I’m not feeling well. When I was younger I always played better when I wasn’t feeling well. Bet the house this week!

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh is rolling right now and Crosby and Malkin seem to be putting some distance between themselves and the rest of the field in the Art Ross race. The Flyers showed some character in a big come from behind win against Carolina on Thursday night. I don’t think the Flyer D will be able to contain the scoring depth of the Penguins.

-Bet-
1 banana on PIT to win
1 banana on the OVER (5.5)
Pro-Line: V

Minnesota Wild @ Los Angeles Kings
Minnesota is struggling offensively at the moment. They’ve scored 2 goals in their last 3 games so a meeting with the Kings may be just what they need. The Kings give up an average of 2.75 goals a game and 2 or 3 goals may be all the Wild need with their stellar defensive system.

-Bet-
1 banana on MIN to win
2 bananas on the UNDER (5.5)
Pro-Line: V+

Atlanta Thrashers @ Boston Bruins
The Thrashers only have 2 wins in their last 10 games. The Bruins only have 2 losses in their last 10 games. I don’t see anything here to suggest betting against those trends.

-Bet-
2 bananas on BOS to win
1 banana on the OVER (5.5)
Pro-Line: H+

Washington Capitals @ Montreal Canadiens
The Caps beat Montreal 3-0 in Washington on November 28th. Montreal will be looking to get their revenge on home ice but they may have to do it without Chris Higgins and Saku Koivu. I expect a big game from Andrei Markov who will be looking to stop his good buddy Alexander Ovechkin.

-Bet-
1 banana on MON to win
2 banansa on the UNDER (5.5)
Pro-Line: H

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Ottawa Senators
The Lightning are coming off a big win over the Habs at the Bell Centre. The Sens looked to have righted the ship with wins over Atlanta and Pittsburgh but have since lost to Florida and Chicago. I think Ottawa will get back on course and the big line will feast on the Tampa defensemen.

-Bet-
1 banana on OTT to win
1 banana on the OVER (5.5)
Pro-Line: H+

Buffalo Sabres @ New Jersey Devils
Four of the last 5 meetings between these teams have gone to a shootout. This is an excellent spot to bet the tie. Look for a close, low-scoring game.

-Bet-
1 banana on NJ to win
3 bananas on the UNDER (5.5)
Pro-Line: T

Carolina Hurricanes @ New York Rangers
The Hurricanes have lost 4 of their last 5 games including a game against the Flyers in which they blew a huge lead and lost in a shootout. The Rangers usually come out on top when they can score at least 3 goals and Carolina averages 2.85 goals against per game. I think Lundqvist is due for a shutout. Exact score prediction: 3-0 Rangers win.

-Bet-
2 bananas on NYR to win
2 bananas on the UNDER (5.5)
Pro-Line: H+

New York Islanders @ Columbus Blue Jackets
The Islanders have now lost 5 in a row including a 9-2 shellacking to the Penguins on Thursday. Columbus can’t seem to score more than 3 goals in a game but their defensive play has still allowed them to win 3 of their last 6 games. The home team has won the last 5 meetings between these two teams.

-Bet-
2 bananas on CLB to win
2 bananas on the UNDER (5.5)
Pro-Line: H+

Dallas Stars @ Nashville Predators
It’s easy to blame Sean Avery for Dallas’ poor play but the last time I checked Avery wasn’t a goalie. Marty Turco has not played very well at all and his .876 save percentage is proof. The Stars team as a whole has been porous defensively and with Zubov and Morrow still out of the lineup, it doesn’t look like things will be changing any time soon. Nashville has been struggling offensively as of late but a meeting with Dallas may be just what they need to get going.

-Bet-
1 banana on NAS to win
1 banana on the OVER (5.5)
Pro-Line: H

Detroit Red Wings @ Phoenix Coyotes
Detroit has won their last 4 games. They have beaten the Coyotes 9 of the last 10 meetings between these teams. As I’ve said before, it’s never easy to bet against the Red Wings. Keep an eye on Datsyuk and Hossa as they are nursing injuries. If they miss Friday’s game and it looks doubtful they will play against the Coyotes on Saturday then Phoenix may be worth a gamble. I’m assuming both will play.

-Bet-
1 banana on DET to win
1 banana on the OVER (5.5)
Pro-Line: V+

Vancouver Canucks @ Edmonton Oilers
There is word that Luongo may be close to returning and I think this will have a negative affect on the Canucks as they may be looking ahead instead of focusing on the Oilers. The Oilers’ offense was clicking well until the game against the Panthers. I expect Edmonton to quickly get back on track.

-Bet-
1 banana on EDM to win
1 banana on the OVER (5.5)
Pro-Line: H

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks
San Jose’s home record is 23-3-2-0!!!! Betting against them at home is not a winning proposition. Betting the OVER is a good option when the Blues are playing. Their last 6 games have all seen a minimum of 6 goals scored.

-Bet-
2 bananas on SAN to win
2 bananas on the OVER (5.5)
Pro-Line: H+

Happy Holidays! Play safe!