I must admit I was a bit scared after losing the first two games last week, but I was quite pleased with the results when Saturday was over and done with (4-2). Since I last left you, I'm now sitting at 71-41 (63%) on the season. With a few upsets this week, I've only gone 50% and am looking to close out the week strong. Call me crazy, but I'm pretty much taking the road teams today. 

Record: 9 – 3 (75%)

Nashville @ Colorado (3pm ET)

Being only 2 points back of St. Louis for that 3rd place Central Division spot, expect Nashville to be ready come game time. Even with the losses of Roman Josi and Colin Wilson, the Preds should be charged up, especially with with it being Cody McLeod's first game against his old team. The scoresheet may be closer than the game itself, in which I'm taking the Preds and the Under. 

Pick: Nashville – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 3.5/5

Pittsburgh @ Detroit (7pm ET)

Detroit may be playing at home for the first time in a while, but Pittsburgh is going to be looking to right the ship. With the loss to Ottawa on Thursday, the Pens have now lost their last two games in regulation, something that hasn't occurred since 2015. I do not expect that number to get to three. If Pittsburgh can stay out of the box then their big guns should be able to rifle off enough offence to pull through. 

Pick: Pittsburgh – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 4/5

Toronto @ Ottawa (7pm ET)

In the Eastern version of "the battle of Alberta", Ontario's two teams face off in what will be a true test for both teams. Toronto and Ottawa are riding pretty high right now, and it's a tough game to call. That said, I'm going to go with the Leafs as they have been stellar on the road lately and because Condon has been a workhorse who I don't believe has the stamina necessary to be a full time starter. I'll be looking to see if Auston Matthews can come close to his 4 goal performance from the beginning of the season.

Pick: Toronto – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 3/5

Columbus @ Florida (7pm ET)

Both teams may be 2-1-0 in their last three games, but it's the most recent games that I'm keeping in mind. Columbus was able to come out on top against Tampa Bay, while Florida got stomped by and Islanders team that hasn't been great. While we all may have our issues with Torts, he's got great respect in that room and it's going to be needed in a back to back road game. Vincent Trochek and Keith Yandle may try to keep Florida in the game but it won't be enough for a battle tested Blue Jackets squad.

Columbus – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 5/5

Anaheim @ Arizona (8pm ET)

Arizona may have cost me the game on Friday, but I'm doubling down against them when they face Anaheim on Saturday. Even if Oliver Ekman-Larsson plays out of his mind, the Ducks size and skill is going to be the deciding factor in this game. I'm liking both Jakob Silfverberg and Ryan Kesler to contribute to the road victory.

Pick: Anaheim – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 3.5/5

Winnipeg @ Los Angeles (10pm ET)

Connor Hellebuck, what can I say. I had such high hopes for him but he's been awful as of late. Fantasy wise I'm not giving up on him, but money wise, I'm betting against him. Both Winnipeg and Los Angeles have had great success in finding the back of the net lately, but with Anze Kopitar heating up and Peter Budaj getting into the swing of things, I'm liking the Kings to be victorious. 

Pick: Los Angeles – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 4/5