This is something we do every so often because oddly enough predicting game winners helps your fantasy team…or at least gives a rough idea of where trends could be. Here we go with today’s Pick The Winner.
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Phoenix Coyotes @ Columbus Blue Jackets – BLUE JACKETS TO WIN (+140)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.40 units)
The Coyotes are coming off of a 2-1 loss in Pittsburgh last night, and have now lost three straight games. During those three losses the Coyotes were outscored 11-5. Phoenix is scoring just 1.80 goals per game over their last 5. The Blue Jackets have won two straight, both on the road, which includes a 5-2 win in Phoenix in their latest game on Saturday night. Steve Mason has looked good in his last two games allowing just 2 goals on over 60 shots against, which includes a shutout in Colorado. These two teams have met twice this season with Columbus winning both (5-2 on Saturday and 4-3 at home back on January 13th). Losers of three straight and playing their 2nd of back to back road games the Coyotes can be upset tonight against the Blue Jackets.
Chicago Blackhawks @ St Louis Blues – UNDER 5 GOALS (+101)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.01 units)
These two teams will meet for their 4th time this season. The Blackhawks have taken 2 of the first 3, with 2 of those games going UNDER the posted total. We have seen totals of 3, 7, and most recently 4 on February 19th. The St Louis Blues are averaging just 1.62 goals against on home ice, while the Blackhawks score a considerably less amount on the road this season at 2.59 goals per game. Over their last 5 the Blackhawks are averaging just 2 goals per game, even with a game that they scored 5 goals. The Blues are averaging 2.60 goals per game over their last 5 and 1.60 against. For the Blues Halak has been spectacular, winning 5 straight and allowing just 8 goals against during that span. Ray Emery has stepped in allowing just 1 goals against in each of his last two starts since his relief appearance against the Maple Leafs where we rewarded with the win. Take the UNDER here.
Minnesota Wild @ Colorado Avalanche – AVALANCHE TO WIN IN REGULATION (-109)
(Note: I’m risking 1.09 units to win 1 unit)
The Avalanche look to even the season series with the Wild, as they Wild have the 3-2 advantage coming into their 6th and final meeting of the season. The Avs beat the Wild 2-0 in Minnesota on Sunday night and have been playing much better hockey than the Wild. Minnesota has won just 8 of their last 36 games overall, and 4 of their last 21 road games. The Avalanche are 18-15-1 on home ice this season and find themselves in a Western Conference playoff hunt with their 34-29-4 overall record. Colorado has won 5 of their last 7 games overall. Semyon Varlamov has been stellar lately, allowing just 4 goals against in his last 5 starts. Being shutout in 3 of their last 4 games the Wild continue their scoring troubles that have them averaging just 2.08 goal per game and 1.80 goals per game on the road. Take the Avs to get things done in regulation time.
Montreal Canadiens @ Calgary Flames – UNDER 5 GOALS (+102)
(Note: I’m risking 1 unit to win 1.02 units)
Both teams have won just once in their last 7 games. The Canadiens have scored 2 or less goals in 4 of their last 5 and they have managed less than 30 shots on goal in 4 of those 5 games. The Flames are coming off a 3-2 shootout loss at home against Dallas, and they have had troubles scoring as well. Both teams rank in the bottom 10 in overall scoring. Canadiens forward Michael Cammalleri is day to day with an upper body injury and will be out of action tonight, while the Canadiens have a handful of injuries themselves. The Flames are still hoping for a shot at the playoffs and will need to play a shut down game tonight. I expect this one to be a low scoring game. Take the UNDER.
Edmonton Oilers @ San Jose Sharks – UNDER 5.5 GOALS (-115)
(Note: I’m risking 1.15 units to win 1 unit)
The Oilers have lost three straight games, in which they have managed just 5 goals. In fact the Oilers have only managed more than 2 goals in a game twice in their last 8 games. The Sharks are having major struggles themselves, especially with putting the puck in the net. Losers or two straight home games and 8 of their last 10 the Sharks have dropped in the Western Conference standings. San Jose has scored just 2 goals in their last 3 games (all three which have gone UNDER the posted total). Note that the UNDER is 4-1 in the Sharks last 5 games as a big favorite of -201 or more. The UNDER is also 5-2 in their last 7 vs a team with a winning % below .400. The UNDER is 35-16-2 in the Oilers last 53 vs a team with a winning record. In these two teams last 11 meetings in San Jose the UNDER is 7-3-1. The Oilers have seen their offense struggles all season, while the Sharks are having major troubles as of late. I like the value we have on the UNDER 5.5 tonight between these two teams.
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Good luck and hopefully let’s come out with some winners tonight…..
