posted April 4, 2008 at 17:54 in NHL Articles

New Jersey Devils (45-28-7) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (40-29-11)

Friday, April 4th --- Wachovia Center, Philadelphia --- 7:00pm EST

NHL Betting Line: Philadelphia -160

The Flyers return home after a brutal four game road trip saw them go 2-2 SU and barely edge the Rangers and Islanders by a point a piece. But Jersey has gone on a three-game winning streak and absolutely loves playing Philadelphia no matter where the game is. Jersey is 5-0 SU when playing Philadelphia, so it’s a wonder that they are pegged as underdogs despite the fact they’re playing on the road.

Philadelphia is barely clinging to a playoff spot. They’ve done what they can; going 5-2 SU in the last 7 games while going 5-1 SU in the last 6 games as well. But that doesn’t mean jack in my opinion. They never pull up their socks against Jersey. Never. Ever.

This game is an open and shut case for me. Bet safely on the road dogs in this one and reward yourself while riding the Devils soon to be four-game winning streak. Until the Flyers give us a reason to side with them against the Devils, take the Devils.

NHL Betting Free Pick: New Jersey +140 (OVER)

Boston Bruins (40-28-12) vs. Ottawa Senators (43-30-8)

Friday, April 4th --- Scotiabank Place, Ottawa --- 7:30pm EST

NHL Betting Line: Ottawa -140

Ottawa spanked the Leafs in an 8-2 drubbing, but didn’t walk away without losses of their own. Daniel Alfredsson is gone for the year with a combination value meal of a concussion and knee injury. And then the underachieving Mike Fisher, who honestly does a lot of things well but has failed to produce offensively, is also out with a knee injury. There goes that vaunted top-line, and with it, the Sens playoff chances.

Boston is obviously surprising me / pissing me off. I’ve written for months how they’re not for real, how Ti m Thomas is a letdown. I’m not saying that I was wrong, but what I will say is that I underestimated the coaching staff. They’ve done a superb job with this team. Despite the fact that they’ve gone 5-11 SU in their last 16 games, Boston shouldn’t be anywhere close to having a record like this. Yet, here they are.

Boston may be 1-7 SU in their last 8 road games and 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing Ottawa, but the Senators are going to be way off kilter with Alfredsson and Fisher sidelined. It completely decimates the game plan for Ottawa. And while they scramble to figure things out, Boston will squeak out a nice win for their betting faithful.

NHL Furious Free Pick : Boston +120 (OVER)

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