Posted on 1/22/2008 1:52:23 PM

NHL Betting 2008 – Week 17 Tuesday Edition

By Tim Furious

New Jersey Devils (27-17-3) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (26-15-5)

Tuesday, January 22nd --- Wachovia Center, Philadelphia --- 7:00pm EST

Opening NHL Money Line: Philadelphia -125

The Devils have typically owned the Flyers outright, going 8-1 SU when playing Philadelphia. But this is a new Flyers team that is combining a high-impact style of physicality with an acumen for scoring. During their four-game winning streak, the Flyers have averaged 5.5 goals per game, while only allowing 2.7 per game.

The Devils are a stalwart defensive threat that relies on team defense and the savvy net minding of Martin Brodeur, undoubtedly one of the greatest goalies to ever play the game. The Devil’s overall defense is ranked second in the league, allowing only 2.3 goals per game. But the Flyers are lethal when they play at the Wachovia Center. The lead the league in home scoring with 3.7 goals per game, and are 13-11 SU as favorites.

Bet on the punchy Flyers as they begin to show that the new NHL is all about speed and offense, leaving the Devils dizzy in their dust. Antero Niitymaki has been incredible in since the turn of the new year. The Finland native is 5-1 SU in the month of January, with his only loss coming in overtime. The Flyers are scorching the scoreboard and burning teams, so strike with your NHL betting dollars while the iron is hot.

NHL Free Picks: Philadelphia -125

Atlanta Thrashers (23-24-3) vs. New York Rangers (22-21-6)

Tuesday, January 22nd --- Madison Square Garden --- 7:00pm EST

Opening NHL Money Line: New York Rangers -180

Everyone got moist about the Thrashers when they pummeled Detroit 5-1 last week behind a dazzling performance by Marion Hossa. But a 10-1 drubbing to Buffalo, followed by a 4-2 loss to Edmonton, proves that the Thrashers lack the heart to hang with the best of them. They are in the middle of the pack statistically with 2.8 goals per game, while allowing 3.4 against. Those who gambled on

Kari Lehtonen saving these dirty birds were dead wrong.

Meanwhile, the Rangers have had their own multitude of problems. Coming off back-to-back losses to the burly Bruins of Beantown simply exemplifies the unusual funk this star studded team finds itself in. The Rangers are near the bottom of the barrel, averaging only 2.4 goals per game, though their defense is ranked 8th with only 2.6 goals against. So far, Chris Drury and Scott Gomez have not been worth the price of admission.

When you’re staring at two teams like this who are in apparent tailspins, take the team with the more reliable goalie. In this case, it’s Henrik Lundqvist of the Rangers, who has been struggling but can turn it around against the Thrashers. Lehtonen is playing like a drugged up sloth between the pipes and simply can’t be trusted.

NHL Free Picks: New York Rangers -180

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