The Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres are bitter rivals, but the Sabres are having an awful season and the rivalry may be sapped of some of its energy by Buffalo’s futility.  The Oilers’ magical run of taking out top opponents appears to be over, but they have one more chance to pull an upset in Detroit.  The Canes are a long way from home and the Ducks need to win to continue talks of how hot they were.  The Flames take on the Sharks in San Jose, and it appears Antti Niemi will be back.  It should be an epic goalie battle with Mikka Kiprusoff going for win #300.

What a day Tuesday was.  We’re back above .500 for the month somehow and several upsets hit.  The Blues at -125 seemed like a steal, the Kings won at even money, and the Islanders capitalized on terrible Flyers karma and won despite being outshot by nearly 30 attempts.  The New Jersey Devils pulled off a big upset at the Garden, but it wasn’t without controversy, and here is my Devils fan take on the situation (if I declare it now, I won’t be accused of it later):

Marian Gaborik crashed the net, putting responsibility for avoiding the goaltender on Marian Gaborik.  Anton Volchenkov legally contacted Gaborik, did not shove or push him in any way, did not interfere with Gaborik, and leaned on his stick.  The replay clearly shows Volchenkov pulling away and that the contact initiated with the goalie was all Gaborik.  Snow, as many Rangers fans have pointed out, certainly indicates an attempt to stop.  It does not, however, indicate that Gaborik would have stopped had Volchenkov not nudged him.  There were three seconds left and Gabs was trying to make a play, but crashed the net too hard.  Great game, great call, and another Marty Brodeur shutout.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E_kP9X4j8js

Boston Bruins (-150) at Buffalo Sabres

Believe it or not, in the last ten games the Bruins are one win better than the Buffalo Sabres.  Boston has slumped a bit while the Sabres are almost .500.  The result is a disastrous matchup for cappers.  The Bruins are better but the Sabres are home and both teams are slumping.  It’s a rivalry game, which makes it even harder on us.  I’m going with talent and hoping the Bruins prevail, but none of my picks today match any of the confidence I had yesterday.

Bruins 4 – Sabres 2

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 1/6 – Heavy line for a struggling Bruins team on the road.

Edmonton Oilers at Detroit Red Wings (-240)

The Red Wings don’t lose at home, but the price is insane.  Bet the over because the Wings are down to a pair of illegitimate NHL goalies.  Bet the puck line because the moneyline isn’t worth it.  Maybe just bet on this game not being worth betting on.

Red Wings 5 – Oilers 2

Confidence: 4/6
Value: 0/6 – Puck line, over, or a -1 if your bookie offers it.  I would not bet moneyline here, as there are no sure things with a backup goalie.  Especially given how hot the Oilers are.

Carolina Hurricanes at Anaheim Ducks (-150)

This is one of those games where my gut wonders about the travel conditions.  The Canes are about as far away from home as it gets.  That’s going to wear them down and I think the Ducks will win, but I don’t think these two cellar dwellers are worth the investment.  Anything can happen, and it will likely be a tight game.  Jonas Hiller is on fire and Cam Ward is always up for a fight.  I like the under 5.5 here, but since I pick the winners I’ll put a small wager on the Ducks.  Quack, Quack.

Ducks 4 – Canes 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 1/6 – It’s probably not worth it.

Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks (-180)

This is a tough one too.  The Sharks are the better team, but they’re cool of late.  Antti Niemi is back in net, which creates a fun situation worth watching but maybe not worth betting too heavily on.  Mikka Kiprusoff is going for win #300 after an epic shootout with Jonas Hiller left him stuck on 299.  Antti Niemi will surely bring his best and the Sharks are the better team.  But again… they’re cold.  I’m going in circles here.  I’ll take talent at home here, but think the line is inflated and fear Kipper in the spotlight.

Sharks 2 – Flames 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 1/6 – Tough, but I’ll bet it.

February: 22-21

The New York Rangers have to be pretty pissed off about the way they lost to the New Jersey Devils last week, so look for a crazy game at Madison Square Garden.  The Penguins visit the Habs after Montreal played one of their most sound games of the year.  The Canucks play the Predators in Nashville as the Preds hope to prove they’re legitimate this year.  The Leafs, on no rest, play the Jets in a new / old Canada rivalry.  The Panthers and the Caps are battling for first place in the Southeast, which is kind of like being the prettiest stripper during the morning shift on a Tuesday in Newark.

Tuesday might be the most exciting slate of games yet.  I’m so excited, in fact, that I’m going to forget yesterday (and so should you).  I got in a fight with Michael Kay, lost about 100 dollars, and ended my nineteen wins in a row streak.  Sigh.

