Saturday Picks – April 4, 2015
Coretti
2015-04-04
Picking the winners for the NHL games on Saturday, April 4, 2015.
I ‘m currently capping at 63% and I look to increase that winning percentage to 65% by season’s end. It’s been a rough ride over the past month as I’ve been extremely unlucky in many games. However, ending the season at 65% is not too shabby. Today offers a large slate of games as there will be 13. It’s time to finish the season strong and #GETTHATMONEY.
Record: 38 – 22
Pittsburgh @ Columbus (1pm ET)
Every time I bet against my Pens… I lose. The Penguins have been skidding as of late as they are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. Nothing has looked good in Pittsburgh. Not their power play, not their coaching, not even Sid. The Pens take on a Blue Jackets squad that`s been on fuego in their last 10 having lost only once. Logically, the Blue Jackets should win here as they are clicking on all cylinders while the Penguins are in disarray. Additionally, the Pens are banged up with Kris Letang, Christian Ehrhoff, and possibly Evgeni Malkin out. These are the games that the Pens usually win and make you think… wtf!?! But I`m going to stick to my guns here and take the Blue Jackets as the Pens have been really bad.
Key Stat: Blue Jackets are 7-0 in their last seven games following a win.
Pick: Columbus- Home Team Win – H
Buffalo @ NY Islanders (7pm ET)
This game could get ugly. The Sabres head into this matchup having lost last night against the Blackhawks at home. Additionally, Andrey Makarov is projected to start for the Sabres. With only nine wins on the road this season, the Sabres will be in tough tonight against a hungry Islanders squad who are looking to protect their divisional seed. The Islanders can`t afford to drop points here and something tells me John Tavares won`t let that happen. Johnny T is having an incredible season and with five points in his last two games, you have to think he`ll have a major impact in this one. Take the Isles puck line.
Key Stat: Blue Jackets are 9-28-1 in the last 38 meetings in St.Louis.
Pick: New York – Home Team Win – H+
Mathematically, the Sharks still have a chance for the post-season. The Sharks come into this game having beat the Yotes last night 3-1 at home. Arizona is 2-8 in their last 10 games as they have been abysmal all season long. The Yotes managed to lose 4-1 to the Sabres in their game before playing the Sharks last night on Monday. There is no reason to believe the Yotes win here… give me the Sharks.
Key Stat: Sharks are 4-0 in the last four meetings in Arizona.
Pick: San Jose – Visitor Team Win – V
The Flames are in a lot of trouble. Although they currently hold a playoff spot, they have dropped three of their last five games. This mini-slump has allowed many teams including the Kings to close the gap. A loss tonight against the Oilers would be devastating as the Flames currently hold a fragile one point lead on the Kings with a game in hand. This seems to be a MUST win situation for the Flames and with six straight wins against the Oilers… I think tonight will be lucky number seven. Take the Flames.
Key Stat: Flames are 5-0 in the last five meetings in Edmonton.
Pick: Calgary – Visitor Team Win – V
Colorado @ Los Angeles (10pm ET)
The Kings come into this game having smashed the Oilers two nights ago 8-2. This offensive outburst was unexpected as the Kings had only scored seven goals in their last five games prior to their matchup with the Oilers. Los Angeles currently holds the last wild card spot but with a win tonight they will surpass Calgary for the final seed in the Pacific Division. The Avalanche on the other hand are looking ahead to next season. Colorado is currently on a two game losing streak in which they allowed nine goals in those games. The Kings should easily pickup points in this one and further cement their spot in the post-season. Take the Kings.
Key Stat: Avalanche are 0-4 in the last four meetings.
Pick: Los Angeles – Home Team Win – H
Follow me @HolyPuckHockey