Posted on
1/17/2008 7:07:40 PM
NHL Betting Free Picks – Thursday Edition Western Conference
By Tim Furious
Vancouver Canucks (25-17-4) vs. Detroit Red Wings (33-10-4)
Thursday, January 17th --- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit --- 7:30pm EST
NHL Money Line: Detroit -190 (5.5)
Vancouver’s goal tending has been outstanding with Roberto Luongo between the pipes, but their 1-4 SU road record in the past five games should alarm anyone willing to lay down with Vancouver tonight. A loss on Tuesday to Columbus is indicative of that. Vancouver plays dumb hockey, and is one of the most penalized teams in the game. Their offense lacks clout, averaging only 2.63 goals per game, while allowing 2.35.
Detroit is in the midst of a tailspin right now, losing their past three games. Atlanta’s Marion Hossa went ballistic on Tuesday in the 5-1 victory. Regardless, Detroit still boasts the best defense in the league allowing only 2.2 goals per game while maintaining the second best offense in the NHL with 3.4 lamp lighters per game.
Bet on Detroit as Vancouver falls in to penalty trouble and falls prey to the heady puck-moving of Nicklas Lidstrom on the blue-line. The Norris Trophy Winner of 2007 has 37 helpers and 16 power play assists. Expect those numbers to climb tonight against a mistake-prone Canucks team that struggles on the road.
NHL Free Pick: Detroit (UNDER)
Dallas Stars (25-18-5) vs. San Jose Sharks (25-13-7)
Thursday, January 17th --- HP Pavilion, San Jose --- 10:30pm EST
NHL Money Line: San Jose -175 (5.5)
Both teams are looking to avoid droughts heading in to the All-Star Break. Dallas has lost 2-7 SU, while San Jose is skidding through a rough two-game losing streak. Dallas has inexplicably become a scoring force, notching 2.9 goals per game. While the Sharks only allow 2.4 goals per game, ranking them fourth in the NHL on defense, their offense has been atrocious as of late.
Joe Thornton and company only average 2.6 goals for per game, ranking them 24th in the league. Dallas has a strong defense that has been solidified by the sudden emergence of Matt Niskanen who handles the point incredibly well and is starter-in-the-making. San Jose’s play at home should be disconcerting to any NHL betting investor. Despite the odds, take Marty Turco and the Stars on the road.
NHL Free Pick: Dallas (UNDER)
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