Not much of an intro this week. The whole family has been sick, and hopefully the little guy starts turning a corner so the adults can get some sleep. Lots of great games with playoff positioning this Saturday so let's get right to it.

Lightning @ Penguins

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Despite only being five points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference it appears as though the Lightning are looking to rebuild and get ready for the 2012-13 season. Hopefully part of their game plan is a new starting goalie as the Garon/Roloson tandem has looked brutal this season. They only have one win on the road in February. The Pens have been inconsistent lately following up strong performances with some stinkers. After knocking of the Bolts at home two weeks ago, they lose to the Ducks, than they post a strong victory heading into Philly only to get routed in Buffalo. They just shutout the Rangers, so odds are?? Hopefully the third time is a charm.

My Pick: H (Pens win)

Thunder's Pick: V (Bolts win)

Blues @ Jets

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Jets have taken advantage of stumbles by both the Caps and Panthers recently, going 6-2-1 in their last nine games to propel themselves into the Southeast Division lead. They're 3-0-1 on their current home stand and despite the Blues impressive overall record they are an underachieving 10-13-3 on the road. Wheeler is leading the latest surge with 11 points in his last five games.

My Pick: H (Jets win)

Thunder's Pick: H (Jets win)

Bruins @ Senators

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Boston Bruins have already lost six times in the month of February, to put that into perspective they lost nine games combined in the three months prior to February. The Senators on the other hand have rattled off four wins in a row outscoring opponents 21-4 in that span and closing Boston's division lead to a mere 2 points (although they have four games in hand). Unfortunately for Ottawa Craig Anderson hasn't learned how to cook yet, perhaps he should be looking for some help in that department.  His latest gaffe will cost the team 10 to 14 days without his services and certainly a chance for the Sens to catch up to the Bruins by the end of the Saturday match-up.

My Pick: V (B's win)

Thunder's Pick: H (Sens win)

Sabres @ Rangers

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Both teams will be playing on the back end of back to back games this weekend.  The Rangers face the Islanders on Friday, meanwhile the Sabres have a date with the Bruins. Buffalo is going to be gassed after their match-up with their divisional foes, and the Rangers will be right there to take advantage. That's why the Rangers are in the top spot in the East.

My Pick: H (Rangers win)

Thunder's Pick: H (Rangers win)

Avalanche @ Red Wings

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Well it didn't take long for Kyle Quincey to face his former team. Good thing he gave them some locker room material as he departed the state of Colorado. After sweeping their season series against the Kings the Avs will be more than motivated for this game, unfortunately the Wings are in a class of their own and will look to begin a new home winning streak on Saturday. If Datsyuk were healthy this game would feature the best two way center in the game, and perhaps his soon to be replacement Ryan O'Reilly, who trails Datsyuk by five takeaways, but O'Reilly has given the puck away eight fewer times, while accumulating 45 points in 60 games so far this season to lead the Avs.

My Pick: T (Wings win in a shootout)

Thunder's Pick: V (Avs win)

Blackhawks @ Kings

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Kings are desperate for Jeff Carter to inject some scoring into the team as the Kings slowly spiral out of playoff position in the Western Conference. The team is 2-6-2 in their last ten games and has only managed to generate 15 goals during that span to support all-start Jonathon Quick between the pipes. The Hawks snapped their losing streak with four straight wins before running into the Stars on Thursday night. I have a feeling the Jackets will receive the Kings first round pick in 2013 unless they start scoring goals, and fast.

My Pick: V (Hawks win)

Thunder's Pick: H (Kings win)