The Brigham Young Cougars and the St. Mary’s Gaels meet tonight at the McKeon Pavilion in Moraga, CA. St. Mary’s is unbeaten at home with a 10-0 record and have been averaging 81.8 points for, and allowing a stingy 56.8 against on their home court. The Cougars come into this contest with a 0-3 road record and are averaging 74.3 points for, but allowing 80.3 against. Taking the Gaels and laying the 6.5.
Tonight’s pick:
St. Mary’s Gaels -6.5
The Toronto Maple Leafs play back-to-back games tonight when they travel to CONSOL Energy Center to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh has owned Toronto, winning the last 7 contests and taking the first 2 of this season. Maybe a tired Leafs’ team is just what the Penguins need to ignite their lethargic offense.
Tonight’s pick:
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Dallas Stars are riding a 5 game point streak and look to continue that streak tonight when they travel to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets. These 2 clubs met on December 15 when the Stars prevailed 5-1. Kari Lehtonen is expected in net for Dallas and he has an impressive 1.85 GAA against the Blue Jackets. Dallas has been dominant on the road with a 12-3-1 road record and are 5-2 in their last 7 in Columbus. That road dominance should continue tonight.
Tonight’s pick:
Dallas Stars
The San Jose Sharks head home tonight to take on the Colorado Avalanche. The Sharks have gained momentum after a successful 5 game road trip going 3-1-1. The Avalanche have not had success in San Jose, with a record of 5-21-1 in the last 27 games. Clavin Pickard is confirmed to be between the pipes for Colorado. He brings with him a 5.11 GAA and a .840 SV%. With numbers like that, the Sharks should be able to find the back of the net.
Tonight’s pick:
San Jose Sharks
Texas Southern Tigers travel to the Carrier Dome to take on the Syracuse Orange. The Tigers come into this matchup with a 1-9 record and are 0-8 on the road. Texas Southern averages 69.9 points per game but are averaging 81.3 against. The ‘Cue have a 9-3 record, are 6-1 at home and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. They average 72.2 points per game and only allow an average of 63.9 points. Syracuse has the edge in points, free throws, defense, rebounds, turn overs and bench. If they want to cover the 16.5, they will. Siding with the ‘Cue in this one.
Today’s pick:
Syracuse Orange -16.5
The Columbus Blue Jackets take their 8-12 road record south tonight to face the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Blue Jackets’ record in Tampa has been dismal, going 1-6 in their last 7 games. Ben Bishop is expected between the pipes for the Lightning. He comes in with a 14-11-2 record, a 2.00 GAA and .926 SV%. On the flip side for the Jacks, Joonas Korpisalo is expected in net. He has a 1-3-0 record, a 3.23 GAA and a .902 SV%. The injury riddled Lightning could get some key players back today – Drouin, Boyle and Brown. I expect Tampa to light it up.
Today’s pick:
Tampa Bay Lightning
The next sports pick will be posted on Saturday, December 26th.
Enjoy the holidays and Merry Christmas!