New Jersey Devils (+150) at New York Rangers

I never bet against the Devils, i just vary the amounts.

The Rangers are going to be pissed off.  They had a game at The Rock won until the puck hit the boards funny and David “20 goals” Clarkson buried the tying goal.  That game, with backup goaltender Marty Biron in net, propelled the Devils to four straight wins after the All Star break.

You can bet that Henrik Lundqvist will be in net, the boards at the garden won’t be nearly as forgiving, and the Rangers will come out firing.  Still, I think the Devils win because, as I’ve said all year, the Rangers don’t have the defensemen to shut down Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise, and in typical DeBoerian videogame style, Patrik Elias, now all on the same line.  If the Devils can hold the Rangers, who are second worst in terms of goals scored of playoff teams in the East, to less than three goals then the Devils have a chance.

Devils 4 – Rangers 2

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 2/6 – It’s a good line considering how hot the Devils are, but the Rags are going to be pissed.

Minnesota Wild (-125) at Columbus Blue Jackets

I think the Wild figured out that if they lose every game the rest of the way they probably won’t make the playoffs.

Wild 4 – BJs 1

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 3/6 Let’s pretend, for one more day, that the Wild are playoff bound.  If so, isn’t this line a bit ridiculous?

New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers (-185)

I think it would be hilarious if the Islanders won this game.

The Flyers are one of the dirtiest teams in hockey.  Cheap shots, slew footing?, and other Philadelphia shenanigans have confirmed exactly why I absolutely hate this team.  I think the Flyers will win, but they’ve got a lot of bad karma coming their way.  Maybe the Islanders, cute and young as they are, can capitalize on some of that ill will from the “humongous big” universe – but probably not.

Flyers 4 – Isles 3

Confidence 0/6
Value 0/6 – I’m not betting this game, but if I did, I’d bet on the Flyers… I guess.

Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals (-160)

This is a crappy line but a great game.  Can the Panthers possibly recover from an injury-riddled slump that let the Caps catch them in the Southeast?  Are the Capitals ever going to actually wake up?

Winning the Southeast right now is as impressive as placing sixth in American Idol.  People will still pretend to care, but only because they don’t know any better.

Caps 2 – Cats 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 1/6 – Tough line, but I think the Caps are the better team right now.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens (+120)

For a while there, as dirty as it feels to admit this, I was headlining and picking the Habs because I thought it would boost my hit count.  Now I realize that most of their fans have given up on the season.  Just kidding.

The Habs are coming off the most complete game they’ve played all season.  They scored three goals, shut out the streaky offense of the Jets, and won a big home game.  Let’s see if they can do it again.

Canadiens 3 – Pens 0

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 3/6 – I love home underdogs.  When done properly they can be very profitable.

LA Kings (EVEN) at Tampa Bay Lightning

If the Kings are a legitimate playoff team and the Lightning are as terrible as they’ve pretended to be all season, this is a beautiful line.

Kings 4 – Bolts 3

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 3/6 – I think the Kings will pull this one out at a pretty nice payout.

St. Louis Blues (-125) at Ottawa Senators

The Senators are falling from the fatty heights of Eastern Conference playoff mediocrity faster than Ken Hitchcock’s cholesterol levels.  Seriously though, good for that guy, he’s lost a lot of weight.  The Blues are great and have incredible goaltending.

Blues 5 – Senators 2

Confidence: 4/6
Value: 5/6 – I know the Senators can’t lose every game, but I hope they lose this one too.

Vancouver Canucks at Nashville Predators (-115)

This is a huge game for the Predators.  The Red Wings just lost to the Coyotes, which leaves the door open for the Preds to gain ground.  The Canucks are one of the best teams in the league but nothing like the team they were last year.  A statement win from Nashville will go a long way toward making a push for the rest of the season.

Preds 3 – Canucks 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6 – This feels like the line is right where it should be.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Winnipeg Jets (-115)

The Leafs are skating two nights in a row and the Jets are home.  Also, I root for an Eastern Conference team that’s relevant to the playoffs, so I’d like to see the Jets win.

Jets 4 – Leafs 3

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6 – Again this line feels right.  Good job Vegas.

Phoenix Coyotes (+125) at Dallas Stars

The Coyotes will ride a huge wave of momentum after a big win against the Red Wings.  This is their playoff push, hanging in the balance.  The Stars don’t impress me much.

Coyotes 3 – Stars 1

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 3/6 – If the Coyotes are going to make some moves, it’s now or never.

Chicago Blackhawks (-135) at Colorado Avalanche

The Blackhawks are too good to keep playing this badly.

