Short intro this week, as time has become quite valuable these days.  Last week started out 2-4, while Thunder cracked .500 at 3-3.  I was a few minutes away from getting the Washington-Carolina tie.  Damn those PP's in overtime really hurt!  Anyways, it's another week, we are a few games into the season and hopefully we can start finding some successful trends to run with towards some money.  Hope everyone enjoys another night of 28 teams in business.  So grab a cold one and let's get on with it.

Wild @ Canucks

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Canucks went 4-2 against the Wild last season with all the games being decided by at least two goals.  Since the lockout every game of the opening season series has been decided by the home team.  With the Canucks coming off a solid performance against Pekka Rinne and the Preds look for them to continue to roll at home in this afternoon affair. Two of Minnesota's three wins on the year have come against the Oilers.

My Pick: H+ (Canucks win by 2 or more)

Thunder's Pick: H

Red Wings @ Capitals

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

At the time of writing the Wings and Capitals remain as the final two undefeated teams in the NHL sporting a combined 10-0-0 record with 18 more goals for than goals against.  Since being sat for the Caps season opener, and battling through a tough first start, Thomas Vokoun has been as good as advertised for the Caps surrendering five goals in his last four games. Since the lockout the Wings have won four out of the six matchups, with all but one of the games being within a goal.  Looks like Backstrom has gotten back on track after last season, and after his two goal game on Thursday looks like the great eight could be waking from him slumber as well.

My Pick: H (Capitals win)

Thunder's Pick: V

Blues @ Flyers

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

After suffering their first regulation loss of the year, in which rookie Brayden Schenn put up a dismal -3 in his first game with the big club, the Flyers look to get back in the win column against a struggling Blues team.  Halak is sporting a 3.47 GAA with a .840 save percentage in five starts on the year, OUCH. Dating back to November 27^th of last season, the Blues are only 3-10-2 in Saturday matchups. With a 3.98 home GAA for Bryzgalov this season, I would be happy to take the Blues in this one, however Jaroslav Halak need to string together some strong performances before that's going to happen. Three of their 5 games since the lockout have gone onto extra time.

My Picks: T (Flyers win in shootout)

Thunder's Pick: V

Blue Jackets @ Senators

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

After surrendering 30 goals in their first six games, the Senators and Craig Anderson were able to pick an important win with a 35 save performance against the visiting Jets.  The Sens are lead by Karlsson, Spezza, and a resurgent Milan Michalek with 8 pts. apiece.  Last season Alfredsson put up a -19 +/- rating, his first minus season since his rookie year in 95-96.  This year his -6 in seven games has him on pace for his worst year yet.  It could be worse as rookie Da Costa is -8 thru his first seven appearances. The Blue Jackets have won four of five against the Sens since the lockout. Rick Nash is averaging a ppg, and of all people Prospal leads the team with 10 PIM. Despite being atrocious, Steve Mason is 2-1 in his career against the Sens with a 1.65 GAA, and a .945 save percentage.

My Pick: V (Blue Jackets win)

Thunder's Pick: H

Islanders @ Panthers

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Islanders are looking to avenge a season opening 2-0 shutout at the hands of the Panthers, who have had issues scoring themselves lately.  The Panthers have been shutout in their last two games against the Caps and Sabres, drawing only three PP chances combined. The road team has won three of the last four meetings in this series. Tavares seems to only score 4 pt. games this year (two, with three donuts otherwise). Should be an interesting matchup of the league's 2^nd best PP unit (Panthers) up against the 5^th best PK (Isles), with the winner of the special teams matchup taking the extra point in this one.

My Pick: V (Islanders win)

Thunder's Pick: V

Stars @ Kings

By the Numbers – Frozen Pool

The Stars will be heading into this matchup after putting their four game winning streak on the line against Anaheim the night before.  The Kings have been dominant to open the year, as Jonathan Quick has a 0.97 GAA to start the year and is coming off back to back shutouts.  Quick is 10-3 against Dallas all time with a 2.07 GAA and a .924 save percentage.  Kari Lehtonen has been equally impressive with a 1.58 GAA as everyone predicted the Stars to tumble coming out of the gate this season without replacing the offense lost from the departing Brad Richards. The Kings are 9-2-1 in the last two years against their Pacific Division Rivals.

My Pick: H (Kings win)

Thunder's Pick: T