The calendar turns over to 2023 tonight, and with it a new focus on those "bubbly" teams – who makes the top eight will be discussed and dissected for another 3 ½ months. Last night, the Nashville Predators played a "Hey, Remember Us?" game, but beating the Ducks isn't going to get them anywhere. See my Gold selection below.  

Gold Selection

Nashville Predators @ Vegas Golden Knights – Pick:  Vegas (-165 MoneyLine)

Not a long shot here, but just curious to see how many hands are raised to have predicted that the Golden Knights would hold on to first place in the Pacific Division despite missing Jack Eichel for 11 games in December?  A first line of Mark Stone, Chandler Stephenson, and Michael Amadio have combined for 13 goals and 19 assists in the nine games since Eichel last saw action (Dec. 9). Vegas is just 4-4-1 for this stretch, and don't forget that Shea Theodore has missed these games, also. Nashville is 11th in the Western Conference, six points behind the Calgary Flames for the second wild card position, and now just 3-5-3 in their 11 contests including yesterday.

Silver Selection

Chicago Blackhawks @ Columbus Blue Jackets – Pick: Under 6.5 goals (-120)

The Hawks defeated Columbus 5-2 just before Christmas, as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews each had three points.  Why is this important?  Because in Chicago's other ten most recent contests, they've potted only ten goals, and their 10.5 million-dollar stars each have just scored three points total. Cold doesn't begin to describe this. However, their best player over this stretch has been Alex Stalock, and if he starts, the 2-1 or 3-2 outcome seems likely. The Jackets, by the way, have hit three goals only once in their past seven games. 

Bronze Selection

San Jose Sharks @ Dallas Stars – Pick:  Roope Hintz scores a goal

Hintz has had a very productive December. Ten goals, seven assists, dangerous both at 5-on-5 and with the man advantage. Do you know which teams lead the NHL in overall goals scored?   Edmonton and Boston are the first two, no surprise, but only one behind the Bruins are the Stars and Buffalo Sabres. These (Dallas) are basically the same guys who ranked 17th last season… but the culture is clearly different under Pete DeBoer. Thus, Side Bet #1 is that Dallas covers (-1.5) against the Sharks. (+110)

Side Bet #2:  Sens vs Wings, take over 6.5 goals (+115)

Side Bet #3: (Monday) Penguins over Bruins !!

Pathetic December Record:

Gold picks 3-0, I should quit here, but…

Silver picks 0-2-1

Bronze picks 0-3

Side bets 3-3

Stick tap to the GOAT.  Pele, rest in peace.