Hawks 3 – Avs 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6 – Given how poorly the Hawks have been playing… I really don’t know what to do here.

Follow me on Twitter:  @FasterHockey

The Edmonton Oilers and I have an understanding, and we’ll try my magical phrase for one more win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The Detroit Red Wings are miserable on the road and the Coyotes are playing well, but the Wings are the better team.  The Flames are in Anaheim to take on the Ducks, who have cooled off a little of late.  It’s a nice Super Bowl hangover.

I hit all 14 bets yesterday, including every Super Bowl bet, prop bet, and hockey bet we made yesterday.  While my post wasn’t published in time because I was violently ill, if you follow me on Twitter (@FasterHockey) you got a gametime tip that would have been very profitable.  February might be turning around, or maybe I should only bet Eastern Conference games.

Edmonton Oilers (+150) at Toronto Maple Leafs

Come on, it’s the Oilers.

Oilers 4 – Leafs 3

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6 Given how hot both of these teams are, this is a fun coin flip for a better pay out.  The Oilers have beaten far better teams than the Leafs this week – do they have anything left?

Detroit Red Wings (-135) at Phoenix Coyotes

The Wings are mediocre on the road, which is certainly part of why this line is so low, but the Coyotes are mediocre everywhere.  Phoenix is 12th in the West so I don’t expect there to be much of a panic in the Coyotes that can help them overcome this much of a talent disparity.  If the Red Wings, the number one team in the NHL right now, show up in any capacity at all, they’ll win this game convincingly.

Red Wings 4 – Coyotes 1

Confidence: 4/6
Value: 6/6 – It’s a great line for a game between the top team in the NHL and one of the most average.

Calgary Flames (+115) at Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks are starting to cool off a bit while the Flames are surging.  This is an absolute toss up, and I’ll favor the higher payout to the home ice advantage.

Flames 2 – Ducks 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 2/6

February 14-15

Sunday: 4-0

The Pittsburgh Penguins are surging up the Eastern Conference but the Boston Bruins have dominated the east since the second week of the season.  The Devils Flyers rivalry is one of the best in hockey.  The New Jersey Devils are coming off two unbelievable victories while the Flyers are consistently “good”.  Alexander Ovechkin returns from suspension to lead the Capitals against the Montreal Canadiens.  There’s a chance Ovechkin goes off, but the Habs and Carey Price are due after letting one get away in New Jersey.

Not a good start to February, but we did the same thing last year.  Teams start shuffling in the standings around this time every year as desperation sets in before the trading deadline.  We’ll bounce back as we always do.  Let’s get started – I love Saturday hockey.  Hooray for NHL day games!

Pittsburgh Penguins at Boston Bruins (-155)

Evgeni Malkin would be the best player on his team if he played for nearly any other hockey team.  He’s decided to prove this, in the absence of Sidney Crosby, by carrying the Penguins on his shoulders single-handedly back into the playoff race.

Now, can Malkin take out the defending champions by himself?  I’m not so sure.  I’ll take the Bruins on home ice in this one with a reasonable line because I feel like Evgeni Malkin is running out of gas.  He’s got just one point in his last three games, including a loss and two one-goal wins.

Bruins 4 – Penguins 3

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6 – Not a bad line for the best team in hockey at home.

New Jersey Devils (no line) at Philadelphia Flyers

The Devils just played two of my favorite games of the season.  They beat the Rangers on a funny bounce off the boards and took out the Habs after an epic comeback led by Patrik Elias’ assault on P.K. Subban.  Unfortunately, Subban took out Adam Larsson, Adam Henrique is still out, Travis Zajac is also still injured, and far less importantly Ryan Carter is out too.

It looks like Patrik Elias will center Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk, but can the Devils beat the Flyers with literally one legitimate NHL line?  Peter DeBoer runs this team like an NHL 12 roster.

I like the Devils to pull off the improbable win on the road in Philadelphia, but only if the price is right.  If Vegas is unfriendly here, I’m going to stay away from this game.  If there’s a good payout I’ll take a “flyer” on the Devils in case the momentum can carry through.

Devils 4 – Flyers 3

Confidence: 1/6

Washington Capitals at Montreal Canadiens (-115)

Alexander Ovechkin returns from suspension and a voluntary absence from the NHL All Star Game.  I have two thoughts on this.  First, Alexander Ovechkin might come out of the blocks like a man out of hell and completely ruin this game for me.  Second, Alexander Ovechkin is an asshole.  I’m a fan, but skipping the All Star game abandons his responsibility to the fans because his panties were in a bunch over a well-deserved suspension.  The hockey gods may come after him in the hockey capital of the universe.

