NHL Western Conference Free Picks – Tuesday Edition

Tony Granato is back for his second attempt as the coach and leader of the highly touted Stanley Cup Champs. If his poor performance in two outings thus far are any indication, that is a big fat “no”.

Calgary has averaged 3.0 goals in two losses, and are 6-3 SU in their last 9 home games. Their two losses are against Vancouver, which will remain one of the more difficult teams to beat because of Roberto Luongo. Though both teams are off to abysmal starts, my betting dollar sides with the Flames tonight.

NHL Free Pick: Calgary -140 (OVER)

Los Angeles Kings (0-2-0)

Anaheim is a tough team to figure out. They’re the road favorites tonight as they visit the bright lights of L.A. to take on Alexander Frolov and the a young Kings team. L.A. is in a serious rebuilding phase, and while they have some explosive young talent, Jason LaBarbera in net still has a lot of experience to gain.

The Ducks should not be this bad. They were crushed by San Jose on Thursday 4-1 and were then bullied by a suddenly surging Phoenix team. Anaheim was a horrific bet last NHL betting season, and there’s no reason for you to side with them over the Kings. Jean-Sebastien Giguere has allowed an absurd 4.03 goals against average.

They’re too risky as a road favorite, and the Kings are more profitable as a home dog. Side a small bet with the Kings just for fun. This game has too many red flags for me to give it a legitimate vote of confidence.

NHL Free Pick: L.A. +120 (UNDER)

San Jose Sharks (3-0-0)

The Sharks are at it again, winning decisively in three hard fought games. They remain one of the most talented rosters in the entire league, though questions abound as to whether this team can close or not. They pounded Anaheim 4-1, then outscored L.A. 4-1 over the course of two games. They have the best overall defense, which remains no surprise. But the 2.7 goals for average is a bit surprising. If they can keep this up, the Wings have a legitimate threat. But as we all know from hockey betting seasons past, the season is long, and no team loves to let down their long term investors better than San Jose.

NHL Free Pick: San Jose -220 (UNDER)