in this series here. They have the ability to be better than they were in the opener, and they are going to try to be. They have the goaltending to match - they probably even have the edge - and they are going to be fired up.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 55 Tampa Bay at Washington (7 pm ET) Tampa Bay was incredibly impressive down the stretch of their series against Pittsburgh, and I look for them to carry that momentum forward here. Washington has been off long enough to be rusty, and has to take a massive step up in class after beating a pretty underwhelming Rangers team in the first round. Tampa Bay has the impossibly hot goalie, the offensive confidence, and the belief in themselves and their coaching. They will draw first blood.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take Boston vs. Montreal (7 pm ET)

The Bruins lost a tough one last night, but that will only serve to make them angry. They lost their best player to a misconduct early, gave up two power play goals, and they didn't get the bounces. They were good enough to win that game, and back at full strength in front of an emotionally charged building I look for them to get a good start and keep running in this one. This will be a war, but with both teams tired the one that is more talented and has more support will have an edge, and that's obviously Boston here.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 19 Chicago (+150) at Vancouver (10 pm ET)

I'm grouping these two games together because the bets are driven by the same logic. Both of these are road teams that have been very strong, and which have made it all the way to the seventh game of the series. Both have goalies who have been very good. Both are scoring well and playing sound defense. Both have tough fans who are not going to be happy about being in this situation, so the pressure and stress levels will be very high. Both of the home teams have goaltending concerns, both have shown repeatedly that they are vulnerable, and both are favored by far two much at home in this situation.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 17 Buffalo (+140) at Philadelphia (7:30 pm ET)

I'm grouping these two games together because the bets are driven by the same logic. Both of these are road teams that have been very strong, and which have made it all the way to the seventh game of the series. Both have goalies who have been very good. Both are scoring well and playing sound defense. Both have tough fans who are not going to be happy about being in this situation, so the pressure and stress levels will be very high. Both of the home teams have goaltending concerns, both have shown repeatedly that they are vulnerable, and both are favored by far two much at home in this situation.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 13 San Jose at Kings (10 pm ET) San Jose made a mess of things last time out in a game they absolutely should have won. They have another chance to end this series here, though, and I don't expect them to let it pass them by. The Kings seemed tight early on playing at home with a chance to clinch and L.A. took advantage. This time is should be the Kings that are tight thanks to the crowd, while San Jose is more focused and determined. Ultimately, San Jose is not only the much better team, but the much healthier one as well. That's a good side to be one here.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 3 Vancouver at Chicago (8 pm ET) The Canucks have been as bad as a team can be their last two games - a 12-2 combined score. Nothing has gone well and they have looked like they gave up in the second game. Normally it would be tough to like a team in this situation, but I like the Canucks here. They have had an extra day off before this one, so they have had a chance to regroup and focus on their issues. They are clearly the better team here - they are the best team in hockey - but they haven't been hitting or defending or playing with intensity. They can do all of those things, and I expect them to remember that, and to remember that they really don't want to play a seventh game if they don't have to.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 73 Rangers at Washington (3 pm ET) The last time the Capitals won a series in less than seven games was 1998. They just aren't a team that responds well t the pressure of closing a series out. Last year they collapsed badly in game five against Montreal - it was over almost before it started. That will be weighing on their minds as they play a New York team with nothing to lose and which has played reasonably well throughout the series. The Rangers have by far the better goaltender, and this feels like a game for a goalie to steal.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 71 Nashville at Anaheim (10 pm ET) This has been a tough, competitive series in which neither team has been able to build any momentum. Anaheim won the last one 6-3, but it wasn't as decisive a win as the score suggests. Nashville will be frustrated by that result, and will be looking to do something about it here. They bounced back well from their last loss in the series, and are 9-2 in their last 11 games off of one day of rest, so they are well positioned for success here.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 65 San Jose at Los Angeles (10:30 pm ET) Series often have tipping points, and I think we just saw it for this series. The Kings had last game sewn up with a 4-0 lead and totally dominating play. They lost it in overtime. The Sharks showed a lot of heart in that win - something we don't always know they have. More significantly, it was a reminder for them that they are the superior team, and it will serve to dampen the spirits of a Kings team that is already downtrodden with the loss of their best player. The series hadn't made a lot of sense so far, but it should start doing so now.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 64 Vancouver vs. Chicago (10 pm ET) Vancouver was absolutely horrible last time out. I expect it to be a wakeup call for them. They are clearly the better team here, but they had coasted through the playoffs so far because up until last game that was all that was needed. Now they know they can't do that. They are back at home, and they can put it away and get ready for the next round. They will be fired up and ready, and that's bad news for the Hawks.

