I don't want to get too far ahead of myself when saying that I like my new strategy in picking daily games. When I was going with the full buffet of games, there were ones that I really didn't have a good gauge on and just picked for pick's sake. I'll be in a way doing that on nights like tonight, only two games are being played, but with a larger game pool I think being more selective will be better in the long run for my confidence and for any person using my "knowledge" in pools or even friendly wagers. I was 4-0 last night with both my road underdogs winning outright. I am not going to boast about my two home favorites because they, Toronto and Vancouver, defeated Buffalo and Carolina respectively. The Sabres and Hurricanes are the two worst teams in the NHL. Alas, I am hoping that I can keep the winning streak going tonight with the paltry two game tilt. Here are the picks with a little blurb for each as to my reasoning.
All picks are made with composite puck lines from ESPN.com. Home team in ALL CAPS.
EDMONTON +1.5 Nashville
The Oilers have won four games in a row with former King goalie Ben Scrivens between the pipes. They have beaten Montreal, Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Washington in this four game tear. Scrivens will get the call again tonight with his backup on the IR. Nashville is atop the Central Division but they are the lowest scoring team in the Western Conference. I expect Nashville to win but not by more than a goal.
Detroit +1.5 WASHINGTON
Yup, two underdog picks for tonight. The Red Wings and Capitals have identical records and both haven't established much of an identity through the first month of the 2014-15 season. Everything points to the Capitals handling Detroit easily at home analytically, but my gut says that Jimmy Howard will keep Detroit close. We'll see tomorrow if I should have listened to the numbers or if my rumbling tummy knows best.
Last Day's NHL Record: 4-0
NHL Record for 2014: 33-31
Last Day's All Picks Record: 6-1
All-Time NHL Record: 91-84
All-Time Picks Record: 252-209-5