Besides, if there’s a french official like there was in New Jersey, the Habs can’t possibly screw up two nights of unlimited bad calls in their favor.

Habs 3 – Caps 1

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 5/6 – This is the best line on the board, but there’s a lurking Ovechkin variable to watch out for.

Vancouver Canucks (-155) at Colorado Avalanche

The Avs are collapsing and the Canucks are elite.  Be careful, though.  The Avs need to make a stand for their playoff lives in the same way the Habs do against the Caps.  Honestly, I just don’t think they’re good enough to matter.

Canucks 4 – Avs 2

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 2/6 – Road game for the Canucks means tempering my excitement.

LA Kings (-120) at Carolina Hurricanes

The obvious:  Cam Ward just had 47 saves to shut out the best team in hockey.  The Kings just got shut out themselves.  If Cam Ward stays hot the Kings offense, comprised almost entirely of Anze Kopitar, is in trouble.

The less obvious:  The Kings are desperate.  This will be a theme in my picks today.  After getting shut out they’ll be pissed off and the offense will finally come to play.  The Kings are better than the Canes, both teams have excellent goaltending, but one thing sets them apart:  the Kings are alive.

Kings 2 – Canes 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 1/6 – Road favorites are always tough.

Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning (-140)

Yikes.  The Panthers barely got by the Winnipeg Jets, visiting and playing two nights in a row.  Something isn’t right for the Panthers right now.  The Lightning offense is dynamic and if the Panthers are tired this could get out of hand.

Bolts 4 – Cats 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6

Toronto Maple Leafs (+110) at Ottawa Senators

Wow, remember when we were all so sure the Senators were a playoff team?  Five straight losses certainly has that in doubt.  If you can lose to the Islanders, you can lose to the Leafs.

Leafs 4 – Senators 3

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 2/6 – This feels like a toss up, so take the higher payout.

Buffalo Sabres (+115) at New York Islanders

This is a rare one for me.  I never pick the Sabres, particularly on the road.  Mostly, it’s because they’re terrible.

The Islanders are tired.  Two nights in a row is tough for anyone, and I guess you could argue the Sabres are the better team here.

Sabres 3 – Islanders 2

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 3/6  -  The Islanders offense has been dead lately, which is good for the ghost of Sabres goaltending.

St. Louis Blues at Nashville Predators (-130)

I love the Preds, but the Blues are a legitimate team.  This is tough, and the line doesn’t feel like much of a steal.  A cautious wager on the Predators is probably appropriate, even with the Blues skating two nights in a row.

Preds 3 – Blues 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6 – Pekka Rinne

Minnesota Wild (+135) at Dallas Stars

Have the Wild snapped out of it?  Maybe.  If they have this is a beautiful line worth giving a shot.

Wild 2 – Stars 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 3/6 – Maybe.

San Jose Sharks (-135) at Phoenix Coyotes

Very interesting line here.  The Sharks are hot, the ‘Yotes are cold, and San Jose is the better team.  The Coyotes are starting to get desperate, though, and San Jose is on the road.

Sharks 3 – Coyotes 1

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 3/6 – Not a bad line

Detroit Red Wings (-155) at Edmonton Oilers

Only because it’s funny and I’m 0-2 saying this:

Come on, it’s the Oilers.

Wings 3 – Oilers 1

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 1/6

The Chicago Blackhawks need to rebound from a beating at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.   The Flames are probably a better team and the Blackhawks are, in theory, fatigued.  The Jets won another road game, but they can’t do it two nights in a row, can they?  The Islanders need to beat the Senators so the Devils can keep gaining ground.  The Kings and the Blues is a fun one and the Jackets and Ducks is not.

Thursday was a rough night but my big bet was the Devils and they came through.  Whether the moment of the night was Patrik Elias responding to a P.K. Subban hit, Marty Brodeur stacking the pads like it’s 1995, or Zach Parise going off again, the Devils played a complete game.  The Canucks and Blackhawks did not.

New York Islanders (+135) at Ottawa Senators

The Islanders and Senators are somehow playing their first game of the season in February.  This means we’re not exactly sure how they match up, but the Senators are not a 3:2 bet against any legitimate team.  That’s right, I think the Isles are legitimate again.

Craig Anderson and the Sens give up around three goals per game.  I think the Islanders can hit that figure in Ottawa.  Can the Sens score against Nabokov or Montoya?

Islanders 3 – Senators 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 4/6 – I don’t think the Senators are worth it right now.

Winnipeg Jets at Florida Panthers (-150)

I like this one again.