4 Unit Play Take 62 Montreal vs. Boston (7 pm ET) The Habs were embarrassed by Boston last time out in a game that wasn't as close as the score. You could see their frustration, and in comments since you have seen how positively motivated they are by it. The crowd is as much of a factor in their building as in any in the league, and it is going to be fired up for this one. Add in the determination of the team and the inconsistency of Boston lately and you have the ingredients for a home win.

4 Unit Play Take 49 San Jose at Los Angeles (10:30 pm ET) Ultimately, this one is a bet on the pride of the Sharks. They are the better team in this series, yet they played one of the worst games any team has played in the playoffs so far to fall to even in the series. They are fully capable of bouncing back with a strong effort here, and I expect them to. They have had an extra day of preparation for this one, and they are a competent team on the road in general and at L.A. in particular. The Kings are badly lacking firepower, and the Sharks need to - and will - exploit that here.

4 Unit Play Take 45 Detroit at Phoenix (10:30 pm ET) Detroit has not only beaten the Coyotes twice, but dominated them. Things got interesting in the third period last time, but only because Detroit let it slip with a big lead. That won't happen again. The crowd won't be a major factor here because Detroit is so popular, and because the ownership mess in Phoenix isn't helping enthusiasm for the team. Detroit is just too much for the Coyotes and they will show it here.

4 Unit Play Take 42 Montreal vs. Boston (7:30 pm ET) I am shocked that Montreal won both games in Boston - totally shocked. This is going to be a very tough place for the Bruins to get things back on track, though. The building is going to be hostile towards Boston - and Chara is particular - in an indescribably intense way. That's going to fuel the Habs even more than they already are. They love playing in this building - especially during the playoffs - and they are inside the heads of the Bruins. As I write this Boston is favored. They absolutely shouldn't be.

4 Unit Play Take 40 Buffalo vs. Philadelphia (7 pm ET) In two games Buffalo was clearly the better team once, and every bit as good despite losing the second time. They are extremely confident, they have been strong at home, Ryan Miller will bounce back strong, Philadelphia still doesn't look as good as they should, and so on. I could go on, but you get the point - this Buffalo team at home is going to be tough to beat.

4 Unit Play Take 37 Vancouver at Chicago (8 pm ET) For two games Vancouver has played well below their capabilities and have been lucky to win. They'll know that, and they are more focused than any team in the league right now. That means that they are going to use this game to get back on track. They know they are the significantly better team, and that they are capable of winning this series quickly, and they will look to emphatically prove that here. If Vancouver plays their best game then Chicago just won't be capable of matching them. Vancouver is the best road team in the league, and they played well in this arena this year - an easy win and a shootout loss - so they are certainly not going to be intimidated.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 27 Buffalo (+1

10 Unit Play Take 18 Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay (7 pm ET) Pittsburgh is absolutely incredible - playing as well as any team in the league right now despite missing two of the five best players on the planet. That's obviously a tough, well coached team. It's also one that has a confident defense and a very hot goalie. Match that up against a Tampa Bay team that is talented but is in a funk and you have problems for the Lightning. Tampa Bay should be explosive, but they just can't seem to connect. They have felt like a mere impersonation of a good team the last few weeks, and that was on display in full force in the opener. Pittsburgh is tougher, and they want it way more, so they will get it here.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

1 Unit Play Take 16 San Jose vs. Kings (10 pm ET) The Sharks have a good opportunity to go deep in the West this year. They have had that most years, though, and they have failed. The difference this year seems to be their attitude - more focused, more intense, and ultimately more mature. They are the better team in this matchup if both teams were at full strength. Unfortunately for the Kings they aren't even close - their top scorer is on the shelf. The Kings limped into the playoffs, and they seem to know they are in trouble here. I look for the Sharks too hit the ice hard and look to make a real statement to let Vancouver know that the West is not a one team race. The Kings won't have an answer for that.

