Saturday NHL Picks: October 31, 2015
Coretti
2015-10-31
Picking the winners for the NHL action this Saturday, October 31, 2015.
Last Saturday was hard indeed as I went 4-2. This weekend has been pretty hectic for me with Halloween and all. Therefore, my picks for tonight will not have the usual deep analysis. Happy Halloween to everyone and remember to be safe. Now it’s time to #GETTHATHALLOWEENMONEY.
Record: 13 – 5
NY Islanders @ New Jersey (1pm ET)
The Devils have been a pleasant surprise this season as they currently sit above .500. However, looking at the quality of their opponents as of late… it’s been pretty easy. The Sabres, Flyers, and Yotes are some of the teams they have beaten over the last five games. The Islanders come into this one having lost their last game versus a mediocre Hurricanes squad in overtime. I don’t see the Isles dropping this one and they should get the win here in Jersey… give me the Isles.
Key Stat: Islanders are 6-0 in the last six meetings in New Jersey.
Pick: NY Islanders – Visitor Team Win – V
The Sharks have had a rough go over the last week and Logan Couture is a big reason for that. With Couture on the shelf the PP for the Sharks has been kaka to say the least… How kaka? Try 1/19 over the last eight games. The Stars on the other hand have been riding high as Jamie Benn continues to impose his will on the NHL. Dallas currently sits atop the Western Conference and with the way Benn has been playing… they can only lose if their net minder shits the bed completely… Give me the Stars.
Key Stat: Stars are 7-0 in their last seven when their opponent allows two goals or less in their previous game.
Pick: Dallas – Home Team Win – H
Do I think the Pens are good? No. Do I think the Leafs are terrible? Yes. As I’ve said many times before, these are the games that the Pens win. Coach Mike Johnston will continue to have a job as Pittsburgh will get a win here behind a multi-point performance from Phil “the thrill” Kessel. Give me the Pens.
Key Stat: Penguins are 6-0 in the last six meetings.
Pick: Pittsburgh – Visitor Team Win – V
Minnesota @ St. Louis (8pm ET)
Not much to say for this one. The Blues are really banged up but I really like the way Jake Allen has played as of late. He has only allowed one goal over his last two games and the Blue as a team have been really stingy at home. The Wild are coming off the tail end of a B2B and I think this game will be low scoring with the edge going to the Blues due to the home ice advantage and rest. Also, if Devan Dubnyk sits… give me the Blues.
** UPDATE ** Seems like no Tarasenko.. can't take the Blues anymore.
Key Stat: Blue are 5-0 in their last five vs. Western Conference.
Pick: Minnesota – Visitor Team Win – V
If you told me the Bruins would have 10 more goals-for as a team than the Bolts at this point in the season, I’d tell you you’re stupid. However, the Bruins have transformed into somewhat of a scoring juggernaut this season while the Bolts have looked pretty anemic going forward. This is most especially the case for the Triplets line that has been rather impotent this season. Was last season just an outlier for the Triplets line? One thing is for sure the Bolts have enjoyed playing the Bruins as of late as they have scored 14 goals in their last three games versus them. With the Bruins on a B2B and Tuukka Rask likely to sit… give me the Bolts.
Key Stat: Home team is 36-17-2 in the last 55 meetings.
Pick: Tampa Bay – Home Team Win – H
The nightmare continues for the Flames as they currently sit practically dead last in the Western Conference with a measly five points. Calgary heads into this one having lost last night 6-2 versus the Canadians. The Oilers are currently 11th in the Western Conference with eight points. Connor McDavid has played like a star and this was most evident in his last game which he posted two points and led his Oilers to a 4-3 comeback win over the Canadians. These seem to be two teams trending in the opposite direction… give me the Oilers.
Key Stat: Oilers are 4-0 in their last four home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Pick: Edmonton – Home Team Win – H
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