The Jets are on the road for a second night in a row.  Granted, they took out the Lightning in Florida but lightning won’t strike twice and the Panthers will win at home.  They’re getting healthy, they’re better, and the Jets are abysmal on the road.

Panthers 4 – Jets 1

Confidence: 4/6
Value: 3/6

LA Kings (+135) at St. Louis Blues

The Kings needed all of a half-second stoppage of the clock in the offensive zone to win their last game, but sometimes fate (AHEM) like that can spring a team forward.  The Kings need a statement win to prove they’re more than a blown call. The Blues are a legitimate team, but the Kings will be desperate.

Kings 3 – Blues 1

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 3/6 – They’re still on the road.

Chicago Blackhawks (-130) at Calgary Flames

This may be the lowest price of the decade for a Blackhawks Flames game.  I know Chicago is on the road and tired from a back-to-back skate.  Don’t let the 8-4 final deceive you, it was a close game for a while and they most assuredly will be tired.  However, the Hawks were embarrassed and will come out desperate and proud.

Blackhawks 4 – Flames 0

Confidence: 4/6
Value: 5/6 – (-130) for a Hawks Flames game sounds good to me.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Anaheim Ducks (-230)

There’s no value in this game.  The only thing that can happen is you go huge to try to turn a tiny profit thinking the Ducks are hot and the Blue Jackets play that one-in-every-ten game where they go off and take out a surging team.  Stay away or bet the puck line, which I’ll be doing.

Ducks 4 – Blue Jackets 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 0/6

P.K. Subban leveled Devils rookie defensemen Adam Larsson who entered the zone and attempted a deke after dumping the puck in.  It appeared to be a clean hit, but the Devils rookie did not return and could not leave the ice on his own power.  In a physical and poorly officiated game with two french referees (just saying), the injury came on a clean hit.

Patrik Elias stepped up.  On a team that often lacks a physical presence and identity, a 195-pound winger took it upon himself to send a message.  P.K. Subban has the reputation of going for the knockout hit, even though, again, this was a clean hit.  Adam Larsson is learning on the fly and adapting to the NHL’s physicality and often takes the big hit.  Patrik Elias took exception to the injury-causing blow and took out Subban behind the net in another clean hit.  Then, with the game tied, Elias wasn’t finished and found the Habs defenseman again.

In another crushing check from the not-so-physical Devils winger, the puck popped loose to set up the game winning goal.

The Devils are coming off two tremendous victories to end a mini-slump.  They beat the Rangers after a strange bounce off the boards led to a David Clarkson goal that he later termed “a gift”.  Now, after Patrik Elias delivered two big hits and sent a message to the team and the Habs, the Devils came through with another big comeback.

This is a turning point in the season for New Jersey.  Zach Parise is hot, Ilya Kovalchuk pairs with Parise to form one of the most dangerous duos in hockey, and Martin Brodeur is playing well despite defensive lapses and goals allowed.  Look for the Devils to heat up in the second half again this year, except this time they won’t be all but out of a playoff spot when they do.

After a shootout win against the Rangers, tied with forty seconds left after a funny bounce off the boards set up a big goal, the Devils have a ton of momentum taking on a Habs team that has struggled all year.  The Red Wings and the Canucks have another Western Conference battle between two of the best in the NHL, but my favorite game is the Preds against the Flyers.

No picks posted last night.  I wasn’t betting so it didn’t feel right to advise you guys to put money on games I wasn’t even watching.  Looking back on it I would have had a horrible night.  Instead, the streak continues.  We were 109 – 65 betting what I remember to be nearly every single game in January.  Hopefully February has similar fortunes in store.

Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins (-260)

I get it – the Bruins are really great.  Is any hockey team ever worth this kind of a line, though?  Maybe play with the puck line or do a parlay, but be careful.  Personally I don’t see the profit, but I think the Bruins will win and I’ll pair this one up with another unreasonably high line – the Sharks.

Bruins 5 – Canes 2

Montreal Canadiens at New Jersey Devils (-135)

I love this one.

The New Jersey Devils were down 2-1 and tied the game late in the third.  The emotion from Parise and Kovalchuk was more than I’ve seen from them in a while.  Seconds later the Rags tied it up.  With forty seconds left the puck came off the boards funny and somehow wound up directly in front of the net in the slot to a wide open David Clarkson who tied it up.  Martin Brodeur stopped all three Rangers in the shootout for the win.

That unlikely win will propel the Devils through the rest of the season.  It will certainly propel them past a struggling Habs team.  The Devils don’t have the defense to shut down elite teams, but they’ll handle the Habs in Jersey.  Look for the Devils offense to stay hot.

