Saturday Picks – March 7, 2015

Coretti

2015-03-07

AnzeKopitar

Picking the winners for the NHL games on Saturday, March 7, 2015.

Yet another mediocre week. My hot start has officially come to an end as I’ve gone 50% over the past two weeks. To be fair the past few weeks have been rather tough as many teams have come out of nowhere, the Senators being one of them. Injuries continue to mount for many playoff hopefuls such as the Flames and Jets who have lost Mark Giordano and Dustin Byfuglien for considerable time. Tonight’s NHL action brings 10 games… and I must nail six in order to #GETTHATMONEY.

Record: 26 – 10

Philadelphia @ Boston (1pm ET)

This is a huge matchup for both teams. The Flyers currently trail the Bruins for the final wild card spot by four points. Additionally, the Flyers have played two more games. It’s safe to say that this game is somewhat of a do-or-die for the Broad Street Bullies. Both teams have been rather inconsistent over their past 10 games. The Flyers are coming off an impressive 3-1 home win versus the Blues. Steve Mason had a solid performance stopping 28 of 29 shots in that game. The Bruins dropped a 4-3 shootout loss to the pesky Flames in their last game. I like the Bruins in this matinee affair as they could really improve their post-season chances with a win here. Furthermore, the Bruins are at home and they tend to play the Flyers really well. As long as the Bees play disciplined and stay out of the box as much as possible… I can’t see them losing. Give me Boston.

Key Stat: Flyers are 8-21 in the last 29 meetings.

Pick: Boston – Home Team Win – H

St. Louis @ Toronto (7pm ET)

It’s official. The rebuild is on. The Toronto Maple Laughs have begun their teardown as they look to rebuild their roster from ground zero. Consequently, it would be wise for the Leafs to lose as many games as possible here on out. The Blues on the other hand are cup contenders and head into this matchup riding a two-game losing streak. Over their past 10 games the Blues are 5-5. They’ve clearly played rather inconsistently as of late and their top line has gone cold. However, a matchup with the Maple Laughs should fix this. The Blues will turn things around tonight as they currently trail Nashville by four points for the division lead. A win from the Laughs would be unfathomable as the Blues are way deeper and better in every department. Give me the Blues in this one for a routine win. Lookout for Alexander Steen who could breakout in this game against his former team.

Key Stat: Blues are 6-1 in the last seven games in Toronto.

Pick: St. Louis – Visitor Team Win – V

Buffalo @ Washington (7pm ET)

Pick: Washington – Home Team Win – H+

NY Islanders @ Florida (7pm ET)

The Islanders continue their four game road trip in Florida tonight. The Panthers have played poorly as of late going 4-4-2 over their past 10 games but are still only two points out of a wild card spot. The Islanders currently lead the Metropolitan division and Jaroslav Halak continues to find ways to win, although at times not pretty. Florida normally play the Islanders really well and even won their last matchup 4-2 in New York about a month ago. However, with Dan Ellis slated to start the Isles should have the edge here. The playoff hopes of the Panthers will take a serious hit tonight as they will drop this one at home. Take the Isles.

Key Stat: Over is 8-1-2 in the last 11 meetings.

Pick: NY Islanders – Visitor Team Win – V

Pittsburgh @ Los Angeles (10pm ET)

I really don’t like the way the Pens have looked post all-star break. The offense and power play are not clicking. Sid looks normal. As a result, Chris Kunitz looks like… well Chris Kunitz. The only positive is the play of Evgeni Malkin. If it weren’t for Geno the Pens would be in a whole lot of trouble. However, as inconsistent as the Pens have looked, they are still bound for the post-season. The Kings are surprisingly out of a playoff spot albeit by only two points. But is this really a surprise? I’m starting to believe they do this on purpose. They just love the pressure. The Kings have come on strong over their past 10 games going 7-3. This matchup will be tight but I think the Kings squeak it out as the Pens played last night and fatigue may hit them later in the game. Give me the Kings.

Key Stat: Kings are 7-1 in their last eight vs. a team with a winning record.

Pick: Los Angeles – Home Team Win – H

Vancouver @ San Jose (10pm ET)

A colossal game for both teams here. San Jose are currently out of the post-season and trail the final wild card spot held by the Winnipeg Jets by four points. The Sharks pounded the Canucks only four days ago in Vancouver 6-2. To make matters worse, the Sharks have outscored the Canucks 11-3 over their past two matchups. Will the Canucks get revenge? No. Not a lot should or has changed since four days ago. The Canucks actually lost their last game on Thursday night against the lowly Yotes. Additionally, the Sharks have been resting ever since their last matchup four days ago with the Canucks. With this game being in the Shark Tank and the four days rest… I like the Sharks to take a big bite out of the Canucks. Give me the Sharks.

Key Stat: Canucks are 3-12 in their last 15 meetings.

Pick: San Jose – Home Team Win – H

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