Posted on
10/17/2007 7:17:16 PM
NHL Free Picks: New Jersey Devils vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
By Tim Furious
It is always a treat when one of the best defensive teams faces one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The last time these teams met, the Devils were shutout 3-0 last season. Pittsburgh simply has too much firepower for the misguided Devils to deal with, especially as they clamor to find a suitable new leader with Gomez and Rafalski gone.
It is an early season, but Pittsburgh has been waiting for an offensive explosion from Sidney Crosby and there is an easy bet here that Crosby gets his chances at home against a strong defensive team.
New Jersey Devils (2-3-0) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (2-2-0)
Wednesday, October 17th --- Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh --- 7:30pm EST
NHL Free Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Ducks have had it rough by going on tour to London to open the season, and then receiving a crushing road tour of the east coast en route back to Anaheim. Since then, they seem to have found their footing, especially with a 6-3 drubbing of Detroit.
Nashville has lost three straight, including two home games, as they hit the road to battle Anaheim. Anaheim is a brutally difficult team to play at home, despite that hiccup against Minnesota where they were shutout in a 2-0 loss. Bet on the Ducks to crush the lowly Preds who are starting to show weaknesses after losing to Phoenix and Calgary by three goals each.
Nashville Predators (2-3-0) vs. Anaheim Ducks (3-4-1)
Wednesday, October 17th --- Honda Center, Anaheim --- 10:00pm EST
NHL Free Pick: Anaheim Ducks
The Leafs need to go to the hardware store around the corner and buy some finish. Bryan McCabe should be embarrassed after his own-goal against Buffalo led to another overtime loss. The Leafs may be scoring 3.71 goals per game, but they are allowing 4.14 against.
The Panthers are riding a three game winning streak, including a shutout over New Jersey. The cagey bettor may be tempted to put money down on these wily Panthers, but Toronto needs a pick me up game and they love beating up Florida. They are 7-3 SU in their last ten against Florida. Expect that trend to continue Thursday night.
Florida Panthers (3-3-0) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (2-3-2)
Thursday, October 18th --- Air Canada Centre, Toronto --- 7:30pm EST
NHL Free Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs
If the Thrashers want to turnaround an already abysmal season, this is not the game to do it. The Rangers have owned the Thrashers in their past four meetings, outscoring them 17-6. Now the Rangers are even better and have the fourth best defense in the league. They allow a favorable 2.0 goals against per game.
The Rangers are still trying to get the chemistry going, and there is no better way to get the puck rolling then by beating up on the winless Thrashers. Bet happily and safely on the Rangers as they try to further acclimate the acquisitions of Drury and Gomez in to their lineup.
New York Rangers (2-3-0) vs. Atlanta Thrashers (0-6-0)
Thursday, October 18th --- Philips Arena, Atlanta --- 7:00pm EST
NHL Free Pick: New York Rangers
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