Devils 4 – Habs 2

Confidence: 4/6
Value: 5/6 – Devils are home and the much better team, but the line doesn’t suggest that.

Nashville Predators (+110) at Philadelphia Flyers

My faith in the Preds is finally paying off.  They’ve won five in a row and are surging up the Western Conference standings, now tied with pretty much everyone for second.

The Flyers are humming along.  They’re an above average hockey team in a thoroughly mediocre conference.  That means playoff appearances despite dilapidated goaltending, an injured Chris Pronger, and 36 years of Stanley Cup sadness.

I think the Preds are the better team.  I know the Preds are the hotter team.

Preds 4 – Flyers 3

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6 – Interesting game.  This is why we bet every game, every night.

Winnipeg Jets at Tampa Bay Lightning (-145)

The Jets on the road, which makes them a wonderfully profitable liability.

The Bolts are getting hot, at least on one side of the puck, and in a division rivalry I expect the Lightning to come out on top.

Lightning 4 – Jets 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6 The Jets have to win one on the road eventually, but I don’t think this will be it.  They’re a long way from Canada, eh?

Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche (-140)

I guess I like the Avs in this one, but I don’t see much value on either side.

The Wild have the goaltending that would suggest a collapse to this degree was unlikely; like someone with the acting talents of Mean Girls superstar Lindsay Lohan falling from the hearts of American cinema fans everywhere.  I’ll probably just stay away from this one all together.

Avs 3 – Wild 2

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 0/6

Chicago Blackhawks (-170) at Edmonton Oilers

Last time I said something like “come on, it’s the Oilers”, Edmonton won and I lose.  But come on, it’s the Oilers.

Blackhawks 4 – Oilers 2

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 2/6 Worth betting.  The puck line is +170 and I like that one too.

Detroit Red Wings at Vancouver Canucks (-125)

The Canucks have won three in a row and have regained their place atop the  Northwest.  After a terrible start, the Canucks are right back in second place in the conference and a game at home against the West’s best opens the door to track down another top finish.

The Red Wings are on fire, but they’re still miserable on the road.  14-14 on the road when a team has 69 points through 51 games is suspicious.  How can a team be 20-2-1 at home, but so befuddling a mediocrity when away?

Canucks 4 – Wings 3

Confidence: 4/6
Value: 4/6 – I’m going big here and choosing to ignore the Red Wings’ home record for a night.

Dallas Stars at San Jose Sharks (-200)

With the Red Wings falling to the Canucks, the Canucks beating the Red Wings, and the Blackhawks visiting the lowly Edmonton Oilers this is a must win game for the Sharks if they want to keep pace.  I think they come through, but I don’t think it’s worth a 2:1 wager to payout.  Parlay this one with the Bruins if you do anything with it.

Sharks 4 – Stars 2

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 1/6 – Parlay

The New Jersey Devils host the New York Rangers to open the second half of the season and I’ll be at the game.  The Blackhawks and Canucks do battle for Western Conference supremacy one night into the second half of the season.  The Habs and Sabres, two struggling teams in the first half that appear to be without playoff hope already, will look to start the second half of the season in better shape.  It’s a great night of hockey that almost makes the days without betting seem worthwhile.

The All Star break is over and I’m sorry I didn’t publish my Chara pick.  It seemed so obvious and that -110 line was so beautiful.  Then, unlike most hockey games of its kind, the obvious happened and I won lots.  We’re now 101-60 in January.  It’s been a year since we started www.TheFasterTimes.com/Hockey and it’s been a very successful run.  Here’s to another year of great hockey bets, bad jokes, and fun.

New York Islanders (+110) at Carolina Hurricanes

Isn’t the second half when the young Isles finally figured it out?  Well, it appears they found themselves a few weeks early this year after the emergence of Evgeni Nabokov.  The young talent on this team is off to a relatively disappointing start after many, including myself, thought this could be a consistent year for the Isles.  Let’s see if they can repeat last season’s second-half success.  The Canes are pretty much a one man show right now and I think the Islanders will find a way to beat Cam Ward at least twice.  That may be all it takes.

Isles 3 – Cam Ward 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 2/6

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils (+115)

I love home underdogs and I never bet against the Devils.  This, despite the gap between these two teams and how hot the Rangers are, seems like a no brainer for me.  That’s mostly because I don’t use my brain picking Devils games.

Devils 3 – Rangers 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 1/6 – The Rangers are hot but the Devils are due

Toronto Maple Leafs at Pittsburgh Penguins (-170)

The Pens were one of the hottest teams in the NHL to end the first half.  The Leafs have a lot of problems on the road.

