Wow! Apparently a visit to the windy city and the Blackhawks streak rubbed off on our friend Anthony who ran the tables last weekend, and now that puts him at 11 correct predictions out of 12 in the last two weeks. I almost feel bad for stepping in this week. Good last week for T-biz and I, picking 4 winners apiece. On the season I'm losing to my dog 56-44%… ouch. Well we've been getting better every week so let's keep the momentum going into this Saturday. Based on the McLaren-Dziurzynski (very easy to spell for us Poles) scrap on Wednesday night, I wonder how much longer Saturday will be alright for fighting.

On a side note, Angus did you really put Anthony's name and mine on a backdrop picture of Nazem Kadri? Boo and hiss.

*written before the conclusion of Thursday night's games.

Capitals @ Islanders

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Capitals enter this tilt having won five of their last six games, including that huge come from behind win at home against the B's on Tuesday night, and following that up by scoring four times in the opening eight minutes in Florida. Looks like the lines are settling themselves in Washington and Oates' system is starting to work for the Capitals. Despite his 3.00 GAA, Holtby is tied for the league lead in shutouts this season, while Mike Ribeiro leads the team in scoring with 25 points in 21 games.

On Long Island it's Tavares, Moulson, and everyone else with free agent acquisition Brad Boyes has rode their coattails for 18 points so far this year. Despite their worst ranked NHL defence the Isles only site one game under .500 and three points behind 2^nd place in their division.

My Pick:V

Thunder's Pick: V

Blues @ Sharks

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Blues have had a rough start to their West coast road trip surrendering 10 goals in the first two games of the trip as they head into the Shark Tank. The Blues surrender a league low 23.1 shots against per game, however when outshot they only have a .250 winning percentage, compared to .615 when they collect more shots than their opposition. Maybe Brian Elliott is the goaltending version of VinnyProspal: 3.34 GAA two years ago, 1.56 GAA last year, and he's back up to 3.65 GAA this season. The Sharks look to get back into the win column after hitting a bump in the road in Kipper's return Wednesday night. Luckily they'll be at home where they've only lost once in regulation this season, 7-1-3. After his sizzling start Patrick Marleau has managed three goals and one assist in his last 16 games.

My Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: H

Devils @ Hurricanes

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Hedberg versus Peters? This sounds like a fantasy owners dream if you own any of the big names on either team. The Devils have the 2^nd worst discrepancy in winning percentage whether they score or surrender the first goal of the game at .460 (Florida's the worst at .533). It will be vital to their success for them to get out to a quick start. The Devils are winless in their last six games and have been outscored 25-12 during that stretch. Staal, E., Semin, and Tlusty have combined to go +49 on the year, as the offense continues to roll. It's great when your best players are your best players and live up to expectations. If only they could figure out their power play that's ranked 25^th in the league. Finally,  the Canes are the only team in the league that hasn't given up a point while leading after the first or second period.

My Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: H

Pens @ Maple Leafs

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Crosby has been Crosby, putting up 36 points in his first 23 games, however Chris Kunitz is finally really catching on with Sid the Kid putting up 28 points in the same time span. Who had Kunitz drafted in the top 100 of their fantasy one year league? Yeah I didn't think so. His unsustainable 24.5 shooting percentage should bring him back down a little. On the other side of the ice all I have to say is NazemKadri. He's been quite the surprise as he's currently on a point-per-game pace. Also, how good does that JvR for Luke Schenn trade look right now? Leading the Leafs with 13 goals, while Phil Kessel looks to find his scoring touch. The Leafs have lost two in a row only twice this season, and once was after losing against the Bruins (again). Hopefully this game is just as entertaining as the Pens-Habs tilt last Saturday.

Pick: V

Thunder's Pick: V

Stars @ Coyotes

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Stars have alternated wins and losses their last six games, so using that logic, after losing Thursday night to the Kings they are due for a victory on Saturday night. With Lehtonen the Stars are 8-3-1, with a 2.27 GAA and .930 save percentage, without him the Stars are 3-6-1 with a 3.51 GAA and .873 save percentage, yikes! The Coyotes meanwhile are practicing for the playoffs by facing the Ducks three straight games prior to this weekend, with the home team winning all three matchups. The Coyotes have posted eight of their 11 wins at home. OEL is a stud, tied for the team lead in points with 16 in 23 games, and leading the team with a +9 rating.

Pick: H

Thunder's Pick: V

Flames @ Kings

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Kings have really woken up recently and look like they are finding their groove, as is Jeff Carter up to 15 goals already this season. The Kings have always been tough to beat at home, and this season isn't any different as they're 7-1-1. After the O'Reilly saga, the offer sheet, the match, the blown 3-0 and 4-2 leads all in one night the Flames have bounced back nicely with victories at home over Vancouver and San Jose by a combined 8-3 margin. It'll be interesting to see what the old legs have left in the tank after taking on the 2^nd best team in the league the night before in Anaheim. They are 0-2 in the second game of a back to back set against Pacific Division opponents.

Pick: H+

Thunder's Pick: H