Minnesota’s hot streak should continue on Saturday against Columbus

Winning % on the season= 50%
(Written before Friday night's contests)

Last week I bumped up my percentages on the season to a cool 55% on the campaign taking 2/3 of my six pack. 55% now more or less covers the juice thus far for gambling purposes and that winning percentage is breaking even (as far as the games chosen for the six pack are concerned—The others..much better of course!)

(~~ Follow Anthony Lancione on Twitter @Anthisdaman)

Carolina @ Boston (1:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

Boston has been in fine form of late. In fact, they've been the hottest team in the league, winners of their past seven games, vaulting them over Pittsburgh for top spot in the East.(Mind you they're only up a single point and give up a game advantage to the Pens). They've certainly found their scoring touch to boot, averaging exactly four goals per game over that span, despite only managing two in their most recent triumph. Meanwhile, the Canes have taken two in a row for a rare bright spot in an otherwise dark season. This one is a no-brainer. Take the Bruins to extend their streak to eight.

Pick
Boston – Home Team Win– H+(ProLine)

Ottawa @ Montreal (7:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Price is certainly not right in La Belle Province these days, as Carey is still dealing with injuries sustained over in Sochi. Unfortunately for Habs fans everywhere, the incumbent starter right now, Peter Budaj, has been far from effective. That is actually being generous as he has lost the past four outings, allowing 11 over his last 2-1/3 games- which obviously includes an early yanking (vs the powerful San Jose Sharks). Ottawa meanwhile hasn't been much better. In fact, with Robin Lehner getting the call(been even worse than Budaj since his shutout exactly two months ago), this ought to be a good game to smash the over.

* Robin Lehner Firm @ 12:50pm EDT – Mar 14th 12:50pm Mar 14th Lehner will start. (Bruce Garrioch) 11:54am Mar 14th I guess we know now that Lehner will start vs Habs Saturday. Sens have recalled goaltender Nathan Lawson to fill in for Anderson. (Wayne Scanlan)

vs

* Peter Budaj Probable @ 12:04am EDT – Mar 14th

Pick

Ottawa  – Visiting Team Win – V(ProLine)

Buffalo @ NY Islanders (7:00pm ET)
By the Numbers -Frozen Pools

The pitiful Sabres, now further stripped down post-deadline of their franchise goalie and captain, are mired in a four-game losing streak. They remain in top spot in the 'underall' standings and are coming close to their magic number needed in the "Be Glad to Lose for Ekblad" Sweepstakes, with a horrible 70-20-3 marks away from First Niagara. (#CheesyMuch? I don't particularly mind haha). The Isles haven't had much going right for themselves either this year, losing their star player to injury and being forced to flip Moulson and then deal Vanek for arguably less than they got for Moulson in the first place. In fact its almost safe to say they've wrapped up the basement seat in the inaugural Metropolitan Division campaign.

Pick
NY Islanders – Home Team Win – H(ProLine)
 

St.Louis @ Nashville (8:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Blues have snuck past the Hawks and Ducks to claim top spot in the NHL. Have they been impressive this season? Of Course, but tops in the NHL? I wouldn't have said I felt they were there. However, they've been the model of consistency this season, never enduring any even remotely significant losing streaks and have only gotten stronger since the deadline week goaltending upgrade of Ryan Miller. The Preds may be hosts, but this one is not gonna be pretty for the Predator faithful in attendance. The return of Vladimir Sobotka proved to be equivalent to yet another deadline day add.

Pick
St.Louis – Visiting Team Win – V+(ProLine)

Columbus @ Minnesota (8:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Jackets, despite dealing away their top sniper in Marian Gaborik at the deadline for essentially a few almonds and half a glass of coconut milk, are clinging on to second place in the Metro division and tied with the New York Rangers for the final home ice advantage position. It would be their second ever playoff appearance in their 15th season. Disgusting track record. However, I'm still not convinced they can finally lay claim to plural postseason runs, as those pesky Red Wings are still within arms reach of them can never miss the show. That being said, Minny has been the hotter team of late, going a great 6-1-3 in their past 10.

Pick
Minnesota – Home Team Win– H(ProLine)

Calgary @ Phoenix (10:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Flames may have shocked the hockey world by absolutely pasting the juggernaut Anaheim Ducks this week, but it was far an away an outlier performance; an anomaly if you will. The Flames are still in the race for possibly Ekblad or Reinhart for a reason, though they haven't been as dreadful as I or many others had expected. They've been playing .500 ball since the Olympics though and haven't been as easy of an out lately (alright I'll ease up on the baseball references). The Yotes have not been doin to well since the calendar turned over to 2014. However, they have been pretty darn respectable out of jobing.com arena, sporting a 19-11-3 record on the year equivalent to the home record of the much better LA Kings.

Pick
Phoenix – Home Team Win– H(ProLine)

Good luck everyone!

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