4 Unit Play Take 5 Rangers at Washington (7:30 pm ET) The Rangers have a good formula for playoff success - the offensive load is spread out, the defense is solid, and they have a goaltender who is more than capable of stealing a game. New York knows how to get under Washington's skins - they have beaten them three straight games, and in the first of those games Ovechkin was so frustrated he got into a very rare fight. Washington has had all sorts of issues in the playoffs in recent years, and that will be weighing heavily on their minds in this one. That is definitely to New York's advantage.

4 Unit Play Take 58 Chicago (-1.5 +155) vs. Detroit (12:30 pm ET)

Chicago controls their own destiny - a win here and they are in the playoffs. Detroit needs nothing at all from this game other than having it over so that the playoffs can start. Detroit is not a young team, and they are very focused on the playoffs, so they won't have any interest in this game at all. Chicago should be highly motivated, and they should be able to get a solid jump on their opponent here.

4 Unit Play Take 12 Toronto (-120) vs. Montreal (7 pm ET)

The season didn't wind up in a playoff berth for the Leafs, but they still can't be totally disappointed in how it turned out. After a slow start they have finished things off solidly. Now they are playing the last game of their season at home against a big rival. I suspect they will be very fired up to end it right for the long-suffering home fans. They will play like they have nothing to lose - which they don't. Montreal will, on the other hand, be looking forward to next week when their playoff run starts. There is a question of whether they will finish sixth or seventh that could be determined by this game, but given the turmoil above them and the uncertainty of their opponent as a result I don't see that as a motivating factor at all - they'll be playing a good team on the road no matter what. Toronto will simply want this one more, and that should be enough.

4 Unit Play Take 54 Buffalo vs. Philadelphia (7:30 pm ET) The Sabres have the opportunity to secure their playoff spot with a win here. That's a big incentive. Philadelphia can stay in position to win their division with a win. That's not as much of an incentive, though - they get a home series no matter what and they know it. Philly has lost four in a row, and look like they are just killing time until the playoffs start. It hasn't been pretty. Buffalo has played much better recently - 7-1-2. Buffalo won in Philadelphia a month ago, so they are clearly capable of the win here. Add up the motivation, the incentive, and the form and you have a clear pick for Buffalo.

4 Unit Play Take 6 Dallas (-1.5 PL) vs. Colorado (8:30 pm ET) The Stars have three games left. They need to win them all, and get some help, to make the playoffs. Thankfully, the games couldn't be easier for them - back-to-back against the pathetic Avs and then Minnesota. That should have them very motivated for this one. That motivation should be more than enough to get them past a team that is just 4-23-2 since the all-star break, and which has more injured people than a hospital. I expect a very flat effort from Colorado, and a very sharp one from Dallas. That should be enough here.

4 Unit Play Take 53 Toronto at New Jersey (7 pm ET) Both of these teams are out of the playoffs and just playing out the string. Both played last night as well. The difference between the two is that while Toronto entered the season expecting to be about where they are, the Devils have been a massive disappointment. That makes it much easier for Toronto to stay motivated, and it has showed recently. the Leafs are actually playing their best hockey recently - they have won six of eight, and their loss last night was to Washington in a shootout. New Jersey is far less impressive. They have lost five of seven, and really just don't look like they care. Toronto believes they are building something while New Jersey just wants the pain to end. That makes the underdog very attractive here.

4 Unit Play Take 9 Chicago at Montreal (7:30 pm ET) Neither of these teams have quite secured a playoff spot just yet, but Montreal has essentially got one tied up. Chicago is in a more tenuous position, though they can ease a lot of the pressure on the team if they get a win here. They should be more motivated as a result of that, and they are a team that has proven themselves to be more than capable of dealing with pressure. They should be very hungry to get back into the playoffs as well. While that hasn't been a strong motivator all year for them - or at least they haven't been able to act on that motivation as consistently as we would hope - it should be more of a factor as the season draws to an end. Montreal has dropped four of six, so they are vulnerable at this point.

4 Unit Play Take 13 Calgary at Colorado (8 pm ET) Calgary has been a very hard team to trust recently. Still, they should be ready for this one. First, they are playing at the worst team in hockey right now - their win last game was just their fourth in their last 28 games. It's a team they are comfortable against - the Flames have won the last four meetings this year. It's also a game that really matters for Calgary - a loss here combined with a point by Chicago and the playoff dream is dead. Calgary's motivation has been very suspect the last month, but this should definitely be a spot they can get up for, and if they do that then they will come out on top.

