NHL Eastern Free Picks – Devils and Sens to Protect House, Flyers Not
by Tim Furious
Dallas Stars (2-3-1) vs. New Jersey Devils (4-1-0)
The Devils have returned to form after a confusing start. Now they’re exactly where we expect, averaging a point differential of +0.2. Martin Brodeur is getting old, but he still has the natural talent and experience to overcome all the difficulty that comes with aging. To make it a bit easier for Brodeur, the stumbling Stars visit after they have had a few days rest from a road trip there they went 3-1 SU against some strong teams.
Dallas is coming off a brutal home loss to Colorado, and a recent win over the Rangers. But the Stars don’t stand a chance in the Prudential Center. They’re 2-5 SU in their last 7 roadies and are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games against the Devils. Easy pick.
NHL Free Pick: New Jersey -145 (UNDER)
San Jose Sharks (5-1-0) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (0-3-2)
If you really think the Flyers are going to break their winless streak against one of the best regular season teams in the league, then you’re high on something I want! The Sharks are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games and are 5-0-1 SU in their last 6 when playing Philadelphia. The Flyers are ridiculously and shamefully bad. Don’t go anywhere near them unless you expect to bet against them.
NHL Free Pick: San Jose -120 (OVER)
Florida Panthers (2-3-0) vs. Ottawa Senators (2-2-1)
The reported demise of Daniel Alfredsson were reported too soon. The Senators have continued to be one of the premier scoring teams in the league with Alfy, Heater and Spezza tearing the league apart at 3.20 goals per game. Their penalty killing has jacked up to 90.4% and they’re offensive efficiency is through the roof at 26.60 shots per game and 3.20 goals per, but they still allow a brutal amount of shots which explains why they are giving up 3.00 goals against.
Florida is a pretty decent team, with Bryan McCabe not doing much to impress the brass that traded for him. The Senators are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games against the Panthers. Though Ottawa got out of the gates roughly, and are toting a 1-9 SU record behind them, they are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Florida. There’s nothing sensational about the Panthers to boost confidence, so bet happily on the favorite tonight.