Pens 3 – Leafs 1

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 1/6 – Not a great value here, but probably worth it

Ottawa Senators at Boston Bruins (-200)

I don’t usually do this but I can tell you right now that I won’t be putting money on this one.  The Senators are a scary team riding the buzz of the All Star game.  Not worth it, but I think the B’s win.

Bruins 2 – Sens 1

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 0/6 – Don’t do it.

Winnipeg Jets at Philadelphia Flyers (-200)

Jets on the road against a team that isn’t bad.  Slam dunk.

Flyers 9 – Jets 8

Confidence: 5/6
Value: 2/6 – Seriously, the Jets are on the road.

Buffalo Sabres at Montreal Canadiens (-150)

I love the way the Habs closed out the first half.  I also love that they’re playing the Sabres.

Habs 4 – Sabres 1

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 2/6

Washington Capitals (+110) at Tampa Bay Lightning

The Capitals aren’t the team they were last year, but they’re still dominating a very mediocre division.  Granted, Ovi is suspended still, but doesn’t it look like the rest of the team cares again? Look for a second half surge from the Caps.

Caps 3 – Bolts 2

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 3/6 – Not a bad line here

Nashville Predators (-145) at Minnesota Wild

The Wild won’t suddenly figure it out just because they had an All Star break to think about how quickly they’ve fallen apart.  The Preds are legitimate.

Preds 3 – Wild 0

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 2/6

Detroit Red Wings (-150) at Calgary Flames

Wings are on the road but the Flames are the Flames.

Wings 4 – Flames 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 1/6

Anaheim Ducks at Phoenix Coyotes (-130)

The Ducks are surging but the Coyotes are consistent.  I don’t like the line, but I do like the Coyotes.

Coyotes 2 – Ducks 1

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 1/6

Colorado Avalanche (-120) at Edmonton Oilers

The Avs are looking to make a run while the Oilers have a tradition of last place finishes to hold on to.

Avs 3 – Oilers 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 1/6 Road dogs are always dangerous – except in Edmonton.

Chicago Blackhawks at Vancouver Canucks (-140)

I thought I trusted Carl Crawford more than Loluongo or Shneider but then I went to write it and changed my mind.

Canucks 3 – Blackhawks 2

Confidence 1/6 – I admittedly flip flopped here.
Value: 1/6 – Tough game.

Columbus Blue Jackets at San Jose Sharks (-275)

The line speaks for itself.

Sharks 2 – Blue Jackets 1

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 0/6 – Rarely worth the price

The All Star game will be a bit disappointing this year without Ovechkin, Crosby, anyone on my favorite team, and a handful of Blackhawks.  Luckily, we have one more night of hockey before a little break.  After two big days, let’s get the last one right and go out with a bang.  The Detroit Red Wings are at the Montreal Canadiens, and the Habs have a big home ice advantage against a Wings team that is dreadful on the road.  On the other hand, the Habs are awful lately and the Red Wings are one of the hottest teams in the NHL.

Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens (+140)

The Red Wings are .500 on the road, which leaves the door open for a Habs upset.  Carey Price is banged up but it sounds like he’ll play.

The Red Wings have won seven in a row.  They’re the hotter team, but on the road and right before the All Star break I have a few questions.  I think the door is open for a fun upset at the Bell Center against the hated Red Wings, and I’ll justify it however I want.

Carey Price vs Jimmy Howard

The Bell Center

The law of averages

Pride.

Habs 3 – Red Wings 2

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 2/6 – I also like the under here because if the Habs have a chance, maybe it’s because Carey Price has a big game.

January 100-60

I went 4-2 on Monday but if not for a shootout win by the OILERS over the SHARKS, I would have had an even better day.  My two big bets (highest in confidence and value) both hit.  The system works and I was up a significant amount of cash.  Hooray.

Alexander Ovechkin is no longer above the law, or at least the league is pretending he isn’t. He’ll serve his first game of a three game suspension against the Bruins on Tuesday.

Tim Thomas, it turns out, is more than a crazy good goaltender.  He’s also nuts.  The opportunity to meet Mr. Obama, regardless on your feelings about the state of the nation, is not one to be taken lightly or mocked.  Thomas should have gone and told him to his face, not hidden behind a Facebook message and refused to stand up for what he believed in when the nation undoubtedly questions an unpatriotic act of defiance.  It’s no wonder people think all good hockey players are Canadian.

Feel free to skip ahead to the bolded picks below if you’ve seen this already, but if not, here is Tim Thomas’ official statement for having skipped the team’s meeting with the President:

”  I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.
This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.
Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.
This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT  ”

I guess Tim Thomas is voting for Ron Paul.

