Tommy Gold NHL 2009/2010 - Picks Tracking

[TommyGold]

2009.11.06, 1 Pick:

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Carolina Hurricanes

Be aware about this play. This game can be a long shot, however, there is a big value on PL line. I will not let this one pass. Hurricanes are with 9 losses in a row. They are with the worst records in PIM and scoring. But, they have one team worst than them in goals allowed. Imagine who? Toronto.

For those who keep a track of my picks, already knows that fade Carolina has been a good bet, but i had advise everyone to the turning point. That turning point will probable appear at home, and I´m sure that will happen soon, and at home against a poor road team. Difficult will be to analyse if there will be a real turn point, or a fake turn point, but, one victory, will appear in the next games for sure.

For this game, Caroline will bet everything they got. Hurricane´s coach don´t feel is job is in jeopardy, giving the excuse of injuries and so on to the results. However, he seems a believer, and that could be great to rise Hurricane´s confidence. At least, this is my thought. About the roster, the news are not the bests, with Whitney probably joining Staal on the injurie´s list. They call their first pick from last year draft to fill the empty spots in their offense, and will play today.

Toronto, got their first win in their last road trip. Curiously, after that win, they got 4 OT losses in 4 games. This can damage a team, that get their first win, feel that they can turn things around, and them, lost 4 games on OT, where they tried to give all they got, and feel no luck. Defense, was their problem, and they are demoralizing for sure. There were no results when they feel that they can bring results, particularly in last game at home.

So, this game will be the battle for the worst team title. Two teams, digging deep their own holes without any help. Today, someone has to win, who will be? Toronto, the "one win team", who have no luck and are the worst defense team? Or Carolina, a team with their worst losing streak since 93/93?

My guess, is that Caroline, a team that get the playoffs last season, and i enjoyed to watch, will play to win, and win. They are a team that can fight, just need an opportunities to break this streak. Even with their best players out, this is game is not a question of talent, but a question of will, and believes.

Take note that this game have no value on ML and 3WAY play. PL have a great value, as I believe that Carolina will play with all they got, and the public will try to help. Against a poor defensive team, this is their opportunity. Toronto just waste their last opportunities, will arrive to this game with no confidence. In the last Hurricanes win, they won at home 7-2.

So, if they start their engines at home, against a this awful defensive team, we can expect a blowout, they will get enthusiasm and can turn this one in a easy game.


Pick: Carolina Hurricanes PL -1.5 +240 (3.40) 5Dimes, Diamond (DSI)

[TommyGold]

2009.11.05 results:

Montreal Canadiens @ Boston Bruins: Boston Bruins 3Way (1X2) +100 (2.00) Bookmaker (1-2 SO: LOSS)
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Ottawa Senators: Ottawa Senators PL -1.5 +190 (2.90) Bookmaker (3-2 OT: LOSS)

2009.11.05 finished with a 0-2 and -2 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 25-42 (-7.85 units lost/67 units risked)

[TommyGold]

Philadelphia Flyers @ Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres are being great so far. With 9-2-10 record, they are a no fearing team. Their losses comes in NY Islanders and at home against Atlanta, but Detroit for example, they were able to shutdown. They got courage. Despite my opinion (I still have doubts about their reliability), they are proving something, being cohesive, and taking the advantage of Ryan's Miller performance so far.

Flyers, is the team I most enjoy to watch. Show is what they promise, and they come from 2 blowout wins at home. At road, they still have to improve their game, because is not so easy for them to play outside, their kind of game is more adequate to play at home.

However, the spot for me to this game, is that the team have some players with flu and had made today an airplane travel, where the air is not well renewed. So, it's likely that more players got the virus (seasonal flu, not H1N1), and as we know, flu most effects is physical tireness and fever. There is medication to ease the symptons, but it is not enought on theses cases. So, it seems to me a game to take Sabres. Without this spot, I would take Flyers for sure as dogs, but I wonder if bookies didn't make them dogs because of the flu...


Pick: Buffalo Sabres 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

2009.11.06 results:

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Carolina Hurricanes: Carolina Hurricanes PL -1.5 +240 (3.40) 5Dimes (2-3: LOSS)
Philadelphia Flyers @ Buffalo Sabres: Buffalo Sabres 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15) Bookmaker (2-5: LOSS)

2009.11.06 finished with a 0-2 and -2 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 25-44 (-9.85 units lost/69 units risked)

Not pretty...

[TommyGold]

2009.11.10, only 1 Pick:

Calgary Flames @ Montreal Canadiens

This is a game between two canadian teams. Montreal is a very experienced team, full of seasoned players. However, they haven't played well, they had a bad start and only recently at home they've got a good winning streak. Yet, the losses have returned.

Calgary is a very strong team this year in my opinion and they are playing well. They have difficulties in managing their motivation, which translates in their results, when they have a loss, on their next game, they usually have a second loss two... This show some lack of mental strength, despite the quality of the roster.

This is a game with a simple spot. Montreal is a very seasoned team and they play much better at home. Despite their bad moment, they like to host canadian teams and they give all they've got on these games, usually scoring good results. They are mentally strong and can reverse the late bad results trend, fighting against one of the best teams of the league. Calgary despite their good games, doesn't have now the needed mental strength, showing some strain on their last games.


Pick: Montreal Canadiens ML +110 (2.10) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

Edmonton Oilers @ Ottawa Senators

Another game between canadian teams. Edmonton has several absences for today and they are in a bad moment, only 2 wins in their last 8 games. Ottawa has a team with very experienced and talented players, they lost their last 3 home games, and they need to win again. They will have several home games in the upcoming weeks, so they can't waste much more opportunities and today they will surely take advantage of the circunstancial opponent's frailty.


