Thursday NHL Free Hockey Picks

October 16, 2008 by Jim J.

NHL Furious Thursday Free Picks – Caps, Devils and Stars Look like Solid Plays

New Jersey Devils (2-1-0) vs. Atlanta Thrashers (1-1-1)

The numbers show that both these teams are exactly where we expect them. The Devils haven’t moved away from their lockdown, defensive ways, while the Thrashers are allowing just as many goals as they get. What will happen when their Devils try to maintain their 4-2 SU record against the Thrashers?

Ever since Atlanta stunned Washington with a 7-4 victory, they’ve fallen to Florida and Minnesota. That doesn’t say tons about how much faith you should have in them, but it does speak volume about inconsistencies. Remember, despite Ilya Kovalchuk’s presence, this team lacks any real scoring depth. Bet on the Devils to lockdown Ilya and frustrate the Thrashers to no end.

NHL Free Picks: New Jersey -145 (UNDER)

New York Islanders (1-2-0) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (0-2-1)

Despite a flurry of firepower, the Lightning can’t seem to get things started in the right direction. When the Islanders visit St. Pete Times Forum tonight, the Bolts will be looking for their first win. Luckily for them, New York doesn’t travel well. They’ve gone 2-7 SU in their last 9 road games.

NHL Free Picks: Tampa Bay -150 (UNDER)

Washington Capitals (2-1-0) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (2-1-1)

Every single one of these games is going to be amongst the better hockey games you see this season. The Capitals are exploding with 4.33 goals per game, while Pittsburgh has “sputtered” with 2.25 goals per game. What’s the reason for Washington’s scoring outburst? How about the fact they’re averaging a whopping 37.33 shots per game. Ridiculous.

As much as you might like Pittsburgh and Sidney Crosby, the loss of their two best defensemen will hurt the Pens in the meantime. Take advantage as the Washington Capitals are pegged as road dogs when they visit the Igloo tonight. Holy crap am I excited for this one!

NHL Free Picks: Washington +205 (OVER)

Vancouver Canucks (2-1-0) vs. Detroit Red Wings (2-1-0)

The wake up call against Toronto has pushed Detroit to elevate the expectations on themselves. With Marian Hossa and a plethora of deadly scorers, the Canucks are in deep trouble. Roberto Luongo is in for a long night.

Vancouver has stunned the hockey betting crowd by averaging 4.0 goals in their first three games. Of course, they outscored Calgary 11-4 in their first two games and the Flames don’t look like a high caliber team right now. The 5-1 loss to the Capitals on the road proved that the Canucks are going to be one of those stay away teams whenever they’re on the road.

NHL Free Picks: Detroit -190 (UNDER)

Minnesota Wild (2-0-0) vs. Florida Panthers (1-1-0)

The Panthers are going to be one of the more difficult teams to grade. They are notching 3.50 goals per game, but are giving up 4.00 goals against. Minnesota is a team I have always loved, and they’re proving that they can do more with less. Florida is 0-5 SU in their last five meeting with the Wild, so bet safely on the road favorites.

NHL Free Picks: Minnesota -110 (UNDER)

Dallas Stars (1-1-1) vs. St. Louis Blues (2-1-0)

The Blues have actually won two games? Wow. Ok, so one of those was against Toronto so it doesn’t necessarily count. Dallas is coming off an eye opening 6-4 victory over Nashville last night and looked like a finely tuned machine as they moved the puck efficiently and did a better job of protecting Marty Turco. While the Blues are an attractive bet, they haven’t beaten Dallas in four meetings. Don’t expect that to change.

NHL Free Picks: Dallas -110 (UNDER)