Posted on
1/29/2008 5:23:11 PM
NHL Betting Free Picks 2008 – Tuesday Edition, Western Conference
By Tim Furious
Phoenix Coyotes (26-21-2) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (25-20-6)
Tuesday, January 29th --- Nationwide Arena, Columbus --- 7:00pm EST
NHL Money Line: Columbus -145
Uh, did anyone else notice that Columbus is second in their division? That’s right. And they’ve gone 6-2 SU in their last 8 games! And they’re 5-0 SU in their past 5 games at home!? I bet their nine fans Columbus are ecstatic.
Want to know something else crazy? Phoenix is winning games. Hell, they’re 9-4 SU in their last 13 matches. That’s right as well. They beat Nashville and Buffalo right before the break and are averaging 2.76 goals per game. They’re no longer the laughing stock of the league (more so thanks to Toronto). But the fact that these two teams are both relevant again is a surefire sign of the Apocalypse. And damnit, I’m scared.
If you aren’t quivering with fear yet, the B-Jacks (I’ll never call them that again…ok, maybe a couple more times) have the best home defense…in the league. Yep, they allow only 2.2 goals per game. Another scary thought? The Coyotes have the fifth best road defense in the NHL allowing only 2.6 goals per game. You’re staring at the bewildering sight of a defensive showdown between Phoenix and Columbus, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the new NHL! Sort of. Ok, not really.
Columbus has beaten higher quality opponents and is playing far superior defense. They have the offensive stars to really push the puck. Despite being an uninspiring 12-9 SU as the favorites, bet on the B-Jacks (just one more time…) to edge the howling dogs in this defensive tilt. That is, of course, unless the recent success of both teams is a warning of Judgment Day and Satan emerges from center ice to devour the world as soon as one team scores. God, help us all (and the B-Jacks).
NHL Free Pick: Columbus -145
Dallas Stars (28-20-5) vs. Vancouver Canucks (26-19-5)
Tuesday, January 29th --- GM Place, Vancouver --- 10:00pm EST
NHL Money Line: Vancouver -120
If the thought of the Prince of Darkness erupting from the depths of Columbus doesn’t interest you, then flip over to the Dallas-Vancouver tilt later tonight. And if you’re having trouble sleeping, this one will knock you out faster than taking a dose of valium coupled with Rampage Jackson pummeling you in to a coma. These two teams simply put on a defensive struggle that is enough to drive you crazy as a fan. As a betting man, however, there’s some money to be made.
Vancouver has gone 12-4 SU in their last 16 games at home but are 1-4 SU in their last five games. They are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against Dallas, and have held the regular season advantage over their rivals for the past few years. The Stars are an average team on the road, and their 2-5 SU record in their last seven roadies is proof.
The key here, however, is that Roberto Luongo is taking some personal days off to attend to private matters. That means Who Cares is in net for the Canucks, who allow a ridiculous 28.62 shots against per game. And it’s not just that, the quality of shots that they allow is enough to make any true NHL fan want to vomit with rage. With a backup tender in net, the Canucks don’t stand a chance.
Even with him, the Stars back a bigger offensive punch with 2.92 goals per game. Bet on the underdog Stars, who are 11-11 SU as dogs. Vancouver is 14-13 SU as the favorite, but with all-world goalie Luongo potentially out of net, the money is yours for the snagging. Keep an eye on the wire, and jump on these skewed odds before it’s too late.
NHL Free Pick: Dallas +100
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