Pick: Ottawa Senators 3Way (1X2) +100 (2.00) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

2009.11.10 results:

Calgary Flames @ Montreal Canadiens: Montreal Canadiens ML +110 (2.10) Bookmaker (0-1: LOSS)
Edmonton Oilers @ Ottawa Senators: Ottawa Senators 3Way (1X2) +100 (2.00) Bookmaker (4-3 SO: LOSS)

2009.11.10 finished with a 0-2 and -2 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 25-46 (-11.85 units lost/71 units risked)




2009.11.11, only 1 Pick:


Edmonton Oilers @ Buffalo Sabres

Khabibulin has not been particularly good at the road. Even being clear that he is a good goaltender, he are not having their best season, and had some struggling games. The last games have been hard for Oilers, going with 2-7, after a good season opening. It is easy to figure that the injuries are being so far their biggest trouble, and team are with some some mental problems. They come from a OT lost, but they won the game before that, at "cinderela´s team" home (Colorado). But what we have to see here is that the team depends to much of their best players. When the offensive players were out, they had problems to score. So, this tell us that they need their best players in their best, in order to fight their games. Their defense are being a little bit down with Souray out.

Sabres, with the fantastic Miller at the nets, are a team that finally proves what i said. They can do their best or their worth, and the value in bets involving them, is to have a good read about their motivation, and how they will face the game. And today, I think we will have a good day for them. They already proved their strength, specially at home. They can play pretty well, and give a good show, entertaining every one. The truth is that this team, with only 4 defeats in this season, are 1-3 in the last 4. This show that they got their worst right now. But they got the ability, particularly at home, to turn this around at any moment.

After struggling the last games, Sabres have here a gold opportunity, they had 4 days to thin what was wrong. They usually reacts well, when hosting poor road teams. Specially today, we should expect a game with lots of goals for Sabres, because Oilers are in B2B game, and this can damage a lot this team, with lot of injuries, and probably one of their best offensive players out, Hemsky. Their best players, after trying hard yesterday for a win, will play again today, after a travel from Ottawa to Buffalo today. We can´t expect to much on them, and even less from other players. So, this seems a easy one.


Pick: Buffalo Sabres PL -1.5 +145 (2.45) Diamond (DSI)

[TommyGold]

2009.11.11 results:

Edmonton Oilers @ Buffalo Sabres: Buffalo Sabres PL -1.5 +145 (2.45) Diamond (DSI) (3-1: WIN)

2009.11.11 finished with a 1-0 and +1,45 units won/1 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 26-46 (-10,4 units lost/72 units risked)



2009.11.12, only 2 Picks:


Ottawa Senators @ Philadelphia Flyers

Incredible these odds. If we see carefully, this game have a big hole between these two teams. Ottawa have no strong factors against Flyers. They are worst in Face-offs, Defense, offense, PP, PK, and so on. Its incredible, but its true. It's not normal, however, this can't be enough to take Flyers, as anything can happen in US sports.

Senators had a good start of the season, but now they are passing a hard time with a 3-5. Their efforts to win their games, are leaded by their veterans, and their fatigue can cause then real problems during the season. In other hand its visible their difficulties against strong offensive teams. Right now, they come from a hard win, 4-3 in OT, against an Oilers team with lots of absences.

Philadelphia it's a team that had give us easy money. They are strong, and a true contenders this year. Hard to beat, specially at home, where they are 6-2. In their last game, they won 2-1 on OT. However, that game was a B2B game, after going to Buffalo won 5-2. In that games, the team had several players with a seasonal flu, which can give them fatigue, and the fact that they travel all together on a plain, is easy to figure that the virus eventually strike another players.

Flyers, had 5 days to prepare this game and get their indices back. In their last break, they return to competition with a blowout win at home, and today, I expect the same. They are stronger, in offense and in defense, and at home they usually are the "law". Senators are passing their worst period of the season, and even with some great players, they are not making the difference right now, and I think they will spare themselves to the home games that comes after this one.


Pick: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +175 (2.75) Bookmaker


Minnesota Wild @ Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay will host today the Minnesota Wild. They had 5 days off to get in condition and prepare this game. After 4 road games, they will have 2 home games before a new road trip. So, they cant miss this games, first Wild, and then Kings, 2 team reachable besides their form.

Tampa Bay is a home team. No one beats them in RT yet. Tampa's players, particularly at offense, are very talented. One of the most talented first lines on the NHL, however, they usually sucks at road. Don't ask me why, but at home, they rule. They play very well at home, scoring 3.43 goals per game, and allowing only 2.00.

And despite the last results, we have to watch that this team don't need a momentum, wait for a good shape, or expecting a letdown spot on the opponent. They can turn things around at home in a moment. They can get 10 goals from hurricanes one day, and the other day, give 10-0 to Sharks at home. Is that kind of team.

Minnesota after an awful start are now playing what we all expected from them. However the last results don't face what they are at road: 2-8. So, even with their improvement, they are not yet a reliable team on the road to take.

So, for this game, we can't pass this odds for Tampa Bay PL. They can crush anyone, and they had time to prepare this game, and i have no doubts that they will give their best in this 2 home games. In the other side, despite the improvement that Wilds had, they had that wins mostly from teams with a weak offensive line. When they face strong offensive lines, they usually break out, and it's what I expect for today.


Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning PL -1.5 +220 (3.20) The Greek

[TommyGold]

2009.11.12 results:

Ottawa Senators @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +175 (2.75) Bookmaker (5-1: WIN)
Minnesota Wild @ Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay Lightning PL -1.5 +220 (3.20) The Greek (4-3 SO: LOSS)

2009.11.12 finished with a 1-1 and +0.75 units won/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 27-47 (-9.65 units lost/74 units risked)



2009.11.13, 3 picks:

Anaheim Ducks @ Columbus Blue Jackets: Anaheim Ducks ML -105 (1.95) The Greek
Los Angeles Kings @ Atlanta Thrashers: Atlanta Thrashers ML -110 (1.91) Bookmaker
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Chicago Blackhawks: Chicago Blackhawks PL -1.5 +145 (2.45) Bookmaker


For record purposes, I'm going to grade these 2 on the 3Way (1X2) instead of the moneylines:

Anaheim Ducks @ Columbus Blue Jackets: Anaheim Ducks 3Way (1X2) +170 (2.70) Unibet
Los Angeles Kings @ Atlanta Thrashers: Atlanta Thrashers 3Way (1X2) +145 (2.45) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

2009.11.13 results:

Anaheim Ducks @ Columbus Blue Jackets: Anaheim Ducks 3Way (1X2) +170 (2.70) Unibet (3-2 SO: LOSS)
Los Angeles Kings @ Atlanta Thrashers: Atlanta Thrashers 3Way (1X2) +145 (2.45) Bookmaker (7-0: WIN)
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Chicago Blackhawks: Chicago Blackhawks PL -1.5 +145 (2.45) Bookmaker (3-2: LOSS)

2009.11.12 finished with a 1-2 and -0.55 units lost/3 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 28-49 (-10.2 units lost/77 units risked)


2009.11.14, only 2 picks:

Buffalo Sabres @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +190 (2.90) Bookmaker
Los Angeles Kings @ Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay Lightning PL -1.5 +250 (3.50) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

2009.11.14 results:

Buffalo Sabres @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +190 (2.90) Bookmaker (2-3: LOSS)
Los Angeles Kings @ Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay Lightning PL -1.5 +250 (3.50) Bookmaker (1-2 SO: LOSS)


2009.11.14 finished with a 0-2 and -2 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 28-51 (-12.2 units lost/79 units risked)



2009.11.16, only 3 picks:

Edmonton Oilers @ Columbus Blue Jackets: Columbus Blue Jackets 3Way (1X2) -105 (1.95) Bookmaker, +110 (2.10) Expekt, NordicBet

Anaheim Ducks @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Over 5.5 -105 (1.95) Bookmaker

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Phoenix Coyotes: Phoenix Coyotes 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

2009.11.16 results:

Edmonton Oilers @ Columbus Blue Jackets: Columbus Blue Jackets 3Way (1X2) -105 (1.95) Bookmaker (3-2 SO: LOSS)
Anaheim Ducks @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Over 5.5 -105 (1.95) Bookmaker (5-2: WIN)
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Phoenix Coyotes: Phoenix Coyotes 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker (1-4: LOSS)

2009.11.16 finished with a 1-2 and -1.05 units lost/3 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 29-52 (-13.25 units lost/82 units risked)


What a hole...

[TommyGold]

2009.11.17, only 1 pick:


Washington Capitals @ New York Rangers: New York Rangers ML -110 (1.91) The Greek

[TommyGold]

2009.11.17 results:

Washington Capitals @ New York Rangers: New York Rangers ML -110 (1.91) The Greek (2-4: LOSS)

2009.11.17 finished with a 0-1 and -1 unit lost/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 29-53 (-14.25 units lost/83 units risked)


2009.11.19, only 2 picks:

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Carolina Hurricanes: Toronto Maple Leafs ML -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators: Pittsburgh Penguins ML +100 (2.00) The Greek



For record purposes, I'm going to grade these 2 picks on the 3Way (1X2) instead of the moneylines:

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Carolina Hurricanes: Toronto Maple Leafs 3Way (1X2) +135 (2.35) Bookmaker, +150 (2.50) Goalwin

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators: Pittsburgh Penguins 3Way (1X2) +135 (2.35) Bookmaker, +155 (2.55) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Carolina Hurricanes

This will be probably the best game of the day, due to the fact that this will be a matchup between two teams that have their best arguments on the offense.

Pittsburgh had 5 of their 7 losses on the last 8 games. They struggled a little bit with 4 straight losses, but are now returning to their best form, with 2 wins in a row. Curious is the fact that they only started to win when one of their stars, Malkin, returned. With 2 games since is return, the team is scoring 5.5 goals per game, but with him out, the team has scored 0 goals twice, and on the other games, only 1 goal. So, they definitly had struggled without him, even having Crosby, who aparently can't get enough without Malkin support.

Penguins will start a 3 games road trip and certainly will want to start it well. They are 7-4 at road, but remember that 3 of those losses where in their last road trip, when they were struggling. Despite their record and known power they are having problems with lots of injuries, specially at defense where they were improving from last season. But their biggest attributes are the offensive ones, and Crosby and Malkin together are reason enough to guarantee that Pittsburgh will hit the nets. It seems probable that Max Talbot will return today as well, he was the Game 7 two-goal scorer hero from the last Stanley Cup final in June. And Fleury will be at their nets, he is playing pretty well and will give more confidence for the few defenders that will be able to play

Ottawa even with talented players are struggling and the last time they've got 2 wins in a row was one month ago. Their last game was a win and if they stay as an unreliable team, we can expect them to lose today. They have a few veterans like Alfredsson and Kovalev, who are pure talent players and give great value to the Senators' roster, transmiting experience to younger and talented players as well, like Spezza. However, this is not enough to win games and they are having problems because they exactly struggle too many games on their offense. Against a team with their best players back to their offensive line, this is easily translated as a loss. If they will not produce on their offense, they will have problems to win their games.

So, for this game we can expect a lot of goals. Senators have talent on their offense and will probably take advantage on the fact that the Penguins have their best defenders out. Yet, the Penguins have their bigger stars in the field and will return Talbot, who did not play since the two goals to Detroit, which gave Pittsburgh their last Stanley Cup. So, it will be a game with a lot of goals, but there is a nice spot to take advantage: Ottawa this season usually loses against power offensive teams, as they can't keep the game close for a long time. They depend too much on their veterans, who are not physically so strong and fit to play too much time as the other players and that gives them a breach on their game.

Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs 3Way (1X2) +135 (2.35) Bookmaker, +150 (2.50) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators

This will be probably the best game of the day, due to the fact that this will be a matchup between two teams that have their best arguments on the offense.

Pittsburgh had 5 of their 7 losses on the last 8 games. They struggled a little bit with 4 straight losses, but are now returning to their best form, with 2 wins in a row. Curious is the fact that they only started to win when one of their stars, Malkin, returned. With 2 games since is return, the team is scoring 5.5 goals per game, but with him out, the team has scored 0 goals twice, and on the other games, only 1 goal. So, they definitly had struggled without him, even having Crosby, who aparently can't get enough without Malkin support.

Penguins will start a 3 games road trip and certainly will want to start it well. They are 7-4 at road, but remember that 3 of those losses where in their last road trip, when they were struggling. Despite their record and known power they are having problems with lots of injuries, specially at defense where they were improving from last season. But their biggest attributes are the offensive ones, and Crosby and Malkin together are reason enough to guarantee that Pittsburgh will hit the nets. It seems probable that Max Talbot will return today as well, he was the Game 7 two-goal scorer hero from the last Stanley Cup final in June. And Fleury will be at their nets, he is playing pretty well and will give more confidence for the few defenders that will be able to play

Ottawa even with talented players are struggling and the last time they've got 2 wins in a row was one month ago. Their last game was a win and if they stay as an unreliable team, we can expect them to lose today. They have a few veterans like Alfredsson and Kovalev, who are pure talent players and give great value to the Senators' roster, transmiting experience to younger and talented players as well, like Spezza. However, this is not enough to win games and they are having problems because they exactly struggle too many games on their offense. Against a team with their best players back to their offensive line, this is easily translated as a loss. If they will not produce on their offense, they will have problems to win their games.

So, for this game we can expect a lot of goals. Senators have talent on their offense and will probably take advantage on the fact that the Penguins have their best defenders out. Yet, the Penguins have their bigger stars in the field and will return Talbot, who did not play since the two goals to Detroit, which gave Pittsburgh their last Stanley Cup. So, it will be a game with a lot of goals, but there is a nice spot to take advantage: Ottawa this season usually loses against power offensive teams, as they can't keep the game close for a long time. They depend too much on their veterans, who are not physically so strong and fit to play too much time as the other players and that gives them a breach on their game.

Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins 3Way (1X2) +135 (2.35) Bookmaker, +155 (2.55) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

2009.11.19 results:

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Carolina Hurricanes: Toronto Maple Leafs 3Way (1X2) +135 (2.35) Bookmaker (6-5 SO: LOSS)
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators: Pittsburgh Penguins 3Way (1X2) +135 (2.35) Bookmaker (6-2: LOSS)

2009.11.19 finished with a 0-2 and -2 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 29-55 (-16.25 units lost/85 units risked)

A late tying goal (2 seconds before buzzer time?) after a 3-0 lead of Toronto costs us a small winning day... :|


2009.11.19, only 2 picks:

Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals: Washington Capitals PL -1.5 +150 (2.50) The Greek
Florida Panthers @ Detroit Red Wings: Detroit Red Wings PL -1.5 +125 (2.25) The Greek

[TommyGold]

Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals


For this game there are many players doubtful. Unfortunately for us Semin might be out for the Capitals; and Gionta for the Canadiens, will be definitely out. These two are among the best players in their respective teams. But tonight, we have two teams in different situations.

Montreal at the beginning of the season was looking like a serious contender, is now struggling in the league. They started with 2 wins on OT and then had 5 straight losses. After that, the only time they get more than 1 win in a row, was after that 5 losses, and that is when the alarm fired. But even there, they needed OT and SO in 3 of those 4 wins.

And since then, they are losing many games, winning one game occasionally. They won last game in SO at home against one of the weakest teams this season. So, they still have a poor moral, still missing a true "momentum" and they are not able to achieve consecutive wins for now. Their main problem is in the offense, where we all expect much more than they have done yet. Their defense after the injury of Markov, was easy to expect problems. Even in their last 5 games, they are only scoring 1.40 goals per game and they will need urgently to turn things around.

Washington in other hand is one of the best teams in the league and an early contender to Stanley Cup. They are managing very well their injuries as they had few games with all their best players playing together. However, Ovchekin returned last game, preventing Capitals to get a letdown spot. He leads the league in goals with Gaborik and is certainly the best player on NHL. He alone can solve one game, he is the one that can score in any position, in any place. At home, the Capitals are amazing, 3 losses on OT, one loss in Regulation Time, and seven wins. They had scored more than 3.8 goals per game and they make a terrible place to play for the opponent's players.

So, today it will be hard for Canadiens to keep this game close. They are struggling at defense as well as in offense. To keep this game close, they will need to score lots of goals, as it is unlikely that Capitals will have pity of them. Montreal will have to use their wits and play the game just for the game, and hold their will and energy for the next day, when they will have to return to home, to host the Detroit Red Wings. So, I expect an easy win for Washington.


Pick: Washington Capitals PL -1.5 +150 (2.50) The Greek

[TommyGold]

Florida Panthers @ Detroit Red Wings


We will have a match up here with two hot teams. The difference is that for the Red Wings, we can say "finally!", but for the Panthers, we should be shocked.

They improved so much in their last games, raising almost one goal in their last game, when compared to the rest of the games average. However, this is a case where "the higher they rise, the harder they fall". They will not keep this pace much longer.

Florida is a young team, they doesn't have big names in their first line. They are playing well and that is surprising everybody, as they started the season with a 2-8 record losing.

However in the last games, where they turned things around, those wins were mainly against team with low experience and that are not reliable. Between those wins, for example, they lost 2 games in a row with Capitals, with a 3 difference goals on both matches. For this game they will go with Clemmensen, who is having his worst season so far, with 5.14 goals allowed per game. Thus, he is definitely not reliable despite his experience, he can't feel confident or self-assured at this moment.