Buffalo Sabres at New Jersey Devils (-175)

This is almost a must-win game for the suddenly-slumping Devils.  The New Jersey Devils have lost two in a row and seem to be developing a propensity for third period collapses.  A loss could put them in a precarious position heading into the break.  A win secures a successful first half.

The Sabres are prone to first, second, and third period collapses.  Their foolish investments this offseason have combined with injuries to create one of the most disappointing starts to a season in recent memory for the Sabres.  Hopefully their slump continues through Tuesday.

Devils 3 – Sabres 1

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 1/6 – Pricey line for a team that’s lost two in a row and shows no signs of defensive life.

Toronto Maple Leafs (+105) at New York Islanders

The Leafs were pretty convincing on Monday, so why would Tuesday be any different?  Both teams have to travel to Queens and both teams are tired.  The Leafs have two halfway-legitimate goalies.  The Islanders don’t.

Leafs 4 – Islanders 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 3/6 – The Leafs will follow up a great effort with a good one.

Boston Bruins (no line) at Washington Capitals

Bruins 3 – Capitals 1

Confidence: 2/6
Value ????

Winnipeg Jets at New York Rangers (-225)

The Jets are still not a good pick on the road.  They probably won’t be next year, either.  There’s simply too large a distance between the Jets and most of their opponents.

NYR 4 – Jets 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 1/6 – This is a rough line, but probably fair enough.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Tampa Bay Lightning (-170)

The Blue Jackets are skating two nights in a row against the Bolts who are riding a three game winning streak.  This one seems straightforward enough.

Bolts 4 – Blue Jackets 1

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 2/6 – Everything points to the Lightning here, but it’s expensive and they’re not exactly a dominant hockey team.  Bet with caution.

Philadelphia Flyers (-115) at Florida Panthers

The Flyers don’t need their best players because their offense is so deep.  The rookie skaters are stepping up for the Flyers in a big way, while the Panthers seem determined to keep their losing legacy in tact.  Good team on the road vs bad team at home.  Let’s hope talent prevails.

Flyers 5 – Panthers 2

Confidence: 4/6
Value: 5/6 – Not a bad price for a top team in the NHL against one of the hardest slumping.

Pittsburgh Penguins (+105) at St. Louis Blues

The Pens are on the road but the Blues will be traveling in the night from Detroit after a convincing loss to the Red Wings.  The Penguins are the hottest team in hockey next to the very same Red Wings that the Blues lost to on Monday.  A tired and travel-weary Blues team at home is at a disadvantage to the visiting Penguins.

Pens 3 – Blues 2

Confidence: 3/6
Value: 5/6 – Two nights in a row, following a loss, and tired.  That’s not a winning formula for the Blues.

Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks (no line)

The Preds will be tired after a fun win against a bad team.  Unfortunately, going from the Blue Jackets to the Blackhawks is like going from tee ball to the New York Yankees.  Look for the Predators to be shell-shocked by the Blackhawks, even if all of Chicago’s best skaters are hurt.

Blackhawks 2 – Preds 0

Confidence: 1/6

Anaheim Ducks (-105) at Dallas Stars

The Ducks have one regulation loss in their last ten games, winning five in a row.  The Stars don’t strike me as anything special, but the run the Ducks are on could prove to be the story of the NHL this year.  It’s hard to bet against the Ducks right now.

Ducks 2 – Stars 0

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 3/6 – The Ducks are on fire.

Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche (-155)

This is the one game where I don’t pick the Wild and they pull off a win.  Watch.

Avs 3 – Wild 2

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 1/6

San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames (even)

After they cost me my parlay, I want to see the Flames make it hurt.  By trying to squeak past the Oilers with their backup goalie to try to win both games, I hope the Flames see to it that the Sharks lose both games.

Flames 4 – Sharks 3

Confidence: 1/6
Value: 2/6 – Not bad for a home team that’s been playing well lately.

Ottawa Senators at Phoenix Coyotes (-125)

The Senators are the better team this year, but the Kings beat them pretty easily.  If there’s a time for the Coyotes to jump back into the world of relevant hockey teams, it’s now.  They can pick off a wounded Senators team battling for a playoff slot heading into the break.  I’d like to see the Coyotes cut them down.

Coyotes 3 – Sens 2

Confidence: 2/6
Value: 2/6 – The Sens will be tired, but can their skaters fight through some sluggishness?

Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks (-300)

The Oilers can’t win two games against the conference’s best, can they?

Canucks 9 – Oilers 2

Confidence: 4/6
Value: 0/6

January: 92-55