Nhl Prediction - February 07, 2008

We went 2-1 last night for a 1.6 unit win. We're up 24.4 units over the past three weeks. Tonight we have five picks...

Today's NHL Hockey Picks:

Game: Chicago at Calgary (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Chicago +180 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 5.4)

Chicago has lost five in a row and as a result they will be extremely motivated here. Calgary may take them lightly given their current run. Calgary is struggling to score right now, averaging just 2.4 goals per game over their last five games. Calgary is averaging 2.9 per game on the season but the Blackhawks are 10-4 this season vs. teams that score 2.9+ per game. Calgary is only 14-16 this season as a home favorite and they are 2-8 after having won 5+ of their last seven games. Look for Calgary to get complacent and Chicago to surprise.

Vancouver has dropped four of five games and eight of nine, playing uncharacteristically bad defense. But, they have been solid and consistent on offense. They are in need of a win and tonight face a team that allows 3.3 goals per game on the season. The Canucks are 21-8 vs. non-conference foes the past three seasons while Atlanta is under .500 as a home favorite over the past two seasons. The Thrashers are just 13-21 as a small home favorite (-100 to -150) over that span. We like Vancouver here.

The Islanders have dropped five in a row and desperately need a win. They are off an embarrassing shutout loss to Anaheim and we expect them to come out inspired as a result. Pittsburgh is still without Sidney Crosby which gives the Islanders a fighting chance here. The Islanders have performed very well vs. division opponents this season, holding them to 2.2 per game and posting a 10-6 mark. Pittsburgh is 6-13 vs. division opponnents, getting outscored 2.5 to 3.2 on average. Road dogs off three straight losses find ways to win more than their fair share in the NHL (about 50% of their next games). We like New York to find a way here.

After starting the season 0-7 on the road, Tampa Bay has won five straight road games. They still aren't getting much respect for their resurrgence. This isn't new either as the Lightning are now 20-14 on the road in post-All Star break play since last since. Under John Tortorella, this is a .500 club as a road underdog of+100 to +150 and 29-19 on the road off a road win. This line represents value on a hot Tampa Bay team.

Dallas is 13-10 OVER on the road. Compared to playing at home, their defense drops off while their offense barely takes a hit. Minnesota plays very god defense at home but they can score too. The Stars are 12-4 OVER vs. winning teams this season and 11-3 OVER vs. teams with starting goalies that save 91.5%+ of shots against. This one should make it to 6 or higher.

Results: 3-2

NHL Hockey Picks Resources:

• Don't forget to read our 2007 NHL picks here.
• View our updated hockey against-the-spread records.
• Here we show our free NHL hockey picks.
• View our NHL Game-of-Day-Preview here.
• View our updated hockey lines and odds.
• Check out our updated NHL hockey sports handicapping philosophy.
• Take a look at our blog NHL here.
• Read our hockey sportsbook here.

Check out the last five NHL Hockey Picks Newsletters:

NHL-Hockey-Picks-February-06-2008
New Jersey is 26-17 UNDER overall including 15-8 UNDER on the road. Their defense has been slack of late but overall it's been very tough (2.5 per game allowed on the road all season). Buffalo is ...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-February-05-2008
It's been 150 minutes of scoreless hockey for the Ducks as they have dropped six straight. But, we are all over them tonight! It should tell you something that a team in the middle of this kind of...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-February-04-2008
Colorado is 13-3-1 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Phoenix. Colorado had a great game Saturday against St. Louis scoring six goals in that game. Colorado’s young players hav...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-February-02-2008
Calgary had a great game last time out beating the San Jose sharks 5-4. Nolan had his 11th career hat trick in that game. Calgary has won four straight games. Dallas in 2-8 in there last 10 games on S...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-February-01-2008
Atlanta wil be without Ilya Kovalchuck and his 38 goals tonight. The Sabres are 15-10 UNDER ont he season away from home, scoring 2.4 per game. Over their last five games they are averaging just 2.2 g...