Another crazy busy week, so I'll try to keep it short and sweet. From the last couple of weeks it seems all those slam dunk games haven't been turning out slam dunks; time to get back to the fundamentals. That Philly-Boston matinee is going to be a dandy; too bad Pronger and Giroux are out. There are 12 games on the schedule, so here we go.

Kings @ Red Wings

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Despite the departure of Murray the Kings offense continues to struggle. Since their 3-2 win in St. Louis on November 22^nd, the Kings have failed to score more than two goals in a game. They've managed to score a total of 15 goals in those 10 games. The Wings had a letdown, and blew a third period lead against the Predators. They'll be looking to get back on track and continue their hot run, which shouldn't be an issue since they've only lost twice in regulation at home this season.

My Pick: H (Wings win)

Thunder's Pick: V

Ducks @ Jets

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

It's amazing what a sold out crowd can do for you at home.  The Jets have compiled 10 wins on home ice already facing a Ducks team that has only managed two victories on the road. The Jets have victories over the top team in each conference (Minnesota and Boston) in their last five games played.

My Pick: H (Jets win)

Thunder's Pick: V

Canucks @ Leafs

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

After a week where the Canucks pulled out four wins outscoring the opposition 19-5, they follow it up with back to back losses to two of the worst teams in the league on the road in Columbus and Carolina.  The Leafs have been struggling lately with their consistency, and have been terrible on the tail end of playing on back to back nights, with only one win in five games. Look for the Canucks to come out firing in this one.

My Pick: V+ (Canucks by 2 or more)

Thunder's Pick: H

Devils @ Canadiens

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

A rematch of last week's game in New Jersey that was sealed with Price's penalty shot save off of captain Zach Parise.  That has been the Devils only loss in their last five games. The Devils have won four of their last six games on the tail end of back to back nights. Parise looks to be turning things around with 12 points in his last 9 games, with only one goose egg over that span.

My Pick: V (Devils wins)

Thunder's Pick: H

Islanders @ Wild

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Isles continues to occupy the basement of the Atlantic division with only two wins in seven December games. Kyle Okposo seems to be turning a corner as well, with six points in December. The league leading Wild have had a small hiccup, with losses in their last two contests, including a shootout lost where Patrick Kane made Backstrom look absolutely silly. They are 10-4-2 at home this season.

My Pick: H (Wild win)

Thunder's Pick: V

Capitals @ Avalanche

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Avalanche have been a streaky team lately.  After starting with six straight wins on the road the team has failed to win in their last nine contests, however at home where they started out awful, they've managed to win four in a row now.  The Avs played a couple of great games against the Sharks and should have come away with four points in the home and home had they decided to show up for the final 20 in San Jose.  The Avs are 7-1 this season against Eastern Conference opponents. Looks like Paul Stastny may have finally decided to show up this season with 2G, 1A in his latest contest and he was buzzing all over the ice looking for the hat trick. The Capitals are 4-3 in the month of December, and 3-5 against Western Conference opponents, but have failed to win on the road (0-3). With the colossal breakdown against San Jose in the third period Semyon Varlamov may have played himself out of a rematch against his former team.

My Pick: H (Avs win)

Thunder's Pick: H