Originally Posted by
Hockeypotamus
Hi guys, first official post on the forum. Here are my thoughts on the afternoon games.
Nashville is gonna give Boston a rough time. Weber & Suter are IMO the best defensive pairing in the league, and with the trade deadline approaching they're gonna be playing super physical smash-ville shinny. Provided we see Rinne between the pipes, watch for a low scoring affair, with high potential for OT/SO. I see a 3-2 SO victory for Boston. If it doesn't go to OT, 2-1 Smashville.
Florida & Jersey are both hot as of late. Florida is in the midst of a nasty battle with the Caps for the lead of the SE, and the offensive guns are returning to their early season form. Jersey's veterans are trying to make a statement, and cement a playoff spot. Look for Parise to light it up approaching the deadline.
Without a supporting cast, Tavares doesn't have an answer for teams with modest defensive cores. LA's top 6 forwards boast more defensive presence than the Islanders blue liners. Tavares is going to have trouble getting it into the zone, let alone the net. Quick is playing the best hockey of his career, 3-0 Kings. I have a crush on this game for under 5.5 total goals.
The Rangers are the best team in the East right now, and they will be trying to make that statement to the loudmouthed Philly fans. This is gonna be a nasty, physical, low scoring affair. I see these rivals meeting in the Conference semis. Both squads are hot as hell. If there is a game to watch this afternoon it's this one. Lunq is gonna step up to the plate and shut it down. 4-1 Rangers, 2 goals for Gabi, with either Matt Read or Little Schenn potting the lone one for Philly.
Winnipeg can't play hockey on the road. Until they can solve that problem, they can kiss any shot at the playoffs in the ultra competitive west goodbye. The Pens are just way too deep. Byfuglien vs Malkin will be an interesting matchup. Look for them to square off all night. 3-1 Pens.
Edmonton has been playing fantastic hockey as of late. Back to back losses slowed them down, and they have been terrible on the road all season, but young groups like this one are great at snapping back. With Nugent-Hopkins back on the IR, watch for the dynamic trio of Hall-Eberle-Gagner to light up a struggling Senators squad on the road. 4-1 Oil. Lone Sens goal on the PP, Hall Eberle Gagner +4.
Those are my predictions for the afternoon games. I might check back when the results are in and take a swing at the night games as well.
My Bets:
All games under
LA
PIT
EDM