4 Unit Play Take 67 Toronto at Ottawa (7 pm ET) The Battle of Ontario ends for the season tonight. Toronto has a 3-2 edge in the season series, and I look for them to win the series outright. Toronto is playing very well right now - for them at least. They have won five of their last six games, and five in a row in their division. The playoffs are a longshot, but they still have a mathematical chance, so they have something to play for here. Rivalry and meaning - that's the kind of motivation I like. Ottawa has won five of 10 games, so they are playing okay but not great. It has been a very frustrating season for them, though, so the closer they get to the end the harder it will get to get excited about things, or to match a motivated opponent.

4 Unit Play Take 6 St. Louis vs. Calgary (8 pm ET) The Flames are just a mess. After playing themselves int a playoff position following a terrible start to the season they have now lost seven of their last nine to all but destroy any playoff hopes. They are not playing with any cohesiveness or focus, and there are huge questions about the coaching, management and the future direction of the team. It's not a healthy team. St. Louis has won three of their last four, and is coming off an incredibly impressive effort last time out against the Red Wings - 10-3. They aren't a playoff team, but they are clearly playing better right now, and they match up well with talent.

4 Unit Play Take 65 Nashville at Colorado (9 pm ET) This one probably won't come as a shock to you, so I will be brief. Colorado is in a very deep hole that we continue to exploit. Nashville is red hot. They lost to Vancouver last time out, but it was a respectable effort against a better team, and they won six in a row before that. Like every game Colorado has played in the last two months this is a mismatch.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 15 St. Louis (+100) at Minnesota (8 pm ET)

Simply put, a team that has lost seven in a row, and has done so as unimpressively as Minnesota has, doesn't deserve to be favored - even f it is at home against an underwhelming team like St. Louis. The Blues were solid in their win over Edmonton last time out, and they are consistently capable of playing well against bad teams - something Minnesota certainly is right now. Minnesota has scored just nine times in their seven losses - with four of those goals coming in a single game - so they are a long way from productive. St. Louis is coming off a shutout, and has two in their last four games, so they are capable of containing a struggling offense.

Best of luck - Doc's Sports

4 Unit Play Take 17 San Jose at L.A. (10:30 pm ET) The Sharks have won four in a row and are clearly rounding into postseason form. They have a chance to solidify their position in the division with a win here. They are underdogs in part because they played last night, but I am not worried about that - it was a fairly easy game, they played it at home and the travel was easy, and they are a solid team in back to back games. The Kings won last game but had lost two before that, and they lost second leading scorer Justin Williams last time out and will have to deal with that. San Jose should be favored.

4 Unit Play Take 13 Toronto at Colorado (9 pm ET) Toronto continues to play some pretty good hockey right now - at least for them. They have won four of six games, have been defensively sound, and are scoring with some frequency. It's a big step forward from where they were earlier in the year. They still have an outside look at a playoff spot, and should be using that as motivation. Colorado is struggling. They have won two in a row, but give that those came against Columbus and Edmonton that hardly counts. They aren't playing well in any facet of the game, and I'll continue to play against them until they show signs of real life - or until the season ends.

4 Unit Play Take 2 Islanders vs. Atlanta (7 pm ET) New York has won two in a row, and six of ten. Those two wins came at the end of a long road trip after they started losing and that impresses me - it's tough to regain momentum on the road. Now they are home where they have been mostly competent. They are up against an Atlanta team that can't get anything rolling, and which is coming off perhaps their worst performance of the whole season in Buffalo. Things have not gone well for Atlanta after a strong start, and I suspect that that loss could be the straw that break's the back of this season and makes them long for the golf course and not the rink.

4 Unit Play Take 51 Vancouver at Detroit (7 pm ET) Vancouver has clinched their third straight division title. Now they want what they have never before won - a President's Trophy for the best record in the league. They have it in their grasps and they know it, but they can't let up. That will be a big motivation here. Detroit just isn't playing very well right now - only four wins in their last 10. They are an old team that is starting to look like one - at least until the playoffs start. Vancouver comes into this games having not played since the 18th, so they will be well rested and fresh. Detroit lost an intense game in a shootout to Pittsburgh on the 21st, so they won't be nearly as fresh.

