Nhl Hockey Predictions - April 29, 2008
We hit again lat night, pushing us to 25-12 (68%) for +20.8 units over the last 18 days in the playoffs. Tonight we have three picks including one game we really like...
Today's NHL Hockey Picks:
Game: San Jose at Dallas (7:35 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Dallas -130 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 2.3)
What can you say about the Stars? They showed signs of strength in the regular season. As a result, we backed them several times in their first series vs. Anaheim. They dispensed of the Ducks, winning as a big dog several times. They have since go on to hand the Sharks two straight losses. This team is on a mission. They now return home where they are 25-19 on the season. In the playoffs they are holding opponents to 2.1 goals per game while San Jose is allowing 2.8. The Sharks are just 4-5 in the playoffs now, scoring less than they are giving up. They are now just 5-13 in late season play the past two seasons vs. very good defensive teams (those allowing under 27 shots on goal). This season they are 1-8 vs. teams that allow under 27 shots per game and 15% or lower power play conversion. Dallas is 24-16 vs. winning teams including 16-8 in their last 24. They have also gone 14-8 vs. teams allowing under 2.6 goals per game. The Sharks are 16-18 vs. division foes this year and we think they are in trouble here. We'll back the Stars for the home win.
Game: Detroit at Colorado (10:05 PM Eastern)Pick: 5 units on Detroit -115 (moneyline) (risk 5 to win 4.4)
Detroit owns the Avs. The Red Wings have now won 12 of the last 14 in this matchup and all six meetings this season! The combined score of those six games? Detroit 20-6. Not only that, but the Avs are beat up (Forsberg, Hannan, Wolski). Yet we get virtually even-money here? A gift. Sure, Detroit might relax. But don't count on it. Coach Mike Babcock came out on that after their game two win saying, "All we have to do is go back to the last series. We were in the same scenario, and we went to Nashville and didn't win a game (until the clinching Game Six)." The Wings allowed just 2.2 goals per game on the road this season and they are averaging just 1.6 per game allowed in their last five. They are 30-9 this season coming off a 2+ goal win including 18-5 after a win by 3 or more goals. We think there is tremendous value here on the Red Wings at this price and we'll back them to win.
Game: Detroit at Colorado (10:05 PM Eastern)Pick: 3 units on Detroit -1.5 goals +290 (puckline) (risk 3 to win 8.7)
We like the Red Wings enough to also back them at +290 on the -1.5 puckline.
Results: 2-1
NHL Hockey Picks Resources:
Check out the last five NHL Hockey Picks Newsletters:
NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-28-2008
Philadelphia took home ice advantage and the momentum with their 4-2 game two victory. Now they return home knowing a loss gives that advantage right back. In game two Martin Biron saved 34 so Philade...
NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-27-2008
Pittsburgh was able to overcome a 3-goal deficit in game one to come back and post a 5-4 win over New York. That's how good this offense is. They have now won five straight games and we like them ...
NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-26-2008
Montreal needed a comeback in game one to win it. That's not deterring us from taking the better team. Montreal showed they can handle adversity and Philadelphia showed they continue to have troub...
NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-25-2008
Pittsburgh is on a mission. Forget lack of playoff experience. This team is cruising. They are young but they are very good with Crosby and Malkin playing like seasoned vets. Marc-Andre Fleury was awe...
NHL-Hockey-Picks-April-24-2008
The Canadiens got a scare from Boston in round one but finished strong in game seven, winning 5-0. Philadelphia also took seven games to get past Washington. Despite both going to seven, the...
