Posted on 2/26/2008 1:54:11 PM

NHL Betting Furious Free Picks - Tuesday Edition Part 2

By Tim Furious

Colorado Avalanche (31-26-6) vs. Calgary Flames (33-22-8)

Tuesday, February 26th --- Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary --- 9:00pm EST

NHL Betting Line: Calgary -150

Although Peter Forsberg won’t be making his return to the Avalanche tonight, there is no doubt that the Rockies are brimming with excitement at the thought of Forsberg and Sakic being reunited. Does Foppa (that’s Forsberg’s nickname for those of you not keeping track) have any scoring touch left in his body? He better. The Avs are only averaging 2.73 goals per game, but that average is dropping off steadily.

The Avalanche desperately needed to pull the trigger on a major trade after going 1-6 SU in their past 7 games. Things don’t get better as they collide with a team that is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games and 6-2 SU in their last 8 home games. Even with Sakic and Smyth back in the lineup, the Avalanche simply don’t look like playoff contenders. The rejuvenated life of Foppa may give them that push they need, but that point is moot since he won’t be on the ice tonight.

Kippy and Iggy are giving Flames fans a lot to cheer for lately. Colorado is an upsetting 3-7 SU in their last 10 games on the road against Calgary, and that is a trend you can expect to continue tonight. Towards the end of the season, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Saddledome became one of the more difficult buildings to play in. Not only do the Flames average 2.86 lamp lighters per game, they also shut teams down to 28.03 shots against. With a guy like Kippy in net, it will be difficult to score on this team heading down the stretch.

Plus have you ever been to Calgary? There’s nothing to do! At least the fans will have a reason to drink on the Red Mile tonight after the trump the Avalanche once again. Stay away from the snowy peaks until we know for certain just how effective Foppa is going to be. By the way, the OVER/UNDER of me using “Foppa” over the duration of the season is set at 40 billion.

NHL Free Pick: Calgary -150

Detroit Red Wings (42-17-5) vs. Edmonton Oilers (28-30-5)

Tuesday, February 26th --- Rexall Place, Edmonton --- 9:00pm EST

NHL Betting Line: Detroit -150

What else do you say about a team like Detroit? This was once the most indestructible team on the ice, and now they’ve gone 1-8 SU in their last 9 games. They’ve lost to Columbus, Vancouver, Calgary and Dallas all in the past week. While their stats may still be up, they’re deceiving. They’re actually averaging 1.2 goals per game over their past five because they’ve been shutout twice.

But their betting faithful have reason to be excited. First of all, they’re playing Edmonton, which allows 3.02 goals per game on 31.02 shots (anything above 29 shots per game is considered a lot). They just lost Ethan Moreau for the season with a broken ankle and are probably the only team riddled with more injuries right now than Detroit.

There’s a reason that Oilers’ fans wheels are greasy though. The slicksters have gone 4-1 SU in their past 5 games and are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Detroit. So it’s really hard to say who is catching who at a better time here. On one hand you have Detroit facing their easiest opponent in two weeks. Then you have Edmonton catching the Wings as they fall down the losing tree, hitting every ugly branch on the way down.

My money’s on Edmonton because Detroit is simply a much worse team with Nicklas Lidstrom riding the injury reserve. They have three of their best defenseman on the rack, and that is an opportunity Edmonton will use to push the puck hard and fast. Detroit can’t wait to get off this West coast swing. They’re 1-4 SU in their past 5 road games, and a loss to Edmonton will tell you why the need to get back to Hockeytown in a hurry.

NHL Free Pick: Edmonton +130

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