East Coast Free Picks
by Tim Furious
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Let’s see, one of the league’s best teams against one of the worst. This should be easy. Need some trends? Fine. Boston is 5-0 SU in their last 5 roadies, while the Islanders haven’t even won a game in their last 5 attempts. On top of that, the Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games against Boston. In no way, shape or form should you back an NHL franchise that promotes its backup goal tender to general manager. Never. Ever.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs have been brutal lately, going 1-5 SU and 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road. Allowing 3.58 goals will do that to you. On top of that, Carolina is a team that simply has Toronto’s number. The Canes are 5-1 SU in their last 6 meetings against the Blue Leafs. Combine Carolina’s patented success against Toronto, along with the Leafs woeful road record and you’ve got yourself a mortal lock.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have had two days off to put salt on the wounds from their recent road trip. Tampa ended the five game trip with three wins total over hockey bets tonight for big earnings.
Nashville Predators
The world is gearing up for the NHL All-Star game, which boasts three Montreal Canadiens in starting positions. Actually, it’s four if you count Cary Price in net. This is what happens when you let fans vote via text message, idiots! The Habs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games, and are 5-2 SU in their last 7 against Nashville. Couple that with Nashville’s atrociously bad 1-7 SU record in their last 8 road games. The Predators are having serious trouble scoring, averaging just 2.4 goals per game. It’s near to impossible to expect them to start scoring on the seventh ranked NHL defense.
