January 21st, 2009 NHL Picks

Florida @ New York Islanders
The Islander have been on a tear lately. The Islanders have been playing their best hockey in several years, going 9-3-1 in their last 13 games despite Tuesday's loss at Pittsburgh. Panthers have scored just one goal in two games this week and are playing the second half of a back-to-back. The Islanders lost a horrible game to the Panthers in their last meeting and the Isles are on a five game home winning streak. The Panthers average 3.55 goals against on back to back games, and are horrible off of zero days rest after a loss. This will be a tough trip north. I like the Islanders to come out at home hard and revenge their last outing. I watched the Islanders battle back against the Penguins with no sign of quit. They averaged 4 goals again in the last 5 and they realize they are a good team.... and are still proving it.


Islanders are 5-0 in their last 5 home games.

Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
Home team is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
Panthers are 21-48 in their last 69 games playing on 0 days rest.

Panthers are 3-7 in their last 10 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation.
Panthers are 49-116-9 in their last 174 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.


PLAY Islanders -145
-290-200
WON +200

St Louis @ Ottawa
St Louis won an overtime game in Montreal last night and has been playing good as of late. The Sens have been playing equally good and won 4 straight against NYR, BOS, CHI, and MON. The Blues played a  long game last night then flew directly from Montreal to Ottawa afterwards. The Blues are 2-5 in back to back games this season. The Blues haven't won in Ottawa since a 4-1 victory on Jan. 26, 2000. I dont care to lay this much on the money line favorite in the same nigh but I like the Senators to continue the streak and win the 5th straight for the first time this season.
Senators are 4-0 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
Senators are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
Senators are 5-0 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Senators are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a win.
Senators are 5-2 in their last 7 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200.
Senators are 5-2 in their last 7 Thursday games.
Senators are 5-2 in their last 7 games as a favorite of -151 to -200.
Senators are 12-5 in their last 17 home games.
Blues are 36-74-6 in their last 116 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation.

Blues are 35-73-3 in their last 111 games playing on 0 days rest.
Blues are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. Eastern Conference.
Blues are 3-7 in their last 10 Thursday games.
Blues are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Blues are 2-6 in their last 8 games as an underdog.
Blues are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. Northeast.

PLAY Ottawa -170
-340/200
WON +200