Saturday Picks – February 7, 2015

Coretti

2015-02-07

phil kessel

Picking the winners for Saturday’s games.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better… it did. Last week I managed to go a perfect 6 for 6, pushing my record to 11 – 1. I have gone full #BEASTMODE post all-star break and I hope to continue this unbelievable run for another Saturday Game Picks. So grab a beer… put the game on… and get ready to #GETTHATMONEY.

Record: 11 – 1

NY Rangers @ Nashville (3pm ET)

This is a tough game to call. Both teams are stacked with star power. Both teams are great defensively. Both teams have great goaltending. This could very easily be a tie. The Predators have been playing some inconsistent hockey as of late going 5-3-2 in their last 10. Pekka Rinne made his long awaited return two nights ago against the Ducks. Pekka didn't play to well allowing 4 goals on 26 shots, however, he vowed to be better for this afternoon tilt with the Rangers. New York on the other hand will be without the services of King Henrik Lundqvist who is sidelined with an injury. Additionally, the game will be played in Nashville where the Predators are a Western Conference best 20-3-1. For those reasons, I give the slight edge to the Preds. The tie is also worth a look as this game could go to a shootout.

Game Notes: Lundqvist dealing with a lingering neck injury and will not play.

Key Stat: Predators are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. Metropolitan.

Pick: Nashville – Home Team Win– H

NY Islanders @ Boston (7pm ET)

The Islanders come into this matchup having lost to the Bruins 5 – 2 only 10 days ago. Revenge? I think not. The Bruins look to good right now as they are 7 – 3 in their last 10. More importantly, Tuukka Rask has seemed to regain his elite form. The Islanders on the other hand snapped a 3 game losing streak by beating the Flyers 3 – 2 in a shootout two nights ago. However, the recent play of Jaroslav Halak has been rather concerning. Aside from his two games against the Rangers… Halak has had a rather horrific SV% and GAA over his last 10 games. Give me the Big Bad Bruins in this one as they continue to find their form behind the stellar play of Tuukka.

Game Notes: Kyle Okposo is sidelined with a detached retina.

Key Stat: Islanders are 8-18 in the last 26 meetings.

Pick: Boston – Home Team Win– H

New Jersey @ Montreal (7pm ET)

The Devils make their way into Montreal riding a 3 game win streak. Keith Kinkaid will get the start as the Devils are on the tail end of a B2B having beat the lowly Leafs last night. New Jersey has played rather well over their last 10 as they have gone 6-2-2. However, some of the teams they've actually beaten over their last 10 aren't exactly the greatest (e.g. Leafs twice, Ottawa, and Florida). The Habs on the other hand have dropped two straight and more shockingly at home! But even more shockingly… those losses came against the Coyotes and Sabres! This could be a tricky spot as the Devils traditionally play the Habs quite well. But Carey Price > Keith Kinkaid by a lot… if it was Cory Schneider in net I would probably consider steering clear. Additionally, the Devils did just play last night… although it was against the Leafs so you can't take that too seriously. Take the Habs to rebound here.

Game Notes: Keith Kinkaid will be in net for the Devils.

Key Stat: Devils are 2-7 in their last 9 Saturday games.

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Pick: Montreal – Home Team Win– H

Edmonton @ Toronto (7pm ET)

Something tells me that I'm going to regret this one… Maybe it's the fact that I'm taking a team that has now lost 11 straight. Maybe it's because that team is also playing the 2nd game of a B2B. Maybe it's also because I simply dislike this team. Call me crazy, but I like the Maple Laughs here. I mean… if they plan to end this pitiful losing streak… the Oilers would be the team to do it against. More importantly the Oilers want a shot at Connor McDavid and beating the Leafs wouldn't be wise. On the flipside the Leafs are allergic to real talent so they will look to get the W tonight. Take the Leafs as Phil Kessel explodes for a big offensive night in a meaningless game.

Game Notes: Hall missed Wednesday’s game due to a foot injury and is questionable.

Key Stat: Oilers are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings.

Pick: Toronto – Home Team Win – H

UPCOMING GAMES

Dec 27 - 19:12	DET	vs	TOR
Dec 27 - 19:12	BUF	vs	CHI
Dec 27 - 19:12	CBJ	vs	BOS
Dec 27 - 19:12	N.J	vs	CAR
Dec 27 - 20:12	DAL	vs	MIN
Dec 27 - 20:12	STL	vs	NSH
Dec 27 - 21:12	UTA	vs	COL
Dec 27 - 22:12	S.J	vs	VGK