Nhl Game Predictions - April 01, 2008

Today we have a dog-filled card with four picks...

Today's NHL Hockey Picks:

Game: Buffalo at Toronto (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Toronto +125 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 3.8)

Buffalo is desperate to stave off elimination from the playoffs. Having made it to the Eastern Conference Finals the past two years, they are at risk of not making the playoffs at all this year. One more loss dooms them and we think they flal tonight. Toronto was eliminated from the playoffs in their loss to Boston and they will be looking to deliver some of that medicine to the Sabres. Buffalo is playing horrible defense right now (3.6 per game allowed over their last five) while Toronto is playing great offense (3.4 per game over their last five). The Leafs are 12-5 in their last 17 games vs. teams that average 2.9+ goals per game. And, Buffalo is just 1-6 off an overtime win.

The Islanders have nothing to play for while New Jersey does, right? Wrong. New York would love nothing more than to spoil the Devils' playoff hopes. New York beat New Jersey a couple of weeks ago in New Jersey and they can do it again here at home. New Jersey is all about defense as their offense averages just 2.5 goals per game. But, right now they aren't playing well on either end of the rink. Over their past five games they have been beaten by an average score of 1.8 to 3.8. The Devils are just 1-5 int heir last six games vs. a poor offense (teams scoring 2.5 or less goals per game). Overall they are just 3-12 against such teams this season! Meanwhile, the Islanders are 9-3 this season against such teams.

Carolina goes for a division win here. The Hurricanes have been a solid road team all season long and their offense is clicking right now. They are averaging 3.4 goals per game over their last five games while holding opponents to just 2.0 per game. In 29 division games, they are 18-11, averaging 3.3 goals per game. Washington is just 6-12 this season at home vs. poor defensive teams (those giving up 2.9+ goals per game). Carolina is seeking revenge and they are 25-12 this season in that situation and we like them here as a dog.

Florida is out of the playoffs and are off a shutout loss at home. This team has packed it in as they are averaging 1.6 goals per game over their last five. Atlanta isn't a whole lot better but at least they are at home. Florida is just 17-24 this season vs. teams allowing 2.9+ goals per game so don't automatically expect them to have success against this weak Thrashers defense. Atlanta pulled out the upset last time they met and Florida is just 6-25 on the road revenging a home loss as a favorite the past three seasons. We like the home dog here.

NHL Hockey Picks Resources:

• View NHL gambling philosophy here.
• Check out NHL picks blog here.
• Don't forget to read our sportsbook reviews NHL here.
• View our 2007 hockey season prior picks here.
• Check out NHL hockey odds here.
• Don't forget to read our NHL hockey Game-of-Day Analysis here.
• View our updated hockey picks.
• View our updated NHL hockey ATS records.

Check out the last five NHL Hockey Picks Newsletters:

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-30-2008
The Avs are 26-12 UNDER on the road this season and 16-12 UNDER vs. division opponents. Minnesota is 16-12 UNDER at home on year, holdin gopponents to 2.3 goals per game. With Colorado averaging 2.5 p...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-29-2008
This is expected to be a high scoring affair. We think it will be lower than most expect and we like the home team. Recent play would indicate this game going over the total but on the season, Montrea...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-28-2008
The Predators push for the playoffs continues as they head to Columbus. Both teams have played excellent defense of late but Columbus has had trouble with familiar foes this season. In their 27 divisi...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-27-2008
The Capitals are making a run for their first playoff appearance since 2003. THey've won a couple i n a row to move within two points of Boston. Can they make it three ina row? We don't think ...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-26-2008
Edmonton is 26-19 UNDER at home but 24-9 OVER on the road! They are on a scoring bing of late averaging 4.4 goals per game over their last nine games. Over their last four games they have allowed 16 g...