Posted on 1/24/2008 5:25:40 PM

NHL Betting Free Picks – Week 17 Thursday Edition, Part 2

By Tim Furious

Minnesota Wild (27-19-3) vs. Colorado Avalanche (26-19-4)

Thursday, January 24th --- Pepsi Center, Denver --- 9:00pm EST

NHL Money Line: Colorado -120

Why Colorado is a favorite in this game remains a mystery to me. With Sakic and Smyth licking their wounds, the Avalanche have had difficulty finding consistent scoring. A brutal 4-0 shutout loss to Nashville is evidence that this young team is in need of some veteran guidance. They still average 2.78 goals per game, but their power play percentage is an awful 13.24 percent.

Minnesota was barely edged by the Flames on Tuesday in a tight 2-1 defeat. But they are beginning to find their legs, and the Avalanche simply don’t have the legs to keep up with the speed that the Wild can produce on the ice. You need at least two big bangers to slow down the speedy Wild, and the Avalanche don’t even have one. One player to keep your eye on is Brian Rolston, who has thus far been a disappointment. But two goals in the last two games may be evidence that the 6-foot-2 Michigan native might be finding his scoring touch in the nick of time.

With so much youth on the ice, the Avs find themselves in the penalty box. Bet on Minnesota to use their convincing power play tactics to overwhelm the Avalanche with the man advantage. Minnesota is 19.07 percent with the extra attacker. Minnesota may be 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Colorado, but this Avs squad is simply too young to contend with a team that is beginning to pull things together in time for a second-half playoff push.

NHL Free Picks: Minnesota +100

Ottawa Senators (30-15-4) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (20-24-5)

Thursday, January 24th --- St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa --- 7:30pm EST

NHL Money Line: Ottawa -140

So let me get this straight because I’m convinced I’m going insane. Ottawa is 1-5 SU in their past six games, lost last week to Tampa in a shutout and are still without their leading scorer, Dany Heatley…and they’re the favorite? Did I mention that Tampa is on a three-game winning streak? What the hell is going on in here?

Tampa Bay is somewhat comfortable at home, where they score 3.1 goals per game. They are 13-10-2 at home this season, but are really pulling things together after some much maligned blue-line play. A huge reason for the resurgence of their competitive spirit is the emergence of Vincent Lecavlier who, after nearly a decade in the league, has finally decided he wants to be the best player in the NHL. He has 30 goals and 36 assists this season, and scored a decisive goal against Ottawa. In 32 games against Ottawa, he has 27 points, so it’s obvious he loves stepping up when the Sens come to town.

I seriously can’t understand why Ottawa is favored in this on-ice tilt. Take advantage of the lazy NHL oddsmakers and score big as Lecavlier continues his dominance of the league by pasting the hapless Senators who look lost without their scoring leader on the ice. By the way, Ray Emery looks rough between the pipes. He’s giving up trash rebounds, and looks nervous and off-kilter in the crease. The pressure is on him to perform, and he is crumpling faster than Kate Moss trying to install a light bulb in the ceiling fixture.

NHL Free Picks: Tampa Bay +120

Score big with online sports betting in the BetUS.com sportsbook, where you’ll find NHL odds and lines for every NHL hockey game of the year. If you like to bet on NHL hockey, you’ll love the NHL player and game props in our online sportsbook. Join BetUS today!