Saturday Picks – February 28, 2015

Coretti

2015-02-28

CareyPrice

Picking the NHL winners for Saturday, February 28th, 2015.

My magical post all-star run came to a screeching halt last weekend as I went 3 for 6. It was a tough evening for NHL bettors, heck even the Leafs won… But tonight is an opportunity to start another hot streak. The past month has been really rough for many teams as star players have been dropping like flies. Patrick Kane, Tyler Seguin, and Blake Wheeler are a few of the big names that have been sidelined with injuries. My record currently stands at 23 – 7 which is not too shabby, however, I think 29 – 7 sounds better… so let’s #GETTHATMONEY.

Record: 23 – 7

Buffalo @ Florida (3pm ET)

The Florida Panthers come into this game having lost their last four games. However, they haven’t played the easiest opponents as three of those games were against the Pens and Blackhawks (twice). The Panthers also acquired a living legend in the great Jaromir Jagr a few days ago. I like the move for Florida as Jagr will add much needed stability to the lineup. The Sabres have won two straight including a 6 – 3 offensive explosion versus the Canucks on Thursday. The Panthers can’t afford to drop points here as they currently trail the Bruins for the last wild card spot. A matchup with the Sabres should end their current losing streak and get them back on track. Roberto Luongo will be elated not to see the likes of Jonathan Toews or Sidney Crosby in this one… Chris Stewart, now that’s much better.

Key Stat: Sabres are 1 – 6 in the last seven meetings.

Pick: Florida – Home Team Win – H

Detroit @ Nashville (3pm ET)

The Red Wings end their current six game road trip in Nashville this afternoon. Detroit has played extremely well on this trip going 3-1-1 thus far. A major reason for their success is the play of the magic man AKA Pavel Datsyuk. Magic man has eight points on this current road trip and the Predators will look to give him a heavy dose of Shea Weber. Nashville has been on somewhat of a mini-slump as they have lost three of their last five games including a rare home loss to the Wild on Thursday. However, the Predators are still a remarkable 26-4-1 at home and fatigue maybe a factor here as the Red Wings haven’t been home at the Joe in a while. Give me the Predators in this one as I can’t imagine them dropping two straight at home.

Key Stat: Home team is 6 – 2 in the last eight meetings.

Pick: Nashville – Home Team Win – H

Pick: NY Islanders – Home Team Win – H

Toronto @ Montreal (7pm ET)

Carey Price is a beast. Allowing only 15 goals in his last 10 games… Carey is currently on GODMODE. The Canadians are 7-1-2 in their past 10 games as they currently sit atop of the Eastern Conference. It’s safe to say that Price is the heads on favorite to win the Vezina at this point. The Maple Laughs are currently on a two game winning streak as they look to make a final push for the post-season. That was a joke. But seriously, the Laughs are known to do this. I wouldn’t be surprised if they go off and win their next 10 games. Or maybe they finally understand the concept of tanking. Either way give me the Canadians. Price is to good right now.

Key Stat: Maple Leafs are 0-4 in the last four meetings.

Pick: Montreal – Home Team Win – H

Minnesota @ Colorado (10pm ET)

The Avalanche have scored a grand total of zero goals in their past three matchups with the Wild. Yes… you heard right. Shutout three consecutive times. Additionally, the Avalanche come into this game having played last night versus the Stars. The only positive thing going for the Avalanche is that they have managed to claw their way back into the playoff race by winning four of their last six games. However, a loss in this matchup would really hurt their chances. The Wild on the other hand are rolling as they are 7-2-1 in their past 10 games. Devan Dubnyk continues to play like a stud and the Wild seem to have their mojo back. I generally like to stick with home teams but the Wild are too hot right now and I refuse to get off the Minny train… CHOO CHOOOO. Take the Wild.

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

Pick: Minnesota – Visitor Team Win – V

Ottawa @ San Jose (10pm ET)

Some Ham and Cheese anyone? Yes please. Andrew Hammond continued his stellar play Thursday night by shutting out the Los Angeles Kings. That was Hammond’s second straight shutout as he blanked the Ducks the night before. With their recent surge the Senators have managed to force their way back into the playoff race as they have won four straight while allowing only three goals over that span. Can Hammond make it three straight shutouts? Nope. The Sharks should be highly motivated for this one as they managed to collapse late in their last game versus the Red Wings losing 3-2 on Thursday night. San Jose is currently out of the playoffs and they can’t afford to drop points in this one. Although being 3-6-1 in their past 10 games, I like the Sharks here. Simply because I think the Sharks are a better team. Both teams need this game. The Sharks are in the tank and they’ll be hungry for a W. Take the Sharks.

Key Stat: Senators are 1-7 in the last eight meetings.

Pick: San Jose – Home Team Win – H

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