Drew Doughty’s Olympic momentum should help the Kings to a win Saturday

Stats as of Friday morning
Winning % on the season= 54%
Previous Week Record= 3-3!

(~~ Follow Anthony Lancione on Twitter @Anthisdaman)

After putting down almost a perfect week together my last time out, I composed yet another 50/50 week, drawn down the middle. However, big kudos over to my colleague Marty Kwiaton who pulled off the clean sweep last article penning way back the last weekend before heading to Sochi, nailing all six of his Saturday six pack! For extra marks he pro-lined it pegging the Avs to win run line (by multiple goals). If you followed his picks, you won hundreds of dollars – straight up. Even if you just put down the minimum $2!  

My 50/50 week aside, last time out, we went into the Russian Olympic break on quite the hot streak. Although even within that split week, I did boldly and correctly called a tie between heavyweights and for a Sharks squad to topple the defending champs in a shootout, which they did.

Anyhow, enough of the preamble after one month without this column. Let's hope the good stuff continues. Feel free to ride to wave with us.

Washington @ Boston (1:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Bruins' first of (at least ) two contests without world beater Olympian & Bronze Medallist, Tuukka Rask in the lineup didn't turn out so great. Allowing five goals against the NHL-worst Buffalo Sabres was quite evidently horrible. Chad Johnson has been nice in relief this season for Rask with a 2.24 GAA and .920 SV % heading into the encounter. After Washington put up five goals against Tim Thomas Thursday night, you know they're back in NHL- mode and ready to roll. In fact, Ovy and Backstrom are clearly still steaming from their respective Sochi horror stories and proved it Thursday, where they took trial linemate Brooks Laich's disgusting three point season total and doubled it in one night, after the trio posted a combined nine points on the evening. I still suspect it to be a close encounter in this one, but I like the motivated Caps to put up just enough offense to get it done against the resident back-up.

Pick
Washington – Visitor Win– V(ProLine)

NY Rangers @ Philadelphia (1:00pm ET)

By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The U.S. Route 1 Freeway Battle pits these rivals against each other two nights after the Flyers got absolutely rocked by San Jose. Pavelski was also clearly upset that USA's medal run fell right off the rails at the most important time after being the tournament's most impressive squad the whole time prior. He also showed no signs of exhaustion or post-disappointment malaise as he potted a solid hat trick after scoring a boat load of goals a couple weeks before heading overseas. Both Steve Mason and Ray Emery were completely useless. No, I will not buy that they were completely left out to dry by Philly defenders—as is ALWAYS  seemingly the scapegoat excuse given by coaches in all walks of hockey. Mason and Emery were not exactly peppered with rubber, facing 16 and 13 shots respectively, yet still gave up a putrid seven combined. That being said, this one should still be tight as the Rangers have had trouble scoring of late, despite being great from the back end.

Pick

Tie – T(ProLine)(Philadelphia wins in Shootouts)

Tampa Bay @ Dallas (3:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

Tampa Bay and Dallas are even matched in terms of offense, ranking 11th and 10th in the NHL respectively. Although, the Bolts have been the better defensive unit, ranked seventh in the league as opposed to 12th for Dallas. You'd think that if a squad (Dallas) is ranked 10th and 12th in goals & goals against, they'd somehow find a way to claim a playoff spot. However, they remain on the outside looking in; with I suppose bad timing to blame. Blowout wins, and close losses have been their enemy thus far (H@H fantasy league poolies. YOU know what I mean here.)

I still like Dallas to come out of the Olympics on a run and a half, especially with the Benn-Seguin-Nichushkin line picking up on a good note Thursday evening.

Pick
Dallas – Home Team Win – H(ProLine)

Winnipeg @ Nashville (3:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

The Paul Maurice-led Jets have been absolutely soaring since his arrival. Don't forget it. In fact, the newly inspired Olli Jokinen, will surely bring back some positive vibes to the squad. Winnipeg finished before the break on a 6-3-1 run and are 15-11-4 on the road in general. Meanwhile the Preds have only been average at home on the campaign. Rinne is not back yet and Shea Weber must be dreamin still about life on the other side after returning to the bowels of NHL mediocrity.

Pick
Winnipeg – Visitor Team Win – V(ProLine)

Carolina @ Los Angeles (4:00pm ET)
By the Numbers – Frozen Pools

Jonathan Quick has quickly and succinctly ushered away any nonsense or controversy about Martin Jones (and formerly Ben Scrivens) making inroads to scratch away at this thrown. His play in Sochi leading up to the disastrous Bronze medal match was stellar and his return to the NHL with a glittering shutout Thursday night was all the more impressive. Drew Doughty and Jeff Carter are still glistening from their wonderful exploits for Team Canada, where they potted seven goals alone, nearly 40% of the entire stacked squad's output in the tournament. Carter already got on the board twice on Wednesday, and linemates Anze Kopitar and Tyler Toffoli connected nicely. This top line should continue to flourish.

Pick
Los Angeles – Home Win – H(ProLine)

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

Who knew in in the 1980's that the famed Battle of Alberta would turn out to be the battle for the Conference Basement a quarter century later. But it's a fact. Calgary has frankly overachieved this season if you can possibly believe that. After losing cornerstones, Iginla, Kiprusoff, Bouwmeester, et al, a massive regression was expected. Only a reasonable regression came to be. However, a market correction down the stretch could still be in line. A desperate-for-improvement, Oilers squad will punish their provincial foes. I feel an embarrassing one for Reto Berra.

How did I know Berra was for sure starting you ask? Well, don't forget to check out www.goaliepost.com for the industry leading starting goalie sources from the around the NHL. With contacts in each market giving their inside knowledge on all of the latest scoops from rinks around the league, get your trusted projected goalie starts here.

* Reto Berra Firm @ 3:04pm EST – Feb 28th 3:04pm Feb 28th Reto Berra gets the start tomorrow. (@NHLFlames)

vs

* Ilya Bryzgalov Firm @ 2:10pm EST – Feb 28th 2:10pm Feb 28th No update on Yakupov (ankle) from Coach Eakins. He did, however, announce that Bryzgalov will start tomorrow\’s #BattleOfAlberta. (Edmonton Oilers)

Pick
Edmonton – Home Win – H (ProLine)

Good Luck to all!