Picking the winners in the NHL for this Saturday, October 17th.

Not a bad first week of NHL betting as I went 4-2. My two losses came from the Blues and Penguins as both teams lost in relatively tight games. This week I look to the home teams to get the job done for me as I only like one road team for value. Buckle up everyone as it’s time to #GETTHATMONEY.

PLAY THIS while you read to set the mood.

Record: 4 – 2

Detroit @ Montreal (7pm ET)

The Price is right in Montreal as the Canadians currently sit atop of the Eastern Conference with a dazzling 5-0 record. Carey Price has continued right where he left off last season and there is no way I will ever bet against Price when he does stuff like this. The Red Wings head into this game having lost last night versus Carolina which means Petr Mrazek will get the start. This could very well turn into a goaltenders battle as the Canadians have only allowed five goals in their last four games versus the Red Wings. But goals will be even harder to come by with Price currently in GODMODE. Add in the fact that the Red Wings are winless in their last 6 meetings with the Canadians… give me the Habs.

Key Stat: Red Wings are 0-6 in the last 6 meetings.

Pick: MTL – Home Team Win – H

Toronto @ Pittsburgh (7pm ET)

I really hate the way the Pens look this year and I wish they would just fire Mike Johnston already. However, these are the games that the Pens generally win to keep idiots like Johnston employed. Both teams have looked terrible to start the season but we expected this from the Leafs, not so much the Penguins. Phil Kessel should be extremely motivated for this one and the Pens are primed for an explosive game. This matchup is a perfect opportunity for Crosby to notch his first point of the season. I can’t believe I just said that… The Leafs are coming into this game having won 6-3 last night on the road versus the Blue Jackets. Tired legs + hungry Phil + pointless Crosby = a win by two or more goals. After this win everyone in Pittsburgh will be thinking… “There was the offense we were looking for, we’re fine!” but newsflash, it’s against the Leafs. Fire Johnston. Take the Pens.

Key Stat: Maple Leafs are 1-6 in the last 7 meetings in Pittsburgh.

Pick: Pittsburgh – Home Team Win – H 

Carolina @ Washington (7pm ET)

The Capitals end their current four-game home stand against the kaka Canes tonight. There isn’t much to analyze here as the Caps are just a better team in pretty much every department. The Hurricanes have one win on the season as they notched that first W last night versus the Red Wings. The Caps are coming off a solid 4-1 win versus the Blackhawks in which T.J. Oshie popped his cherry scoring his first goal as a Capital. Washington should win this one rather easily and that’s not including if Nicklas Backstrom happens to suit up for this one. If all else fails Alexander Ovechkin will just do this again as his game breaking abilities are one of the main reasons why I take the Caps tonight. That and the fact that the Hurricanes are bad.

Key Stat: Hurricanes are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.

Pick: Washington – Home Team Win – H      

San Jose @ NY Islanders (730pm ET)

I really like the Islanders this year. They have such a potent offense and a solid mix of experience and youth. Johnny Tavares looks poised for another big year and the future looks bright for the Isles. The Sharks on the other hand have had a solid start to the season having won their first three games while allowing only one goal! There are four reasons why I like the Islanders here: First, the Sharks are playing the tail end of a B2B. Second, Logan Couture is out of the lineup having broken his leg during practice this week. Third, Alex Stalock is slated to start for the Sharks and that sounds much better than Martin Jones who has been lights out. Lastly, Thomas Greiss should start for the Isles and nothing would be sweeter than beating the team that drafted you and essentially threw you to the curb. Take the Isles.

Key Stat: Sharks are 3-12 in their last 15 Saturday games.

Pick: New York – Home Team Win – H

Edmonton @ Calgary (10pm ET)

The Battle of Alberta! This should be a dandy as Conner McDavid gets his first taste of NHL rivalry. The Flames have had a rough start to the season as they currently sit 11^th in the Western Conference. The Oilers have also started off slow as they are winless on the season having scored a measly five goals in four games. What’s the deal? Nothing really because when taking a closer look, three of the four games the Oilers have played were against the Predators and Blues (2x) which are quite possibly the stingiest team in the NHL. This game should be high scoring and fun to watch. The Flames are playing the tail end of a B2B and usually one would expect some tired legs… but when it comes to the Battle of Alberta, all bets are off. I think the Flames will get the win here mainly because of the home crowd support and the fact that the Oilers have not played well in the Saddledome. Take the Flames.

Key Stat: Oilers are 9-24-1 in the last 34 meetings in Calgary.

Pick: Calgary – Home Team Win – H

Boston @ Arizona (10pm ET)

This is simply a matter of: Are the Bruins this bad and are the Coyotes this good? The answer is no. The Bruins began the season getting absolutely pumped during their three-game home stand having allowed 16 goals over that span. The Bees took to the road on Wednesday night and got a rather surprising 6-2 victory over the Avalanche. We’re used to seeing low scoring affairs with the Bruins but that hasn’t been the case this season. The Coyotes on the other hand have started off red hot and are definitely the surprise team thus far in the season. Arizona has beaten the Ducks, Kings, and Penguins. Those aren’t exactly the softest teams. The Yotes are coming off a tight loss to the Wild on Thursday night and will look to get back on track versus a tricky Bruins team. I can’t finish this blurb without mentioning the play of Max Domi and Anthony Duclair which has been UNREAL. However, I like the Bruins here because of the value and the fact that I don’t think they are as bad as they have looked so far. Take the Bees.

Key Stat: Bruins are 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.

Pick: Boston – Visitor Team Win – V

– Follow Jonathan Coretti on Twitter (@HolyPuckHockey)