Detroit started this season with a slow pace. They struggled a lot until a few games ago and it seemed that finally the "old guys broke". They are a old team truth be told, but they are one of the best teams in the league, talent wise. In their last games they are scoring 4.20 goals per game showing us that they are maybe still alive. They need more games to prove that they are contenders, as they started late their race to the playoffs.

So, this will be a game where probably the Panthers will lose their momentum. They will start with a goaltender who his probably without confidence, due to his woeful exhibitions so far. Their defense is also soft and when they face strong and talent-proved offensive players, they usually breakout. Facing such a talent team like Detroit, with so many strong offensive players, who are finally getting their momentum back and scoring so many goals lately, it is easy to figure that the Red Wings will crush the Panthers.


Pick: Detroit Red Wings PL -1.5 +125 (2.25) The Greek

[TommyGold]

Final NHL Pick for 2009.11.20:

Philadelphia Flyers @ San Jose Sharks: San Jose Sharks 3Way (1X2) +105 (2.05) Bookmaker, +120 (2.20) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

2009.11.20 results:

Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals: Washington Capitals PL -1.5 +150 (2.50) The Greek (2-3: LOSS)
Florida Panthers @ Detroit Red Wings: Detroit Red Wings PL -1.5 +125 (2.25) The Greek (1-2 OT: LOSS)
Philadelphia Flyers @ San Jose Sharks: San Jose Sharks 3Way (1X2) +105 (2.05) Bookmaker (6-3: WIN)

2009.11.20 finished with a 1-2 and -0.95 units lost/3 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 30-57 (-17.2 units lost/88 units risked)



2009.11.21, 6 picks:

Washington Capitals @ Toronto Maple Leafs : Washington Capitals 3Way (1X2) +125 (2.25) Bookmaker, +120 (2.20) Goalwin

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Atlanta Thrashers: Pittsburgh Penguins 3Way (1X2) +145 (2.45) Bookmaker, +150 (2.50) Goalwin

Florida Panthers @ New York Rangers: New York Rangers PL -1.5 +160 (2.60) Bookmaker

Detroit Red Wings @ Montreal Canadiens: Montreal Canadiens +120 (2.20) ML Bookmaker

Buffalo Sabres @ Ottawa Senators: Ottawa Senators 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15) Bookmaker, +135 (2.35) Goalwin

Chicago Blackhawks @ Edmonton Oilers: Edmonton Oilers ML +125 (2.25) 5 Dimes

[TommyGold]

2009.11.21 results:

Washington Capitals @ Toronto Maple Leafs : Washington Capitals 3Way (1X2) +125 (2.25) Bookmaker, +120 (2.20) Goalwin (2-1 SO: LOSS)
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Atlanta Thrashers: Pittsburgh Penguins 3Way (1X2) +145 (2.45) Bookmaker, +150 (2.50) Goalwin (2-3: WIN)
Florida Panthers @ New York Rangers: New York Rangers PL -1.5 +160 (2.60) Bookmaker (2-3: LOSS)
Detroit Red Wings @ Montreal Canadiens: Montreal Canadiens ML +120 (2.20) ML Bookmaker (2-3 SO: LOSS)
Buffalo Sabres @ Ottawa Senators: Ottawa Senators 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15) Bookmaker, +135 (2.35) Goalwin (5-3: WIN)
Chicago Blackhawks @ Edmonton Oilers: Edmonton Oilers ML +125 (2.25) 5 Dimes (2-5: LOSS)

2009.11.20 finished with a 2-4 and -1.4 units lost/6 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 32-61 (-18.6 units lost/94 units risked)



2009.11.23, 5 picks:

Boston Bruins @ St. Louis Blues: Boston Bruins 3Way (1X2) +135 (2.35) Bookmaker, +150 (2.50) Goalwin

Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Rangers: New York Rangers 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15) Bookmaker, +120 (2.20) Goalwin

Washington Capitals @ Ottawa Senators: Washington Capitals ML +100 (2.00) Bookmaker, +110 (2.10) William Hill

Carolina Hurricanes @ Dallas Stars: Dallas Stars PL -1.5 +155 (2.55) Bookmaker

Philadelphia Flyers @ Colorado Avalanche: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +225 (3.25) Bet Jamaica

[TommyGold]

Boston Bruins @ St Louis Blues

It seems that finally we will see the Bruins as expected. Despite the 10-8 record, we have to add plus 4 losses on OT or SO. So, they are not with a good record and it seems incredible, as we all expected them to be one of the best teams at this point. The reason is simple. Last year, Boston overwhelmed the other teams during the regular season.

By far they were the best team and seemed the best contenders to Stanley's Cup. However, after an easy series against the Canucks, they were stopped in 7 games by Hurricanes. For this year the roster is basically the same. So, we all guess that Boston could once again had shown their power.

But after a weak start, they are a team with curious results. They start with a loss to win the next game. They kept on this system on the first 12 games of the season. Incredible, next to that system of 1 loss followed by 1 win, they got it deeper: 3 consecutive losses for 2 wins in a row. This new season was used in their last 10 games. So, can this time they start a new system?! I believe so.

The Bruins had struggled a lot on their offense. Where they were strong last year and maintaining their offensive players, we can figure that the problem is not lack of talent. Yet, their best center, Marc Savard, have been out for the last 15 games, where they went down in their offense. For today, we can expect him to return to lineup, as he says: "All I know is, I'm ready to get back and I'm glad about that. It will be great to get back in there with the boys.'' So, this is the news that Bruins fans were expecting last 5 weeks. Besides that, the team seems finally with confidence, as they continue strong on their defense and are improving their offense.

