Posted on 4/1/2008 6:34:20 PM

NHL Furious Free Picks 2008 – Tuesday Night Eastern Conference Parlay

By Tim Furious

Montreal Canadiens (44-25-10) vs. Ottawa Senators (42-29-8)

Tuesday, April 1st --- Scotiabank Place, Ottawa --- 7:30pm EST

NHL Betting Line: Ottawa -140

This line is spot on and difficult to get a solid read on. Ottawa is favored as a -140 favorite, while the Canadiens are a solid +120. The line is moving away from Ottawa because the betting community believes that the red-hot Habs can continue their four-game win streak on the road in Ottawa. And you know what? I’m with them on that one.

Ottawa has tumbled to a 1-4 SU record over the course of their last 5 games. They’ve had nightmares defensively allowing a whopping 4.6 goals against for the past five games, which included losses to Toronto, Montreal and a shutout – a freaking SHUTOUT – to Boston. Teams have challenged Ottawa throughout the second half by forcing them to find success through other means other than their top line. It’s a wonder that the Heatley-Alfredsson-Spezza line hasn’t been broken up yet to offer more stability.

The Canadiens have stolen the ranking on top of the offensive charts from the Senators, and rightfully so. They have scored 3.2 goals per game on the season, and have become a well balanced offensive force that virtually all NHL teams should model themselves after. You can’t knock the way Montreal’s climbed their way in to the playoffs. You just can’t. And there’s no way you can knock their chances against an Ottawa team feverishly spinning out of control.

NHL Furious Free Pick: Montreal +120 (OVER)

Carolina Hurricanes (42-31-6) vs. Washington Capitals (40-31-8)

Tuesday, April 1st --- Verizon Center, Washington --- 7:00pm EST

NHL Betting Line: Washington -150

For whatever reason, this line is moving away from the Capitals. With an 8-1 SU record in their past 9 games, it’s hard to imagine why. That with a 4-1 SU record in their past 5 home games and it’s hard to imagine this line getting any better within betting reason. Are you really going to be against Alexander Ovechkin willing his team in to the playoffs with only a few games left, and the Caps two points behind the Canes in the standings? Really?

The Canes have done their best to fend off doubters and, well, guys like me who say that they are severely overrated. A limp schedule, plus some blistering offensive output has kept them at a steady 9-3 SU record in their past 12 games. They average an astounding 3.06 points per game, but allow 3.03, which is a reason that this team is marginally decent at best. Carolina’s depth has provided some scoring punch, but they are coming off a loss to Tampa Bay from Saturday night, which tells you how awful their defense really is.

And with the offensive firepower of Nicklas Backstrom, Ovechkin and Alexander Semin coming to town, it’ll be hard for the Canes not to be spinning on their heels all day. The Capitals return to the comfort of home after a great road trip kept them in the playoff hunt. They are on a four-game winning streak, which no smart hockey bettor could believe would be broken by Hurricanes.

The Caps defensive markers are tipsy turvy because of the portion of the season where Olaf Kolzig was rammed in net. With Cristobel Huet manning the pipes, the Caps will create a better defensive situation for their unbelievable offense to find its groove and not have to play under pressure. The Capitals allow only 2.89 goals against (which is remarkable considering that Olaf Kolzig allowed 2.91 goals against per game for the 54 games he’s played). Huet notched the win the last time they face the Canes, and bet on him to do so again.

NHL Betting Free Pick: Washington -150 (OVER)

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