The Blues are trending in the right direction after their recent coaching change.

This week I’m staying as far away from Arizona as I can. They have literally made me look average over the past 3 weeks, and I’m looking to change that. I I took a bit of a break this week going 4 –1 (80%) and I’m looking to take that strong week into a Saturday where I’m not betting against the Coyotes. Let’s get right into it. 

Record: 22 – 14 (61%)

St. Louis @ Buffalo (1 pm ET)

St. Louis has finally become the team we expected them to be at the start of the season, and all it took was a coaching change. The Blues are riding high on a six-game winning streak and I fully expect them to make it seven after visiting the Sabres on Saturday. While the Sabres may be having their own streak after beating Ottawa and Colorado this week, St. Louis is an awakened beast. I’ll be looking for Kevin Shattenkirk and Vladimir Tarasenko to lead the charge for St. Louis, and Kyle Okposo and Sam Reinhart to contribute of the Sabres. 

Pick: St. Louis – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 4/5

Winnipeg @ Montreal (2 pm ET)

Much like St. Louis, I’m looking for the coaching change to have an immediate positive impact for the Canadiens. Julien’s focus on defence should be the proverbial key to Montreal’s lock. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Carey Price with a stellar performance and possibly (dare I say it) even a shutout performance. Even though bye weeks haven’t been great for teams, I don’t see that being a problem for Montreal at home with some new lines. I’m expecting Alexander Radulov and Max Pacioretty to step up and seal the deal for the Canadiens at home. 

Pick: Montreal – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 3.5/5

Washington @ Detroit (2 pm ET)

The Capitals will also be looking to shake the bye week curse that seems to be plaguing the NHL. After five days off, I’d be looking for a rejuvenated Capitals squad rather than one coming slow out of the gate. This is not the Detroit of yesteryear, and the Trotz’s Capitals will not be a slumping bunch. Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie should pick up right where they left off, and Braden Holtby will be looking to solidify his mark.

Pick: Washington – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level – 4/5

Ottawa @ Toronto (7 pm ET)

Ottawa has been looking pretty good lately with both goaltenders shining. That said, I’m still taking Toronto at home for this game. Nazem Kadri has been a force to reckon with and even with Mitch Marner out, I’m expecting the Maple Leafs to pull out the W. Take the under as I see this being hard fought, close game.

Pick: Toronto – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 3/5

Nashville @ Minnesota (8 pm ET)

While I may have picked Montreal and Washington to come out on top after the bye weeks, I’m wary to do the same for Nashville. Minnesota has proven themselves to be one of the best in the league, and I’m not taking them lightly at all. Take your pick of the Wild’s forwards group to contribute as this one should be a crapshoot in regards to production.

Pick: Minnesota – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 3.5/5

Calgary @ Vancouver (10 pm ET)

My gut call of the day and it’s going with the Flames. IMO this game could go either way, but I’m liking Calgary to take the road win. Really, that’s all I have to say about this, as both teams should be pushing hard to earn the coveted two points. 

Pick: Calgary – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 3/5