Posted on
1/29/2008 4:38:00 PM
NHL Betting Free Picks 2008 – Eastern Conference
By Tim Furious
Pittsburgh Penguins (27-18-4) vs. New Jersey Devils (28-18-3)
Tuesday, January 29th --- Prudential Center, New Jersey --- 7:00pm EST
NHL Money Line: New Jersey -230
The Devils have the twenty-fifth ranked scoring offense with only 2.6 goals per game. So how are they winning? By having the second best defense. They allow a staggering 2.4 goals per game, and at home they only give up 2.2. They are only 2-3 SU in their last five games, but play extremely well at home and are 19-8 SU when favored.
The Penguins, meanwhile, are struggling mightily without Sidney Crosby. Evgeni Malkin continues to tear apart the league, and is putting this team on his shoulders. With 2.92 goals per game, the Penguins are still cruising at high levels, but they need The Kid back in a hurry. Their team defense is still suffering and Marc-Andre Fleury is still on the shelf. Everyone is waiting for the bubble to break on goalie Ty Conklin.
The Devils have had the break to rest and rekindle the fire and will have no problem against the Penguins. The Pens are just as strong on the road, but closing has been a problem. It’ll be an even bigger problem with Martin Brodeur in between the pipes for the Devils.
NHL Free Picks: New Jersey -230
Buffalo Sabres (21-21-6) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (20-25-5)
Tuesday, January 29th --- St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa --- 7:30pm EST
NHL Money Line: Tampa Bay -120
The Bolts were doing everything right until they got destroyed by Ottawa 8-4 before the break. Vincent Lecavlier strutted his stuff at the All-Star game, but now the one-line Lightning will have to get back to work if they want a semblance of respect in the Eastern Conference. They have one of the worst defenses in the league with 3.4 goals against.
The Sabres are a smart hockey team that gives up very few power play opportunities. Tampa has trouble forcing teams in to making mistakes, and the proof is in the pudding as they only get 3.7 extra-man opps per game. The streaky Sabres are 2-12 SU in their last 214 games, but are 5-0 SU on the road when playing Tampa Bay.
This matchup will essentially come down to how well the Sabres can contain the top-line of Vincent and Martin St. Louis. Buffalo allows 2.90 goals per game, and 28.19 shots against. As long as they can contain the top-line, Tampa doesn’t have the weapons on the depth chart to better their chances in this one. The Sabres needed the break to lick their wounds, and will reward their betting faithful by kick starting the second-half by edging the Lightning.
NHL Free Picks: Buffalo +100
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