Phew! The law of averages saw this coming since last spring…but last time out my column resulted in my 1^st sub .500 card since April 8^th of last season. Time to bury last week's rare outlier with another dependable lineup, so without beating around the bush, let's cut right to the chase this week.

• Stats as of Friday morning
• Previous Week Record= 1-5
• For ProLine Purposes= 1-5

NY Islanders @ New Jersey (1:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

I'm going against the grain a little bit here with this one, but I believe this battle of cross border rivals, hosted by the Garden State Devils, will be a close affair. Yes, the Islanders are reeling. Yes, the Islanders have been a ridiculous carousel in net with 4 separate keepers lacing them up between the pipes this month. However Johnny T is ready for a breakout game. Based on today's early game, 1-0 shutout loss in the opener of the home and home series, the Isles showed their first 60 minute collection of solid defensive hockey in nearly a month. It does start from the back end.

Pick

Tie –  T(ProLine) (Islanders in shootout)

Florida @ Tampa Bay (7:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Panthers have really been the most surprising team through the 1^st two months of the regular season. Meanwhile the Lightning, who have been far less impressive (despite a far more experienced and talented core) have been the tale of the tape thus far in the Sunshine State, due to all of the 1-3-1 controversy mostly. That being said, despite the Panthers being right in the thick of things in the East and the Bolts sitting in the outside of a top 8 spot, one would think

that at some point the 2 Florida teams will intercept and flop spots in the standings. The time is now for the Panthers to have the air popped out of their tires, and the Lightning to proving their worth. A successful stint for Mathieu Garon taking the bull by the horns in the starting spot might just be the catalyst needed.

Pick

Tampa Bay – Home Win – H(ProLine)

Pittsburgh @ Montreal (7:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

What a magnificent return from the Sid the Kid, indeed! Conversely, what an anticlimactic follow-up performance!

Realistically, nobody in their right mind truly expected the face of the game to put up four points per, the rest of the way (At least I hope not!). Clearly somewhere smack between is where he'll likely produce going forward. Look for a pair of points tonight to compliment Geno and co, as #87 typically has much success in Montreal (the closest NHL city to his born n raised Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. Expect that trend to continue as well as the Habs' losing ways!

Pick

Pittsburgh – Visitor Win– V(ProLine)

Winnipeg @ Boston (7:00pm ET)

By the Numbers –Frozen Pools

To say the defending cup champs have gotten over their cup hangover and have righted the ship back to the mainland, would be a drastic understatement !! Despite the Red Wings putting an end to their massive 10 game winning streak, (their longest such franchise streak in nearly 30 years), they still have points in 11 straight contests. Over this span the Bruins have outscored their opponents by a whopping 49-17 margin, and at a 47-14 rate before Friday's matinee  affair– Their 1^st loss in November! For a little more perspective that's nearly 5 goals for to 1.5 goals against ratio per game on the month!  Expect the boys in black n blue to get right back on the horse and into the win column once again in front of the Beantown faithful.

Pick

Boston – Home Win – H(ProLine)

Nashville @ Detroit (7:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

Amazingly, the Steady-Eddie Detroit Red Wings have yet to either win or lose a single game this season without spinning it into a streak of some sort! They're currently at 4 consecutive victories, their 3^rd such winning streak of the season already, and looking to tie their season high 5^th straight win at the Joe tonight. With Friday's victory the Winged Wheel actually managed to leapfrog Boston in the overall NHL leaderboard and into a tie with San Jose for 2^nd in the West. Meanwhile Nashville, sits three points back, thanks to Vezina-worthy goaltending from the newly inked Rinne (despite being in 10^th spot, as the parity continues to grow).

Pick

Detroit – Home Win – H(ProLine)

Chicago @ Los Angeles (10:30pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

Corey Crawford has been a shell of his 2010-2011 rookie campaign self thus far at the quarter pole. Frankly to put it mildly he's been abysmal, sporting a .898 Save %. However, whether Ray Emery gets the nod tonight or Crawford is given a chance to build on Friday's win, the important fact to note is that Hawks' offensive corps have finally opened the floodgates. Captain Serious led the way on the heels of an impressive 5 point performance yesterday, acted also as a catalyst for linemate Sharp to bag a hatty to boot, all on direct primary assists from the Toews, himself. Meanwhile the Kings have been mediocre at best themselves over the past 5 weeks losing 8 of their past 13 matches.

Pick

Chicago – Visitor Team Win — V(ProLine)

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