Posted on
1/16/2008 4:43:44 PM
NHL Betting Opinion – Top-Shelf Rankings, Week 16
By Tim Furious
1. Detroit Red Wings (33-9-4)
Detroit has some interesting tests this week going up a surly Atlanta squad and a Vancouver team that is terrorizing the league with a frustrating defense. Their Saturday tilt against San Jose will put in to perspective the state of the NHL betting parity.
This week: Atlanta vs. Detroit (1/15), Vancouver vs. Detroit (1/17), Detroit vs. San Jose (1/19)
2. Ottawa Senators (29-11-4)
How do you beat the NHL’s best team, and still play footstool to them in the Top-Shelf? You lose to the New York Islanders 3-1 in the following match-up. The loss of Dany Heatley is devastating and it will be interesting to see how the Sens react with such a glaring loss to their coveted top-line. Buyer beware.
This week: Washington vs. Ottawa (1/15), Carolina vs. Ottawa (1/17), Tampa vs. Ottawa (1/19), Ottawa vs. Philadelphia (1/20)
3. Vancouver Canucks (25-16-4)
Minnesota may lead the gritty Northwest Division thus far, but it’s the Canucks that are currently playing the better hockey. Credit Taylor Pyatt for finally filling the role that Todd Bertuzzi left in front of the opponent’s crease upon his untimely departure. Pyatt has four goals and four helpers in his past nine games.
This week: Columbus vs. Vancouver (1/15), Vancouver vs. Detroit (1/17). Los Angeles vs. Vancouver (1/19)
4. New Jersey Devils (26-15-3)
The Devils have a great mark at home, going 13-5-0 in their own building. But their 13-10-3 road record is a bit disconcerting. Luckily they get three fairly easy games at home this weekend. Should be profitable for their betting investors.
This week: NYI vs. New Jersey (1/16), Florida vs. New Jersey (1/18), Toronto vs. New Jersey (1/20)
5. San Jose Sharks (23-12-6)
San Jose has a lot to prove after barely escaping the Maple Flakes this past weekend. They rallied in the third to win 3-2, but have two stiff tests against Dallas and Detroit this weekend. And home has been anything but sweet for Thornton and company. They are 9-9-4 in the Shark Tank and 16-3-3 on the road. Stay away from them this week.
This week: San Jose vs. Phoenix (1/15), Dallas vs. San Jose (1/17), Detroit vs. San Jose (1/19)
6. Pittsburgh Penguins (24-16-2)
Pittsburgh defense continues to haunt them, albeit very quietly. Evgeni Malkin is surging in his past few games, notching 11 points in a stunning six-game point streak. He has two hat tricks after his three goal performance against the Rangers on Monday, leading the team with 23 goals. Goal tending is a continuing question, but no team this week poses a threat to even the shoddy Pittsburgh defense, which allows 2.7 goals against per match.
This week: Pittsburgh vs. NYR (1/14), Tampa vs. Pittsburgh (1/18), Pittsburgh vs. Montreal (1/19)
7. Calgary Flames (22-15-7)
The truth about Calgary is that their name suggests more than you would think. They are a hot-cold team that is streaky and can flame-out just as fast as it can scorch the twine. Jarome Iginla is the mid-season MVP in my opinion, but he isn’t getting much help. The colossal defense is doing all it can to ensure Mikka Kiprusoff doesn’t blow any more games. Stay with them until they cold, and then expect that to be a streak to continue for at least the rest of the week. I just couldn’t ignore their decisively dominating five-game win streak.
This week: Nashville vs. Calgary (1/15), Calgary vs. Minnesota (1/16), Los Angeles vs. Calgary (1/18)
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