4 Unit Play Take 13 Toronto (+105) at Minnesota (8 pm ET)

It would have seemed hard to believe earlier in the season, but Toronto is actually resembling a decent hockey team. Not a great one, but a decent one. They have won three of their last five, including a very nice win over Boston last time out. They are an acceptable road team as well. Now they get to travel to face a team on the verge of setting a franchise record for consecutive losses. Their last game - an 8-1 loss to Montreal at home - was as bad as a team can play. They are directionless, their coaching is lousy, and they can't score at all right now. Toronto has a solid edge.

3 Unit Play Take 53 Calgary at L.A. (10:30 pm ET) The Flames have their backs up against the wall. They have played lousy recently - 1-4 in their last five - and are in danger of losing touch in a very tough playoff race. The oddsmakers and the public are overreacting to their struggles here, though. They should be slight underdogs, but not the heavy ones they are. The Kings have lost two in a row at home, so they aren't anywhere close to unbeatable right now. Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff was absolutely brutal last night - he was yanked in five minutes after allowing three goals in five shots. He often responds well to embarrassment, and could have a big day here.

4 Unit Play Take 7 Montreal (+105) at Minnesota (7 pm ET) The Wild are just not playing good hockey right now. They have lost four in a row and eight of 11, and have seen their playoff chances evaporate. Good teams can easily capitalize on their issues. Montreal, despite some inconsistency recently, is a good team. They have alternated wins and losses in their last six, but they haven't lost two in a row in a month and are more than capable of strong play here. Minnesota is only barely above .500 at home, so the location doesn't offer them much help. Montreal has a big edge in goal, and are superior both offensively and defensively, so they are well positioned.

Game of the Week - 10 Unit Play Take 66 Edmonton vs. Colorado (10 pm ET) We've enjoyed good success betting against Colorado recently, and there is no reason for the fun to stop. This is a lousy, lousy Colorado team - they have lost 10 in a row, failed to score more than two goals in eight straight, and lost by multiple goals in six straight. They are in a serious, ugly rut. Edmonton has lost five in a row, but it's somewhat deceptive - they have played an extremely tough schedule over that stretch. Before that they had won three, including dominant 5-1 thrashing of Colorado in Denver. The Oilers aren't yet a good team, but they soon will be, and they are certainly moving in the right direction. Colorado isn't.

4 Unit Play Take 8 Vancouver (-1

4 Unit Play Take 70 Calgary vs. Phoenix (9 pm ET) Calgary is going to be angry in this one. They have lost two games in a row in regulation for the first time in a long time, and the first of those two losses was to Phoenix in the worst game the team has played in a while. For a while I wondered if Calgary was capable of playing well angry, but now I think they are - they have certainly shown they can be motivated when they need to be, and they really need wins to stay in the thick of the playoff hunt. They will be well rested for this one, they are a solid home team, and they will be hungry to beat a Phoenix team that has had too much luck against them this year.

4 Unit Play Take 5 Ottawa at Florida (7:30 pm ET) The Senators are, for them, playing some pretty good hockey right now. They have won five of eight, haven't lost two in a row over that time, and have beaten some very good teams in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Florida has been far less impressive - a win last time out ended a five game losing streak. Ottawa is 4-1 in their last on the road, and have beaten the Panthers the last four times they met. They are well positioned to keep things rolling - in relative terms considering they are a lousy team - here.

4 Unit Play Take 63 Rangers at Anaheim (10 pm ET) One stat stands out when looking at this game - it has been more than a decade since the Rangers lost at Anaheim. Sure, they don't play each other often, but it's still an impressive run. There are reasons for the Rangers to be confident beyond that. Chiefly, Henrik Lundqvist has been beyond brilliant in the nets recently. Anaheim was shut out last time out, and has scored two or fewer goals five times in their last eight games, so they could definitely struggle to score here. The Rangers, on the other hand, have scored 11 goals in their last two, so they are confident offensively and playing against a team that is definitely vulnerable.

