Saturday Picks – March 21, 2015

Coretti

2015-03-21

AnttiNiemi

Picking the NHL winners for games on Saturday, March 21, 2015.

And so it continues… another week of 50% capping. To be fair last week I got really unlucky and it could have easily been 5-1. However, I care about results. The past week of NHL wagering has been solid for me as I start to heat up. Hopefully my recent success continues today so we can #GETTHATMONEY.

Record: 32 – 16

St. Louis @ Minnesota (2pm ET)

The Western Conference is really tight right now. Three points separate the Wild and Kings for the final wild card spot. I’ve been riding the Wild ever since the all star break and I will continue to do so down the stretch. Why? Because they are much better than the numbers show. Today they have a key matchup with the Blues. The Wild are coming off a 3-2 regulation loss to the Caps in which they got a taste of the Great Eight who netted two goals. Another loss here would not be good for the Wild as they can’t afford to open the door for a solid Kings team. The Blues currently lead the Central Division as they are 6-2-2 in their past 10 games. Additionally, it seems as if the Blues have rediscovered their stingy play as they have shutout their opponents in three of their last five games. Last time these teams met, Devan Dubnyk went beast mode and made 41 saves for the 3-1 win. The Blues dominated play but Dubbie stole one for the Wild. This game will not be as lopsided and the Wild should squeak one out here before they head out on the road.

Key Stat: Wild are 5-0 in their last five Saturday games.

Pick: Minnesota – Home Team Win – H

Vancouver @ Los Angeles (4pm ET)

This will be a tasty matchup. The Kings currently trail the Canucks by two points for a spot in the postseason. I’ve never been a huge Canucks fan and I personally think they will be on the outside looking in once the season concludes. Other than the Sedin twins, I really don’t see much of an offensive threat. On the other hand we all know what the Kings can do. They seem to love pressure and I think they will thrive this afternoon in what will be a huge game. Anze Kopitar will elevate his play in this one as he tends to play big when needed. The Kings are a better in almost every department and playing at the Staples Center will give them a huge boost. Take the Kings.

Key Stat: Canucks are 1-7 in the last eight meetings.

Pick: Los Angeles – Home Team Win – H

Pick: San Jose – Visitor Team Win – V

Toronto @ Ottawa (7pm ET)

The Battle of Ontario is on tonight in the nation’s capital. I’m going to make this one really short and easy. Rivalry aside, the Laughs suck. The Senators need this one badly and they will get the win here. No reason to believe the Maple Laughs win here.

Key Stat: Senators are 5-0 in their last five vs. Eastern Conference.

Pick: Ottawa – Home Team Win – H

Boston @ Florida

If you told me the Bruins would be battling for a wild card spot with the Florida Panthers at the start of the regular season… I’d tell you you’re drunk. But here we are. The Bruins head into BB&T Center tonight for a massive game. The Bruins are currently riding a three game losing streak in which they have lost against the Sabres and Senators. Boston allowed a whopping six goals in their last game as Tuukka Rask was kaka. The Panthers defeated the Red Wings 3-1 in their last game as they look to snag a wild card spot. Attaining a wild card spot should be easier with Roberto Luongo back. He made 26 saves in his last game versus Detroit and will look to have another solid game tonight against the Bruins. I have to go with the Bruins here simply because I think they are the better team and they have dominated the Panthers over the past few years. This game will be close as the Panthers can be stingy with Lu but I feel the experience of the Bruins will show and they will get the much needed W here.

Key Stat: Bruins are 8-1 in the last nine meetings.

Pick: Boston – Visitor Team Win – V

NY Islanders @ New Jersey

Jaroslav Halak is slated to make his return tonight. His return could have not come at a better time as the Isles are 3-5-1 in their past 10 games. The Islanders take on a Devils team that have won three straight although being out of the playoff race. New Jersey comes into this one having played last night against the Sabres. I think the Islanders will turn things around here against a tired Devils squad. John Tavares hasn’t registered a point in his last four games but I think he will breakout in this one and lead the Islanders to a much needed win. The next few games for the Isles will be tough as they take on the Wild and Kings… so a win here would be nice.

Key Stat: Islanders are 5-0 in the last five meetings.

Pick: NY Islanders – Visitor Team Win – V

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UPCOMING GAMES

Mar 29 - 13:03	PHI	vs	BUF
Mar 29 - 14:03	T.B	vs	NYI
Mar 29 - 16:03	COL	vs	STL
Mar 29 - 18:03	MIN	vs	N.J
Mar 29 - 18:03	NSH	vs	VGK
Mar 29 - 19:03	L.A	vs	TOR
Mar 29 - 19:03	OTT	vs	CBJ
Mar 29 - 20:03	DET	vs	BOS
Mar 29 - 22:03	EDM	vs	CGY
Mar 29 - 22:03	S.J	vs	NYR
Mar 29 - 22:03	SEA	vs	DAL