Happy Holidays Folks!

It's been an enjoyable week of hockey during the Christmas break to say the least. From an eventful NHL schedule to the World Juniors and of course, HBO's 24/7 the lead-up to this weekend's Winter Classic, I'm loving it, and I'm sure many of you are as well!

Anyhow, onto a quick recap of my last card. I followed up my perfect week with nearly another, as I headed into the late games undefeated. However, I ended up missing the final two results by a single goal, yet remain with an above 80% run dating back to late November. Here's to keeping the hot streak alive.

• Stats as of Friday morning
• Winning % on the season= 60%
• Previous Week Record= 4-2
• For ProLine Purposes= 4-2

(~~ Follow Anthony Lancione on Twitter @Anthisdaman)

Pittsburgh @ New Jersey (3:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

Although the Pens come into this one 2 nights after losing the latest Battle of Pennsylvania, they still remain on a scoring binge with 21 markers in their past five games, having won 4 of 5. Evgeni Malkin in is the primary reason for this surge to be sure, as he rides into the Garden State on a 9 game scoring streak,  with a stupid 19 points to show over that stretch. No Crosby, No Letang. No problem! The Devils meanwhile have sneakily played themselves into top 8 territory in the east, sitting one spot behind the very Penguins they are hosting..albeit with far, far less fanfare. Expected starter Marty Brodeur has been better of late, but this one still goes to the Pens.

Pick

Pittsburgh –  Visitor Win – V(ProLine)

Carolina @ Tampa Bay (5:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The last Stanley cup winner before the lockout host the first champs of the new NHL in Florida tonight gents, with both teams situated in positions in the standings light years away from those once held in said eras. The Bolts have slowly starting to dig their heads out of the ground this week, trouncing Philly and staging an impressive come from behind win in La Belle Province vs. the Habs Thursday. Largely responsible for this increased level of play the last few games is the return of Marty St.Louis, the ongoing consistency of league-leading goal scorer Stamkos, and the superb netminding of Mathieu Garon of late. Carolina on the other hand has been a mess all season, with a comeback win of their own in Toronto the other night, although largely in part to James "Optimus Prime" Reimer's personal deficiencies. Tampa remains the hotter of the two though.

Pick

Tampa Bay – Home Win– H(ProLine)

St.Louis @ Detroit (7:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The 2^nd matchup between the Wings & Blues this week, I fear, will not be as closely competitive as the former. The Wings, albeit facing the Cinderella man himself, Brian Elliott, were undoubtedly still attempting to shake off the mindgames planted in their heads last spring when the Blues rode into Joe Louis and torched them a 10-spot! But now that the revenge was exacted early this week, Detroit will get back to business. They've now won 6 of their past 9 games(not including Friday night's affair) and have had a couple big time blowouts the past few weeks for which to build on.

Pick

Detroit – Home Win Plus – H+(ProLine)

Washington @ Columbus (7:00pm ET)

By the Numbers –Frozen Pools

The Caps have been picking up the pace as of late, inching closer and closer back to the playoff picture they may have taken for granted the past several years. With points in seven of their past nine contests, the tables appear to slowly be turning. Tomas Vokoun is trying to continue stringing together a nice stretch of games here as he's been absolutely solid the past few, with improved footwork, according to DobberHockey resident goaltending expert, Justin Goldman. The twin Alexanders, Semin and Ovy also appear to be starting to get back into the groove. The Jackets on the other hand have been better as well, but still not able to put any winning streaks together to pull themselves out of the basement.

Pick

Washington – Visiting Team Win – V(ProLine)

Boston @ Dallas (8:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Bruins began the season in the infamous cup hangover phase, sure. However, over their past 24 games, they are 21-1-2!!!! Nuff said!!! Actually well not quite enough. How bout Tim Thomas' modern day record breaking season of 2010-11? Stuff of legend right? Ummm He's bettering those numbers this year shockingly! Plus his understudy, Tuukka Rask has also surplanted Corey Schneider as the league's best 'backup' with even better numbers than Timmy T himself!(Albeit in a smaller sample) The Stars have been rather the opposite story, storming out of the gates to the top of the NHL through October, only to slowly but surely fall back to earth, no longer even holding down a playoff spot just 8 weeks later!

Pick

Boston – Visiting Team Win – V(ProLine)

Colorado @ Anaheim (10:30pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Ducks continue to play retched hockey of late losing 5 of 6 and 7 of 9, on the laurels of a terrible Jonas Hiller on a very top heavy team with very little depth beyond their big guns. Colorado on the other hand, have been much better, taking six of their past seven contests. However one must think that the talent on Anaheim relative to the skill sets offered by this Avs team has got to start rendering opposite results sooner or later. I'm putting my money where my mouth is taking tonight as the night the tides begin to turn! Smart money on Anaheim!

Pick

Anaheim – Home Team Win — H(ProLine)