4 Unit Play Take 9 Boston at Montreal (7:30 pm ET) Both of these teams are hot right now - Boston had won seven straight before their last loss, while the Habs have won four straight. The Bruins are the stronger team right now, though. When you look at what they have done defensively recently it's quite remarkable - they allowed just seven goals in their last six wins. That's what happens when you have a strong defensive corps and the best goalie on the planet. Montreal hasn't been as tight defensively, and have relied more on scoring goals - something that will clearly be hard to do tonight. Boston won the game last time these two met, but it was an ugly 8-6 game. The Bruins will be very motivated to do better this time around, and they are playing well enough to do so.

4 Unit Play Take 51 Washington at Tampa Bay (7 pm ET) I really like Tampa Bay, but they are mired in an inevitable slump right now. Steven Stamkos is as good as there is in the NHL right now, but he's so young that he'll struggle at times like he is right now - just one goal in 11 games, and no points in the last four. Tampa has dropped three in a row, and six of nine as a result. The Caps, on the other hand, are red hot - winners of four straight and seven of nine. For the first time all year the Capitals are finally playing like they believe they are an elite team. They beat Tampa Bay convincingly just over a month ago, and they should be able to win here again. They certainly have the momentum in this one.

4 Unit Play Take 64 Boston vs. Pittsburgh (7 pm ET) It's time for another pick to take advantage of Pittsburgh's weakness in this spot. The Penguins are playing lousy hockey - losers of six of seven - and are playing for the second time in two nights, which is a situation they have been far from good in recently. Boston is red hot. They have won seven straight games, and have allowed just seven goals in their last six. That defensive and goaltending prowess are a big problem for a Pittsburgh team that really can't score right now - they have scored just eight goals in their last six losses. Boston is clearly in the driver's seat here.

4 Unit Play Take New Jersey and Pittsburgh UNDER (7 pm ET) We hardly ever play totals, but this one really stands out. In their last 11 games the Devils have gone under this total seven times and hit it right on four times. That means, of course, that they haven't gone over it at all. They are getting two things that have defined this team for years - great defensive play and great goaltending. They are also offensively challenged, and that helps here. Pittsburgh is struggling badly - losers of nine of 12. Against this total they would have been 3-3-6 over that stretch, so they are certainly capable of keeping the score low. There is a good chance that this one will be a low scoring affair - especially since Pittsburgh is in the heart of a long road trip that isn't going great.

4 Unit Play Take 55 Buffalo at Carolina (7 pm ET) I like how the Sabres are playing right now. They have a new owner - a good one for once - and that seems to have given them a spark. They have won four straight road games, and three of four overall. They are just two points out of a playoff spot - behind Carolina, actually, with two games in hand, so they know that they have a good chance of making the postseason if they can stay focused. Carolina has not been quite as impressive lately - they have won just four of their last 11 games. Buffalo has won the last two meetings between the squads, and is poised to pull off another here. Carolina is favored because they are at home, but they shouldn't be - at least not by as much as they are.

4 Unit Play Take 7 Calgary at Chicago (9 pm ET) These are two hot teams fighting hard for a playoff spot in the brutally tough West. Calgary gets the edge here because they have been playing at a high level longer than the Hawks have and seem really determined to pull their remarkable comeback off. The price on them is higher than it would normally be because they played last night. I'm not concerned by that at all, though - they cruised in a ridiculously easy game at St. Louis, and they have won three of four games in the second half of back to backs since turning things around in late December. Calgary has won two of the three meetings between these squads this year, including one in February, so they are certainly capable of coming through here.

4 Unit Play Take 53 Montreal at Atlanta (7 pm ET) Atlanta won last time out, but they have been lousy overall, and the last win broke their longest losing streak of the season. They are falling out of playoff contention, and they know it. Montreal has been much more competitive, and they have won two of their last three. The Habs are better coached, have a brighter future this year, and have better goaltending. This is a good spot.

4 Unit Play Take 2 Minnesota vs. Chicago (8 pm ET) The Hawks have been hot recently, but I am still not trusting them. They have not been strong recently in games on consecutive nights, and they played a tough shootout game last night against Phoenix. Minnesota had a very nice road win against the Hawks in January, so we know they are capable of getting the win here. They haven't consistently been getting wins recently, but they are playing better than their record indicates and just haven't been getting any luck. A potentially flat Chicago team could give Minnesota that boost they need. The price here is generous.

