AAAAAHHHHH! REAL BAD PICKS!!! A 1-5 showing on the ice dampened the progress I was making on an otherwise positive day. My pick of the day, Ottawa, got run out of the building by Columbus. I picked two winners that couldn't cover the spread. My one knight in shining armor? Dallas. Yes, the Stars were once again my shooting stars as they didn't even need their 1.5 goal cushion and won the game outright, as I predicted. I wish Dallas could play everyday.
All picks are made with composite puck lines from ESPN.com. Home team in all CAPS.
Boston -1.5 over CAROLINA
These are two "grind it out" teams in action. Boston has won four of its last five games, allowing just four goals in those wins. Carolina is one of the lowest scoring teams in the league. If Tuukka Rask is on his game I don't see the Canes getting more than one past him. The Bruins shouldn't have any problem getting a few past Carolina third stringer Justin Peters. Boston hasn't been shut out all season.
Anaheim -1.5 over PITTSBURGH
Pittsburgh has been in a scoring rut lately. Outside of a win over Nashville, the Penguins have scored but one goal in each game the past two weeks. The Ducks are finally starting to get healthy and that is bad news for the Penguins until they can start putting the puck in the back of the net. I can't take the Penguins until that point, even at home.
WINNIPEG 1.5 over Calgary PICK OF THE DAY!
While we are on the topic of ruts, Calgary's defense is surely in one. Neither Winnipeg or Calgary tote potent offenses but Calgary's defenders and goaltenders have been so putrid of late that the Jets are a near lock to light the lamp multiple times especially at home. Place your confidence in the Jets and try not to think of the New York ones.
Last Day's NHL Record: 1-5
NHL Record for 2013: 40-42
Last Day's All Picks Record: 14-11-1
All Picks Record for 2013: 150-123-2