Saint Louis has not been reliable so far at home. They have a 5-7 record at home, 3-2 on their last 5 home games. Today they will have their last home game before the scheduled mini road trip. It is not clear yet if they are contenders for the playoffs. Last year they were not contenders, but a poor team until the last game, where they were magnificent, getting the last spot for the playoffs. But in the first series they had a blowout loss.

This year, they are being like the last season. An unreliable and poor team, despite it, they have good players on their roster so far. But even with that good players this is not a quite talented team. And that is easy to figure,as they had a streak of 4 games, where they scored 0.5 goal per game.

In their first 6 home games they seemed to improve their offense, with Kariya ending a 11 pointless games and Berglund scoring his first goal in 13 games. On that game they scored 6 goals, a season high, but then they had 2 straight games with only 2 goals. Despite they won their last 2 games, 3-2 and 4-1, this team is not reliable enough, and it's seems more safe to believe that they will cease this good moment, than continuing with the momentum.

So for this game, we have two teams coming from two wins. However, this match up is between two different teams. St. Louis is showing some weakness at home with a negative record. They are having difficulties to improve their offense as well and to be consistent. Boston showed in the past that same weakness. However, this can be a turning point for this season.

Savard will play again, and the team and coach are more confident than ever, enjoying a total day off yesterday, something rare, "Probably the first time in their careers they didn't have a game or a practice or a flight" coach Claude Julien said. The team showed last games a little bit of the team concept from last season and this should continue with the Bruins improving a lot their results and performance.

Pick: Boston Bruins 3Way (1X2) +135 (2.35) Bookmaker, +150 (2.50) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

Philadelphia Flyers @ Colorado Avalanche


This will be a match up between two teams in different form. The best roster is without any doubt, the roster of the Flyers. Colorado had a great debut this season with a 10-3 record, all losses on OT. It starts to smell that the cinderella team was found. Pure mistake.

They were with the "momentum" and since it's gone, they are 3-7 and going in a path to reverse their record to negative. They are with 2 straight losses at home, including a blowout loss in the last one. This shows how their moment has turned. These 2 home losses were the first losses at home where they are 6-2.

One of the reasons is because of Anderson. The goaltender that was awesome in the beginning of the season, has lowered his performance, allowing more than 5 goals per game in the last 6 games. That can be normal at this point, as he should be tired, being their star as the Avalanche make him playing most of the games, missing only 3 this season. Their game has also suffered some changes as they are not so cohesive as before, and are not able to keep the lead.

The reasons can be many, but the fact of being number 1 team on NHL in the start, has done some damage thanks to the pressure. Their roster were not able to assimilate that fact, struggling and showing their weak points increased by insecurity.

Philadelphia is a kind of team that always plays to the public, making the game a true show. It's a great team and a contenders to Stanley Cup. They are a team with a great trail to score. They are the third best team on scoring in NHL. Incredible is the fact that none of their players are in the top scorers ranking. This show how this team works. Every one knows how to score, and try to do it in every occasion they get.

Their defense has been solid as well, with their best pair of defenders, Pronger and Carle, among top defense men. Prongers is by far one of the best players on NHL and he is fighting with top players such as Carter and Richards for top place on the points ranking on Flyers roster. When they get more than 2 losses on a row their coach gets upset, as he consider that good teams cannot lose two in a row. Just once they lost 3 games in a row, but they are now coming from 2 losses in a row on this 5 road games trip.

So for this game we will have Colorado that had lost all their fuel. They are not in advantage anymore and are mentally weak, allowing lots of goals and lowering their offensive power. They will host the Flyers, one of the most powerful teams in the league, with an average 3.4 goals per game. Among the Flyers roster every player is a candidate to score a goal and this will be a difficult problem for Colorado to manage. Philadelphia in another hand, cannot endure another defeat and the Colorado frailties will be exploited for sure.

Pick: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +225 (3.25) Bet Jamaica

[TommyGold]

2009.11.23 results:

Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Rangers: New York Rangers 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15) Bookmaker (7-4: WIN)
Washington Capitals @ Ottawa Senators: Washington Capitals ML +100 (2.00) Bookmaker (4-3 OT: LOSS)
Boston Bruins @ St. Louis Blues: Boston Bruins 3Way (1X2) +135 (2.35) Bookmaker (2-4: WIN)
Carolina Hurricanes @ Dallas Stars: Dallas Stars PL -1.5 +155 (2.55) Bookmaker (2-0: WIN)
Philadelphia Flyers @ Colorado Avalanche: Philadelphia Flyers PL -1.5 +225 (3.25) Bet Jamaica (5-4: LOSS)

2009.11.23 finished with a 3-2 and +2.05 units won/5 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 35-63 (-16.55 units lost/99 units risked)



Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens

For this match up, we have an important spot to mention: the Blue Jackets are on B2B game. They are 1-1 on B2B games, however the win wasn't a fair result and they had luck.

I suppose that they'll end this season with a negative record on back-to-back games and that's because Rick Nash can't get comfortable when have to play with only a 24 hours break, specially when it includes an airplane travel.

And if Nash isn't comfortable to waste his rest time inside a plane, the team loses his best offensive player and their main star.

Their defense depends as well on their offense, or if you prefer, their wins depend on their offense only, as they are one of the worst teams on defense. Strange, as they were one of the best defending teams last season.

Montreal is still struggling this season. Will they ensure a playoff participation? The supporters think that playoffs are the minimum objective that this team as to achieve. For that, they have to quickly start a winning streak... and most of all, to not allow other teams to steal wins at their arena.

This team is one of the most talented teams, but is also one of the older's. Their experience could be offered for free and they still have enough experience to win games. So, the results will happen soon and i guess that today will be a good day to win, due to the fact that they've got the experience to manage a home game against a team coming from a match on the previous day.

