Find out why Lancione likes the Sabres in an upset this week.

Last week must have been the fourth article in a row where I went 50%, which is clearly the story of my season. Same as Marty can probably attest to, at least if you've been jumping on our picks individually— on money line or run line, you will more or less have been breaking even as we have rarely dipped below 50/50, with only a bit of negative juice on the lines going to waste. Here we go in another attempt to aim back toward a nice 60%+ goal from years passed.

Stats as of Friday morning
Winning % on the season= 51%
Previous Week Record= 3-3!

(~~ Follow Anthony Lancione on Twitter @Anthisdaman)

Edmonton @ Winnipeg (2:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The new-look Jets continue to soar under the new coach, Paul Maurice. They've pumped in five goals against each of their last two opponents (albeit said last opponents were the lowly Coyotes & Flames). However, the new coach-inspiration-effect has kicked Winnipeg into high gear, instilling a newfound sense of confidence in the Evander Kane-Less squad. Meanwhile, the hapless Oilers have lost three straight, allowing 14 over that span. Smart money is for Maurice to keep this train moving.

Pick
Winnipeg – Home Win– H(ProLine)

Columbus @ Buffalo (7:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

Nathan Horton has kicked off his season with a bang, notching points in four of his first six games for the Jackets. He's given a boost to the lineup, helping them take four straight. Meanwhile, the Sabres continue to attempt to dig themselves out of the grave they built in the league basement, losing their last two. However, I have a feeling we'll see a moment where one team stops overachieving and the other takes a break from their underachieving ways. Just a hunch–  Mainly due to the equally boosted Sabres offense with the return of Cody Hodgson, who has scored in all three games he's skated in. He's also taken Steve Ott and Matt D'Agostini for a ride with him.

Pick

Buffalo – Home Win– H(ProLine)

NY Islanders @ Philadephia (7:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The much maligned and dubious Metropolitan Division was supposedly the worst achieving division to start a season in decades. What happened? As we shot into 2014, The New York Islanders remain the only team in the division below .500 (That is, of course, if you're a TSN/Sportsnet analyst who treat OT/SO losses like ties—which I don't – hence nullifying my statement) Anyhow, the point remains that the division has really gotten their act together. Philly, in particular, got off to a dreadful start, and have since found themselves back in the East's top eight and are 6-3-1 in their last 10. Give this one to the Metro risers.

Pick
Philadelphia – Home Win – H(ProLine)

Montreal @ Toronto (7:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Leafs are the only team in a stagnating Atlantic Division to have won multiple games in a row (three).

Its likely still premature though to say that they are completely back on track. Although, defeating some demons after conquering in Boston and staving off a comeback (eerily similar to the infamous Game 7 meltdown last spring) may have gone a long way psychologically to getting the troops in a good state of mind. The Habs have been the most shocking team in the eastern Conference all year, so this formerly heated rivalry will look to be renewed.

Pick
Toronto – Home Win – H(ProLine)

Anaheim @ St.Louis (8:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Ducks are unequivocally unconscious right now, having won 18 of their last 19 contests, something not done since the Maurice 'The Rocket' Richard-led Canadiens squads of the 1940's! After the NHL's most lopsided victory of the season Wednesday night; 9-1 over the Vancouver Canucks, the Ducks are simply world beaters right now. St.Louis, has been fantastic in their own right—second in the league in goals against, with the NHL's top goal differential of +58. This one may well go right down to the wire. However, it's silly for anyone to bet against the locomotive running loose, that is Anaheim.

Pick
Anaheim – Visitor Team Win- V(ProLine)

Calgary @ Vancouver (10:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Nucks' clearly did their best defensively on Thursday night to forget about the disaster that was Wednesday against Anaheim. Losing 1-0 to punch-less Phoenix was a far better effort in the backline, quite obviously after Tortorella likely broke his silence game in a big and nasty way. Would have LOVED to be a fly on the wall during his speech that night!  Now, that they bounced back from the blue line, the Flames are the perfect outlet for them to bounce back offensively too. This one should be a walk with star Mike Cammalleri now out of the lineup as well.

Pick
Vancouver – Home Win Plus– H+(ProLine)

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