Nhl Playoff Predictions - March 23, 2010

We won last night on the ice - our third straight winning night. Today we have a huge day on the NHL ice with seven premium picks including a 5-unit pick and a pair of 4-unit plays.

Over the last five months, our NHL plays are 280-212 (57%) for +123 units. On the season, our NHL, NBA and CBB 5-unit picks are 109-64 fpr 63%.

WUNDERDOG 2010 RECENT RESULTS ($100/bet)
SPORT	WINS-LOSSES	%	NET
NFL	46-29 last 75 picks	61%	+$4060
CFB	25-10 last 35 picks	71%	+$6040
MLB	265-219 last 484 picks	55%	+$8370
CBB	2-2 last 4 picks	50%	+$50
NBA	19-6 last 25 picks	76%	+$3810
NHL	280-212 last 492 picks	57%	+$12340
WNBA	121-90 last 211 picks	57%	+$5490
TOTAL			+$40160

Today's NHL Hockey Picks:

Game: Boston at Atlanta (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 4 units on Boston -120 (moneyline) (risk 4 to win 3.3)

Atlanta has won four straight and has their eyes set on a playoff berth. Yes, this team has won four in a row in impressive fashion. But let's not forget they dropped six in a row prior to that, scoring a total of 8 goals in those six games. They are just a .500 team at home and their defense is just not very good. Boston's defense on the other hand is great, allowing 2.5 goals per game. When facing solid goalies (those saving 92%+ shots), Atlanta is just 7-19 this season. The Thrashers really aren't as good as their recent play and I like Boston to get the win here.

Atlanta has lost 10 of the last 11 games between these two clubs. They were beaten 4-0 by Boston the last time they met. So they are seeking revenge here but that doesn't seem to motivate the Thrashers as they are just 13-27 this season in that situation. When they gave up 4+ goals in the last loss to an opponent, they are just 7-20 this season. The reality is that Atlanta is not a very good team and not even revenge can motivate them. I like Boston's chances here at another big win.

Both of these teams are hanging by a thread to hopes of reaching the playoffs. Tampa Bay has lost five in a row but remain favored here - for good reason. Carolina is just 11-24 on the road this season, losing by nearly one goal per game. In their last five games, they have been torched on average 2.4 to 3.8. As bad as the Lightning are on the road (10-26), they are decent at home, playing .500 hockey thanks to very good defense. The Hurricanes are just 1-9 this season coming off an embarrassing 2+ goal home loss. They are 5-19 on the road when the total is set at 5.5 goals. I'm on Tampa Bay here.

San Jose has lost serious ground after dropping six straight games. They really need a victory to stem the tide and Minnesota is the place I think they get it. We in fact get better odds than we should be here, thanks to San Jose's slide. Let's not forget that this team is 43-29 including 21-15 on the road. In games at -100 to -150 this season, they are 15-6. And, after a game in which they allowed 2+ goals in the final period, the Sharks are 9-1 this season. I like San Jose to break out of their slump with a win tonight.

San Jose has been sliding, but they are still the much superior team here. They are a winning road team that can score in bunches and after losing six straight, they will be very motivated here. If they get a lead, they won't sit on it for fear of losing. I expect the Sharks to come to play and have a good shot at a big victory.

These teams are tied atop the Western Conference with 97 points each. Phoenix was not supposed to be here after tying for the worst record in the West last season. The Coyotes have won nine straight. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are going the opposite direction having lost five of their last six. Chicago needs this game. Another loss and they fall behind Phoenix. Playing at home gives them a big edge. In this building Chicago wins on average by over a goal per game. They have only lost nine times in 35 home games. They are 36-13 since last season at home as a home favorite of -100 to -200. I like Chicago to get it done. 

Phoenix has surprised many with their vastly improved play over last year. Their defense is the reason. But, Chicago can score (averaging 3.5 per game at home). And, the Phoenix offense will have trouble keeping up. Chicago wins at home by more than a goal per game on average so they have a good shot here at winning by 2 or more. Chicago owns a 71-56 record the past three seasons vs. winning teams. I like Chicago on the puckline.

NHL Hockey Picks Resources:

• Don't forget to read our free NHL hockey picks here.
• Here we show our how to bet NHL hockey.
• Don't forget to visit our NHL hockey Game-of-Day Analysis.
• Don't forget to visit our NHL sportsbook reviews .
• Updated today: NHL lines and odds.
• Read our NHL ATS records here.
• View our NHL blog here.
• Updated today: 2009 hockey prior picks results.

Check out the last five NHL Hockey Picks Newsletters:

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-22-2010
The Avalanche have come a long way since last year, but their recent play has not been that great as they have been a break-even team over their last 20 games. They have also lost two in a row and fiv...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-21-2010
...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-20-2010
The Florida Panthers have been folding down the stretch, and have been on the right side of just four of their last 14 games. They exploded for 7 goals vs. Philadelphia, but in their other 13 games du...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-18-2010
The Capitals are setting up as the team to beat as we wind up the NHL season. They have sandwiched eight straight road wins around a three-game road losing streak, and have run the road win streak to ...

NHL-Hockey-Picks-March-17-2010
The Calgary Flames have played good hockey all season long and have the same number of road losses as the Avalanche have home loses. The Flames aren't giving up much right now as only one team has...