The difference between the rosters is something easy to see. The Canadiens have more talented, but older players. Columbus have Nash, a 25 years LW, who is one of the best players in the league, but that still has to negociate back-to-back games.

Even with the weight of the age, Montreal can play this game with some physical strength as Columbus, since the Canadiens had 2 days to rest. With an intense public and the urge to win as well, Montreal can't let this victory fly away.


Pick: Montreal Canadiens ML -130 (1.77) The Greek

[TommyGold]

2009.11.24 results:

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens: Montreal Canadiens ML -130 (1.77) The Greek (5-3: WIN)

2009.11.24 finished with a 1-0 and +0.77 units won/1 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 36-63 (-15.78 units lost/100 units risked)


2009.11.25, 8 picks:

Philadelphia Flyers @ New York Islanders: Over 5.5 -120 (1.83) Bookmaker, -133 (1.75) Goalwin

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay Lightning PL -1.5 +225 (3.25) 5Dimes, +195 (2.95) Goalwin

Buffalo Sabres @ Washington Capitals: Washington Capitals 3Way (1X2) +125 (2.25) Bookmaker, +110 (2.10) Goalwin

Ottawa Senators @ New Jersey Devils: New Jersey Devils 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15), +110 (2.10) Goalwin

New York Rangers @ Florida Panthers: Florida Panthers ML +100 (2.00) 5Dimes

Boston Bruins @ Minnesota Wild: Boston Bruins 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker, +135 (2.35) Goalwin

Nashville Predators @ Colorado Avalanche: Over 5.5 +115 (2.15) 5Dimes, +105 (2.05) Goalwin

Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks: San Jose Sharks 3Way (1X2) +120 (2.20) Bookmaker, +125 (2.25) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

Philadelphia Flyers @ New York Islanders

As we all know, Philadelphia and New York are not for away from each other. So, this can be a hostile arena today, with many supporters from both teams. This can push the teams on the field to play a crazy and quick game, opening lots of spaces and with a lot of goals.

The Islanders after struggling in the first games, have been quite strong at home, scoring 3 goals per game. In their last month, they are scoring much more than that, showing their improvements at offense, with their young roster making the difference. This team was the worst last year and for that, they picked the first pick on the draft, John Tavares, who is tied with Moulson for points.

This team, maybe because of their youth, took some time to start their engines. But since they understanded what they needed to do, this team has been quite good, playing a great game and scoring a lot of goals even against great teams.

The Flyers are one of the best offensive teams. As I told you 2 days ago, this team is all for goals. The reason why I say this is because they are the top offensive team in goals scored, but haven't any player on the top scorers ranking. Everyone helps the team in that part even if his job is to defend, as Pronger. Playing on the road is not something that scares them, they still have this offensive power on the road, scoring 3 goals per game.

The environment will probably be hot, making this an interesting match up. Philadelphia will not avoid the opportunity to score their goals and I can't see the Islanders letting the Flyers take off. They have to keep this game close and they can keep it close and fight for the victory.

Excited by the public, both teams will explore as much as they can the adversary nets. This will probable be a fast game, with lots of shots, and will not be a game for a goaltender to get a good performance.


Pick: Over 5.5 -120 (1.83) Bookmaker, -133 (1.75) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Tampa Bay Lightning

This match has a great spot. There are few things to mention to support this play as this game has an incredible value on the home team. Tampa Bay is 4-0 on regular time at home. And their 4 losses in OT were against teams that were with the "momentum" on their side and even then, it was an expensive buy to them.

Why should I refer this? Because as I'm coming to say from the beginning of the season, Tampa Bay is a home team.

They are giving great shows at home, with lots of good plays and goals. Their arena has a great number of supporters, and that's all basically due to their stars.

They have 2 of the most talented offensive players: St Louis and Lecavalier. But the Lightning roster doesn't stops there, because there are other great names to mention. Most of them are on the offense and that make this team a strong offensive team. Their best players always do good performances at home and they just love to play home.

Toronto has been one of the worst teams on entire league. They only had their first win in the eight game. And then, they lost another 4 in a row. The team has been struggling hard, however is important to remember that this is one of the most solid teams in administrative aspects.

They got a win 2 games ago, their fourth, and it doesn't seem likely that we will see another so soon. The Maple Leafs has not been solid is any game aspects. Sometimes they play with a good defense, other times with a good offense. But they are not reliable.

This game seems to be easy for Tampa Bay. They're one of the best teams playing at home and they've players who just love to play at home. Scoring is something easy for them, specially against power defenses. Toronto has allowed almost 4 goals per game at the road. After they lost in OT at home to Tampa Bay, when they had done a great game, I can't find any edge for Toronto today.

If they play at home and well, Tampa Bay only needs the 2 chances they've got to win the game. At home, where Tampa Bay will dominate and create a lot of opportunities, it will not be for Toronto the best game to avoid a solid defeat.


Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning PL -1.5 +225 (3.25) 5Dimes, +195 (2.95) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

2009.11.25 results:

Philadelphia Flyers @ New York Islanders: Over 5.5 -120 (1.83) Bookmaker (1-2: LOSS)
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay Lightning PL -1.5 +225 (3.25) 5Dimes (3-4: LOSS)
Buffalo Sabres @ Washington Capitals: Washington Capitals 3Way (1X2) +125 (2.25) Bookmaker (2-0: WIN)
Ottawa Senators @ New Jersey Devils: New Jersey Devils 3Way (1X2) +115 (2.15) (3-1: WIN)
New York Rangers @ Florida Panthers: Florida Panthers ML +100 (2.00) 5Dimes (1-2 SO: LOSS)
Boston Bruins @ Minnesota Wild: Boston Bruins 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker (1-2 SO: LOSS)
Nashville Predators @ Colorado Avalanche: Over 5.5 +115 (2.15) 5Dimes (3-4 OT: WIN)
Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks: San Jose Sharks 3Way (1X2) +120 (2.20) Bookmaker (2-7: LOSS)

2009.11.25 finished with a 3-5 and -1.45 units lost/8 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 39-68 (-17.23 units lost/108 units risked)


2009.11.26, 2 picks:

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Ottawa Senators

This will be a match up where the home team will do its straight 6th game at home and they'll host one team that will do their 5th road game in a row.

