Final Saturday of NHL hockey for a couple of weeks, but I'm sure watching the Olympics will be just as exciting. If anything it'll be a little more relaxing for us poolies as there won't be any fantasy hockey scoring to keep track of, except for the DobberHockey Olympic Pool. If you haven't signed up yet, what are you waiting for?? It's FREE!!! Let's hope Thunder and I can head into the break on a winning note, as these may be our final picks of the year. I'm heading to Europe for a month so you guys will be able to win even more money by using Notch's picks! Have a great weekend guys.

Tampa Bay @ NY Islanders

St. Louis and Stamkos have accounted for 18 of Tampa's last 26 goals. The Bolts have only won 3 of 8 on the road in 2010. The Isles have lost 8 of their last 9, including their last 3 Saturday matchups, which has pulled them pretty much out of playoff contention in the East. The Isles have only scored 10 goals in 6 matinee games, and have the second lowest goal total at home this season. The Bolts will ride St. Louis and Stamkos to victory.

Pick: V

Thunder's Pick: H

San Jose @ Buffalo

The Sabres have hit quite the road block losing 6 straight heading into their final contest before the Olympics. 5 of those losses were by 1 goal, They're battling, but just not getting the bounces. The Sharks have been getting the job done on the road with their offense (2^nd) and special teams (PP – 2^nd, PK – 1^st). Heatley has 51 pts in 41 career games versus Buffalo. The Sabres top PK unit at home, should help keep this game close.

Pick: T (SJ in SO)

Thunder's Pick: V

Philadelphia @ Montreal

The Canadiens are sad to see the Olympic break on the horizon as they get set for a home and home with the Flyers. They've won 4 out of 5 in the month of February knocking off opponents the likes of Washington, Pittsburgh, and Vancouver. Philly's offense has been suffering a little lately as they haven't scored more than 3 goals in 8 straight games.

Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: V

Boston @ Florida

The Bruins almost blew a 5-0 lead in Tampa on Thursday night as they look to finish their road trip with a perfect 4-0 record. The Panthers haven't scored more than 2 goals in a game since January 16. In that 12 game span they've managed to score a measly 13 goals. They've currently lost 5 straight, 4 of which have come by 2 goals or more. The Panthers have the worst PK at home in the league.

Pick: V+

Thunder's Pick: V

New Jersey @ Carolina

New Jersey has only won 2 of their last 9 games, both against the Maple Leafs, however their road defence (GAA) is still ranked 1^st in the NHL. The team has only managed to score 8 goals in those 7 losses. Even without Cam Ward the Canes are on a roll, having won 4 straight and 8 of their last 10. Both games so far this season have been won by the home team, the Devils. The Canes look to continue rolling with Legace in net who is 2-2 with a 2.05 GAA and .934 SV% versus the Devils in his career. The Canes played their first OT game on Thursday since January 2^nd.

Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: H

Ottawa @ Detroit

The Wings have lost 4 straight and have only 2 wins in their last 10. The Wings have scored the fewest goals in the NHL at home this season. Their defence is amongst the tops in the league, due in large part to the play of Jimmy Howard. After having the Leafs stop their big win streak last Saturday, The Sens have quickly rebounded with victories over Calgary and Washington. Now leading the Northeast division, the Sens have had issues scoring on the road this season (27^th in the NHL). Jason Spezza has 9 goals and 4 assists since returning from injury.

Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: H

Washington @ St. Louis

The Caps have had losing stretches of 3 games, one 4 game losing streak but have never lost two in a row. As much as I would love to go with that trend and pick the Caps, they currently are averaging just under five goals-for per game so far in 2010 (100 GF in 21 GP). They should be able to hold the Blues to under 5 goals to grab the win since the Blues only average 2.5 GF at home.

Pick: V+

Thunder's Pick: H

Dallas @ Phoenix

The Stars have alternated wins and losses over their last 6, and after Turco's strong performance on Thursday vs. Calgary, the Stars may sit their deadline trade bait to ensure he's healthy after the Olympic roster freeze is lifted. Dallas is tied for 4^th in the league for fewest road victories (Toronto, Carolina and Edmonton have 8), and hold the third worst defence away from home. The Yotes were 3-0 (2-0 at home) versus Dallas this year until they were shutout in big D last Saturday. The Coyotes have won 8 of their last 9 to grab a hold of 4^th in the West 3 pts. up on LA. Bryzgalov has played strongly against the Stars in his career going 10-6-2, 2.20 GAA .927 SV%.

Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: H

Atlanta @ Chicago

The Hawks have lost 6 straight on the road while Chicago is 22-6-2 at home. Antti Niemi has strung together back to back wins and looks to be in the driver seat for now until the Blackhawks figure out their goaltending situation prior to the playoffs/trade deadline.

Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: H

Anaheim @ Calgary

Calgary has made some moves to try and address their scoring woes this season… and unfortunately that hasn't helped. Kiprusoff has a 2.36 GAA over his last 17 outings but has only 4 wins to show for it. The Ducks trail the Flames by two points for the final playoff spot as they look for their 5^th straight win versus the Flames. The Ducks have only won 6 games in their last 25 visits to the Saddledome. The Ducks have the 6^th worst PK on the road. If the Ducks pull this one out it will be the first time they've won two straight in Calgary since 95-96.

Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: V

Colorado @ Los Angeles

Since October the Avs have only 1 win in the tail end of playing B2B nights. The Avs are currently tied with the Canucks for top spot in the Northwest as they've managed to win 3 of their last 4 games after a 3 game losing streak wiped out a 6 game winning streak. Have I lost you yet?? The Kings are coming off a 4 game win streak at home that was snapped by the lowly Oilers. Kopitar has seemed to shake some rust off his game as he's posted 24 pts. in 2010 and has averaged a ppg versus the Avs in his career.

Pick: V

Thunder's Pick: V