darrell,

1-1 last night and picks now 21-8 over the past three weeks. Two picks tonight.

Keep your head up and stick on the ice, darrell!

**BOSTON -180 over Washington (7:05 Eastern)

The Capitals took a beating at the hands of Pittsburgh last night, losing 8-1. On the flip side, Boston has won 4 of their last 5 and has a chance to get to .500 tonight. During that span, they have allowed just 2.4 goals per game, thanks to the play of rookie goaltender Tim Thomas. In the second half of this season, they haven't lost to a team that allows 3+ goals per game (Washington allows 3.9 per game and a ridiculous 4.5 per game on the road). Boston has a strong Power Play (18.1% conversion) while Washington defends the PP poorly (23.4%). Two stars on the Bruins.

**MINNESOTA -125 over Nashville (8:05 Eastern)

Nashville would like to win their fourth straight to take sole control of the Central Division lead. But, Minnesota has other plans. Nashville's defense is just not the same away from home, where they alllow 3.2 goals per game and 22.3% Power Play conversion. Minnesota scores wll at home (3.3 per game on 12.1 % SOG conversion and 21.1% PP conversion). It will be tough for Nashville to keep up the kind of play we've seen from them of late. Road underdogs of +100 to +200 after allowing 2 goals or less in 3 straight games facing an opponent after scoring 3 goals or more in 4 straight games are just 5-27 (16%) since 1996. In these situations, offense wins out over defense. Nashville is also playing their 3rd game in five days so they might be a bit sluggish here.  Two stars on the Wild.