Well it was a terrific ending to 2011, with a 5-1 week, just those pesky Islanders getting in the way of a perfect Saturday night.  Luckily I left that game off of my pro-line ticket. Thunder on the other hand had a week she'd like to forget only picking the Avs and Isles as winners, over Washington and Minnesota respectively, which is still gutsy in my book. Here's a look at the matchups I like for this upcoming Saturday.  I stayed away from the Bruins Canucks rematch, even though the B's have won 9 of their last 10 while scoring 49 goals in the process. Lots of early NHL action as Bettman is worried about Wild Card weekend in the NFL (Go Niners!!! Oh wait, that's next weekend).  Let's get it on:

Senators @ Flyers

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Senators continue to surprise in the Eastern Conference as they have managed six wins while picking up points in seven of their last eight games. The Sens lost the only meeting these two sides have had this season, 7-2 back in October.  Despite their recent surge the team is still 29^th in the league in GAA only .02 out of last place. On the other hand the Flyers are hoping that with the HBO distraction gone Bryzgalov will get his game back on track. The Flyers had no issues scoring five goals against the visiting red hot Blackhawks Thursday night, and the league's second highest scoring team should have no issues filling the net against the Sens.  Hopefully Bryzgalov can make the last save in what should be a high scoring affair.

My Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: V

Oilers @ Stars

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Jamie Benn loves playing the Oilers. I can't believe Holmqvist was still in the NHL 3 years ago.

RNH's injury time frame has change from 7-10 days, to 3-4 weeks. His absence however, doesn't seem to have slowed down Jordan Eberle yet as he leads the Oilers with 42 points. It hasn't been enough as the team has lost eight of their last ten games and have fallen into the basement of the Northwest Division. The Stars meanwhile have been getting healthy recently and look to find consistency in their game again.  Handing Boston one of their three losses in their last 25+ games on New Year's Eve should be a great boost to the teams' confidence. The Stars lead the league with a .733 win percentage in one-goal games.

My Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: H

Blue Jackets @ Kings

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Despite being the worst team in the league, the Blue Jackets are only one of four teams who haven't been shutout yet this year. On the other hand the team sports an NHL worst .278 win percentage in one-goal games. The Kings have had issues scoring goals this season, but the Blue Jackets have a GAA of 4.00 on the road this year. The Kings are undefeated while leading after one period of play. The Kings have picked up points in eight straight games, and this matchup should make it nine.

My Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: H

Lightning @ Canadiens

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

After ending 2011 with three straight victories and outscoring their opponents 14-6, The Lightning has fallen back to their lacklustre defensive ways, losing two straight while being outgunned 11-4. Steven Stamkos has put the Bolts on his shoulders collecting 12 goals in his last 10 games. The Canadiens are coming off a big win over the Jets, thanks mostly in part to Lars Eller and his four goals, however that was only the team’s second win in the last nine games. Montreal's powerplay ranks dead last in the NHL, as well as their .421 win percentage when they score first.

My Pick: V

Thunder's Pick: V

Jets @ Sabres

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Sabres have been underachieving lately, especially on the second night of back-to-back nights, losing their last three games. Buffalo knocked off the Oilers on Tuesday and will look for their first win streak since they won three in a row from Nov. 5^th to Nov. 11^th. The Jets have been playing great at the MTS Centre, however they continue to struggle on the road with only five wins this season.  That ranks them 27^th in the NHL. Both teams are top 5 in first period scoring, however the Sabres are -19 the rest of the way (-14 in the 2^nd period), while the Jets are -18 (-17 in the 3^rd period).

My Pick: T (Winnipeg in a SO)

Thunder's Pick: V

Hurricanes @ Predators

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Nashville heads into this matchup with nine wins in their last 13 overall, meanwhile the Hurricanes have managed five victories since Nov. 23^rd. The Canes also boast only four victories on the road this season.  You don't need a whole lot of statistics, and analysis to figure this one out.

My Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: V

*****

Angus addition:

Wanted to throw my own pick for the Vancouver/Boston game tomorrow. I can’t remember the last time I have been so excited about a regular season game. After slow starts to their respective seasons, Vancouver and Boston are back among the best in the league. The Bruins beat you with endless depth and size and aggression. The Canucks use skill, skating, and puck moving to make other teams make mistakes.

That being said, the Bruins have scored 15 goals in their past two games. Cory Schneider better get the horseshoes ready…

My Pick: H