Toronto’s desperation should help them to a win Saturday

Almost had a great week last time around, which included four winners as the Avalanche were able to hold of the Sharks for a big win, despite it costing them Matt Duchene. Things could have been better but being on the wrong side of an overtime decision and the Devils continued futility in the shootout prevented that from happening. We're a week away from the end of the season and there are still some wild card battles and home ice positioning within divisions to keep things interesting. So, let's get right to the games, here we go:

Avalanche @ Blues

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The surprising Colorado Avalanche have been able to beat every single team in the NHL this season except one, the St. Louis Blues. Despite losing Matt Duchene, the Avs have pressed on and increased their win streak to five games as they try to hold off the Blackhawks for home ice advantage in the first round. The Blues have 111 points on the season, tied with the Bruins for the most in the NHL and they're the best offensive team in the league at home, scoring 3.6 goals per game. The Blues are 10-1-2 in their last 13 games at home, and have won the last five matchups in St. Louis. The Avalanche have the best road record in the league, 23-10-3, and continued to improve their NHL best record in one-goal games to 28-4-6.

Pick: V (Avs win)

Jets @ Maple Leafs

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Leafs got some help from the Blackhawks Friday night as they were able to knock off the Blue Jackets without allowing a point, keeping the Leafs in the playoff hunt, one point behind, but Columbus still holds a game in hand. Now they need to win their last four games, get a lot of help, and do it without their starting goalie Jonathan Bernier. The Jets have won their last three meetings against the Leafs scoring five goals in each of those contests. However, goalie Ondrej Pavelec has been anything but strong in the blue paint for Winnipeg, surrendering a 4-0 lead in Anaheim on Monday. It didn't help that the team played most of the third period in their own end being outshot 25-6, but maybe according the Jets staff say they out chanced the Ducks?

Pick: H (Leafs win)

Stars @ Lightning

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Dallas is still a point behind Phoenix in the West, but are fortunate to have two games in hand, unfortunately they are on the road and in Tampa Bay where they have lost five in a row. It also doesn't help that your starting goalie is 3-7-2 with a 2.96 goals against average in his last 12 road games, and has also posted a 3.77 goals against average in his last three starts versus Tampa Bay. Vezina candidate Ben Bishop on the other hand has maintained a 20-4-5 record at with a 2.11 goals against average.

Pick: H (Bolts win)

Capitals @ Islanders

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Capitals need to stop channeling their inner Maple Leafs as they've managed to lose five straight while trying to make a push for one of the final wild card spots in the Eastern Conference. Hopefully a game against the worst team in the Metropolitan should help right their ship. The Capitals have the fewest regulation plus overtime wins and would lose a tiebreaker to every team in the playoff hunt. The Islanders have been playing spoiler lately, going 5-0-1 in their last six. An impressive run since they've been without Okposo, Tavares, Grabner, and Visnovsky.

Pick: V (Caps win)

Senators @ Rangers

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Rangers are currently 7-1-1 in their bid to outpace the Flyers for home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Their streak started back on March 18th with an 8-4 win in Ottawa, but the team has struggled to win at home, losing their last six to the Senators at MSG. The Rangers have outscored the Sens 12-5 in their two matchups this season. Lundqvist has been superb down the stretch, being in net for all but one victory while posting a 1.98 goals against average. The Sens blew a 3-0 lead on Friday to see their slim playoff hopes evaporate.

Pick: H+ (Rangers win by two or more)

Predators @ Sharks

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

Nashville has taken the first two games of the season matchup with matching 3-2 victories at home. The Sharks have only managed a single victory in their last five head-to-head contests. Joe Pavelski continues his terrific form in 2014, now with 39 goals on the year trailing Corey Perry by two for second place in the NHL. The Sharks will need some help if they hope to still capture the Pacific Division title and avoid the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs. Nashville is 5-1-1 in their last seven overall, but it has been too little too late in trying to make a push for the post season. Nashville helped San Jose on Friday by knocking off Anaheim 5-2.

Pick: H (Sharks win)

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