There were only two games yesterday in the National Hockey League. I went 1-1 with the less expected result providing the 1 on the good side. Ben Scrivens finally came back to Earth for Edmonton as he let in four goals in a loss to the Central leading Predators. Detroit, my gut pick, easily doubled Washington to save me from a shutout for the day. Today, I am picking three games, two underdogs and one favorite. The one favorite, Boston against Buffalo, isn't much of a leap. Come to think of it, I've played it pretty safe today again. Maybe when my record gets a bit better I'll start taking some risks. Or maybe I'll just pad my stats like I am playing Madden and the computer is punting down 48.
All picks are made with composite puck lines from ESPN.com. Home team in ALL CAPS.
Boston -1.5 BUFFALO
It is a month in and the Sabres have just four points. Outside of a shock win at San Jose, Buffalo's only other victory came against the next worst team in the league, Carolina. Boston is still struggling to find their legs through the first month but a meeting with the sieve-like defense of the Sabres may just be the tonic they need to go on a run and make some waves in the Atlantic Division.
Los Angeles +1.5 PITTSBURGH
In the lone matchup of good teams on the evening, picks-wise at least, I am taking the defending champion Kings to cover the spread against the Penguins. The Penguins are the home team but are actually worse there than on the road. In both of LA's road games, they were able to take the games to overtime. If they can do that again against Sidney Crosby and Co., I'll win instantly. Either way it is going to be a great game between the league's best defense (LA-1.67 GAA) against the league's best offense (PIT-4.13 GFA).
Anaheim +1.5 ST. LOUIS
If I've learned anything through a month of NHL action, it is always go with the underdog when the Blues play. The one time I've gone with my beloved Blues as a favorite, they lost to Vancouver. It makes going against my team a lot easier when their opponent is the Western Conference leading Anaheim Ducks. I've waxed poetic on my love of this Ducks team several times before so I'll spare you a further lovefest. I'd love it if the Blues were able to get a big win at home. I just think if they are able to, it won't be in regulation.
Last Day's NHL Record: 1-1
NHL Record for 2014: 34-32
Last Day's All Picks Record: 4-2
All-Time NHL Record: 92-85
All-Time Picks Record: 256-211-5