4 Unit Play Take 57 New Jersey at Florida (5 pm ET) The Devils had an eight game winning streak snapped last time out, so by moving further south in Florida they'll look to get right back to their winning ways against an outmatched Florida team. The Panthers won last time out, but they have dropped four of six, and haven't won two in a row in a month and a half. New Jersey has been excellent defensively over this streak, and Florida has struggled to score, so this is far from an ideal matchup for the Panthers. New Jersey will look to grind down the Devils, and Florida just doesn't have the will to stand up to it.

4 Unit Play Take 1 Nashville at Dallas (2 pm ET) The Predators are in the heart of the playoff race, but they have hit a bump in the road - three straight losses. They are too good of a team to stay down for long, though, so this is a good spot to look for a bounce-back. Dallas won their last game, but they lost nine of ten before that, so they aren't in a good place at all - and they have gone through a lot of upheaval because of their trading activity. Nashville won last time they were in Dallas, so they are obviously capable of winning here. Dallas has scored just 1.67 goals per game in their last six games - and four goals came in one game - so they are not on an offensive high, and now they are without one of their offensive sparks in James Neal - one of the newest Penguins. Nashville has struggled offensively in the last three games, but over the last several games they have had a far better offensive performance, and are trustworthy here.

Eastern Conference Game of the Year - 10 Unit Play Take 53 Pittsburgh at Carolina (7 pm ET) Neither of these teams is playing great right now - Pittsburgh has won just two of nine, and Carolina two of eight. Despite the slumps on both sides I really like Pittsburgh in this spot. They have made some very aggressive trades recently, and have come out on top of both of them. James Neal and Alexei Kovalev were both very good additions to the forward ranks. This is Neal's second game, so the young player will have had a chance to settle in. The much older Kovalev will be thrilled to be out of the chaos in Ottawa and back in Pittsburgh where he has success. They will both add a much needed jump to a beleaguered offense, and a jump is all they should need against a badly struggling Carolina team.

10 Unit Play Take 59 Edmonton at Colorado (9:30 pm ET) Edmonton has won three in a row and is playing some pretty inspired hockey right now. Colorado isn't. Colorado won last night, but that was their first win since January 24, so there is no need to get excited. They are a lousy 3-6 on the second game of consecutive nights, so they are not in a position of strength here even if they were playing much better than they are. Edmonton has won two of the last three meetings, so they can certainly beat Colorado, and the Avs have been shaken up by trades recently, with more quite possible.

4 Unit Play Take 3 Nashville at Columbus (7 pm ET) Nashville has won seven of the last nine meetings between these squads, so they are clearly capable of coming out on top. Both teams are in the heart of the ridiculously tight playoff race in the West, with Nashville having an edge. Both teams have been playing fairly well recently as well - Columbus has played themselves back into contention while Nashville has maintained their competitiveness. Nashville gets the nod, though, because of their success against the Blue Jackets, and because Columbus has lost two key forwards - Huselius and Brassard - and already weren't scoring as much as would be ideal.

Game of the Month - 10 Unit Play Take 51 New York Islanders vs. Florida (1 pm ET) As hard as it would have been to believe a couple of months ago, the Isles are playing very good hockey right now. They have won seven of 10 and are all on the same page and working hard. It's good to see. Florida is not playing nearly as well - they have won just three of their last 10, and are playing like they know exactly how bad and how hopeless they are. New York has two pretty impressive wins over good teams at home in their last three, so they should be very much ready for the step down in class they face with the Panthers here.

Best of luck - and happy President's Day (or Family Day in much of Canada) - Doc's Sports

10 Unit Play Take 10 Calgary vs. Montreal (6 pm ET) I am handicapping the latest NHL outdoor spectacle only in part because I can literally see the stadium it is being played in outside my office window. I also think it is a fairly one-sided game that offers some nice value. The Flames are playing very good hockey right now, and have fought back into the playoff hunt. I'm not entirely sure how they are doing it, but they have done it long enough to show they can sustain it. Montreal, on then other hand, is on a skid. They have dropped five of six, and it seems like every defenseman they have is either injured or banged up. They lack depth right now, and that has impacted them on the ice. They aren't going to be at their best here. This game is going to be played in cold conditions - and it will obviously get colder as it gets dark. That's going to be hard for both teams, but the rabid crowd for the Flames will give them an edge to get through that.