The New York Rangers, who are coming off back-to-back losses, travel to Honda Center tonight to take on the Anaheim Ducks. Anaheim snapped it’s 3 game skid Monday night in a trouncing of the New Jersey Devils, 7-1. Anaheim has been dominant at home, posting a 9-0-1 record over the last 10 games. The home teams usually prevail between these 2 clubs, where they are 8-2 over the last 10. I see the Rangers losing another before they face the Kings on Thursday.
Tonight’s pick:
Anaheim Ducks
The Washington Capitals look to notch their 50 win of the season tonight when they return home to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals have lost 2 straight games but I don’t see them losing three. Carolina is 2-6 over their last 8 against Washington, and the home teams are 4-1 in the last 5. The Capitals are 7-2-1 in their last 10 against the Canes and their best, Braden Holtby, 41-8-4, is expected between the pipes. Alex Ovechkin has been hampered with a lower back problem but is expected to play tonight. The number is high but I’m siding with the Capitals.
Tonight’s pick:
Washington Capitals
The Chicago Blackhawks having been slipping lately but a win at home tonight against the Los Angeles Kings should straighten them out. The Kings have been stumbling on the road, going 1-4 in their last 5 games. Los Angeles has trouble at the United Center, posting a 7-19 record over their last 26. With the home teams winning the last 4 contests, I’m siding with Chicago.
Tonight’s pick:
Chicago Blackhawks
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 12-20 Southeastern Louisiana Lions and the 16-15 Houston Baptist Huskies square off today in Katy, Texas. The Huskies are averaging 77.4 points per game and allowing an average of 75.5. The Lions are averaging 71.1 points per game and giving up the same as the Huskies, 75.5 points per game. These two teams met on January 9th and Houston Baptist clobbered Southeastern Louisiana 77-58. The numbers say Houston Baptist -1.5.
Today’s pick:
Houston Baptist Huskies -1.5
