After winning 9 straight games, the Tampa Bay Lightning have hit the skids, losing 3 in a row. I think they’ll right the ship today when they travel to Columbus and take on the Blue Jackets. Ben Bishop is expected between the pipes. He is 28-18-4 with a GAA of 2.06 and a .926 SV%. Counter that with the Jackets’ Sergei Bobrovski with a 11-14-1 record, 2.67 GAA and .911 SV%. I like the Lightning here.
Today’s pick:
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Buffalo Sabres host the Carolina Hurricanes in an early game today at First Niagara Center. The Sabres love playing in the day and they are 8-1 over their last 9 day games. The home teams are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between these two clubs, and Buffalo beat the Canes on November 27th, 4-1. Carolina’s record against the Atlantic is not impressive, going 7-20 over their last 27. I like Eichel and company in this one.
Today’s pick:
Buffalo Sabres
After winning 9 straight, the Tampa Bay Lightning have lost 2 in a row and one of those losses was to the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday 4-2. The Lightning can avenge that loss when they host Philadelphia tonight at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Bishop was not between the pipes in Monday’s contest but is expected tonight. Bishop has been outstanding going 6-1 over his last 7 and allowing just 10 goals. Tampa could get 2 key players back tonight, Braydon Coburn and Anton Stralman. Philadelphia’s record has been awful in Tampa, where they are just 7-19 in the last 26. With Tampa having the edge in offense, defense, penalty killing, discipline and goaltending, I’m siding with the Lightning tonight.
Tonight’s pick:
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Nashville Predators, who have not lost in regulation since February 9th, travel to Winnipeg tonight to take on the Jets. The Predators are 5-0 in their last 5 road games and are 6-2-1 in their last 9 games in Winnipeg. Pekka Rinne is expected between the pipes for Nashville and he is 26-18-10 with a 2.44 GAA and a .910 SV%. Expected in net for the Jets is Ondrej Pavelec and he is 7-10-2 on the season with a 2.78 GAA and a 9.03 SV%. Nashville has the edge in every category and beat the Jets 4-1 on January 21st. Ride them while they’re hot.
Tonight’s pick:
Nashville Predators
The Florida Panthers try to end their road trip on a winning note when they travel to Glendale to take on the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes have not fared well against the Atlantic conference, going 1-4 in their last 5 games. The Panthers have the edge in offense, defense, penalty killing, discipline and goal tending. They’ll return to Florida with a win.
Today’s pick:
Florida Panthers
The red hot Anaheim Ducks, who have won 8 straight and are 15-1-1 over their last 17, host the Montreal Canadiens tonight at Honda Center. With a win tonight, the Ducks will be even in points with the Los Angeles Kings. The Ducks have dominated the Habs, winning 7 out of the last 10 contests. Anaheim is making a surge, ride them while they’re hot!!!
Tonight’s pick:
Anaheim Ducks
The Montreal Canadiens travel West tonight to take on the San Jose Sharks. The Habs have been dreadful at SAP Center, losing their last 8 contests there. The tradition continues tonight.
Tonight’s pick:
San Jose Sharks