That spawn of time from both teams show us clearly which are their weak and strong spots. Columbus are allowing 4.14 goals per game during the season at the road. In their last 3 games, they allowed 6.33 goals per game. This is their handicap, they've got a poor defense, where they revealed some strength last year.

So far, this handicap has cost them many wins and they'll probably still struggle on the defense.

Ottawa in their last home games scored 3.80 goals per game and conceded only 2.20 goals per game. They also started this home games series with a loss, scoring only 1 goal and scratching their record for this home games streak. But since then, they've got 4 wins, including a blowout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

For this game, my angle is simple. Both teams will do their last game as a host (Ottawa) and as a visitor (Columbus). Being clear that the Senators are going through a good moment and have their best players on the offensive line, they can benefit from the fact that the Blue Jackets are having poor performances from their goaltenders and the same can be said for the rest of the players in this road trip as well.

Columbus is already with their mind on the next game, just hoping that this road trip comes to an end as soon as possible, to correct and improve their game at home.


Pick: Ottawa Senators 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker, Goalwin



Los Angeles Kings @ Vancouver Canucks

I confess that I didn't expect this line at 5.5 goals. It seems very unlikely that this game is going to have more than 4 goals. Even counting that is normal and frequent to have a late goal, even 5 goals could be a great line and that was the line I expected. But this added 0.5 give us a lot of extra value.

And why is that? Let's combine the LA Kings offense with the Vancouver Canucks defense. Kings at the road, usually scores 2 or less goals. Once in a while they score more goals than usual and that gives them 2.28 goals scored on road. But the Vancouver defense is on fire at home, playing very solid and allowing only 1.82 goals per game.

If we reverse the kind of match up, the Los Angeles Kings are also conceding a low number of goals on the road: 2.82 goals per game. The Canucks, scoring a 3.27 goals per game, have here an edge, but is not enough to give us value to bet on the canadian team.

So, on this game there isn't much more to say. The LA Kings started well the season, and then fell from the top places. The team were in a place that wasn't corresponding to the team's true talent. It will be a surprise to see the californian team fight for this game, as they are without confidence right now.

The Canucks wouldn't surprise if they could get empty nets, it will not be new for them. After a weak start they found their path and today they have to be careful, as they lost 1-0 last game at home. They have to play at their pace and make sure that they can manage the game on their will.

Also curious is the fact that in the last 6 games between these 2 teams, only once they scored more than 5 games and that score had exactly 6 goals. Take the under in this game.


Pick: Under 5.5 -115 (1.87) The Greek, -118 (1.85) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

2009.11.26 results:

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Ottawa Senators: Ottawa Senators 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker (2-1: WIN)
Los Angeles Kings @ Vancouver Canucks: Under 5.5 -115 (1.87) The Greek (4-1: WIN)

2009.11.26 finished with a 2-0 and +2.17 units won/2 unit risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 41-68 (-15.06 units lost/110 units risked)

I told on my writeup for the Under that a late goal was normal on the league, but I wasn't expecting such a late goal.


2009.11.27, 5 picks:

New Jersey Devils @ Boston Bruins: Over 5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

Buffalo Sabres @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers 3Way (1X2) +125 (2.25) Bookmaker, +120 (2.20) Goalwin

Chicago Blackhawks @ Anaheim Ducks: Anaheim Ducks ML +125 (2.25) Bookmaker

Atlanta Thrashers @ Carolina Hurricanes: Atlanta Thrashers ML -115 (1.87) Bookmaker

New York Rangers @ Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay Lightning 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker, +140 (2.40) Goalwin




Buffalo Sabres @ Philadelphia Flyers

This game will be played at the afternoon and a lot of people will take the day off to be on the stands supporting the home team. The typical game day on Philadelphia and the Flyers will take advantage of the fact that they will a lot of home supporters rooting for them. We can expect a terrific environment on this game, thanks to the home crowd.

The Sabres are not a reliable team. They can give their best today and their worst tomorrow. It's a team that try hard or just quit the game. At the beginning of the season, they looked great with an 8-2 record. They gave all they got and tried hard.

But then the path was a 4-7 record, being important to mention that they stopped that blowout/easy wins where they showed a complete control of the game. Despite that, Ryan Miller (the goaltender) still shows great performances, but his effort has been untapped by the offense line, who are with a lack of production. Scoring 1.80 goals per game in the last 5 games is a poor production. Even on the road, hitting the nets has been so far a tough job.

The Flyers are a team that i usually write about. Their game is one of the more fascinating in the league. They try to make every single game a great game, giving a show, showing great plays and how should a player be supported by a team player. The work they do every game, trying to help each other on the arena, covering the gaps, is just extraordinary. This fact is easily seen when we see the Flyers in 3rd place on the best offensive teams ranking, and none of their players is in the Top 20 of the best scorers ranking.

They are coming from another bad streak, with a 3 straight losses, but they are showing this season a great management of bad streaks, and are now coming from a loss, after those 3 losses. When they rehab their game, they usually made it well, showing their improvements during more than one game. I hope that this rehab can be translated on an improvement on their offense as well, where they are scoring 2.6 goals per game on the last 5 games, when their season average is around 3.7 goals per game.

So, this game will be once more a festivity on Philadelphia. The team will do the best they know: play it well. The supporters believe that they will watch a great game and leave happy. Flyers are 4-1 in their last 5 games and have besides a full house, a revenge to accomplish. Their last home defeat was against Buffalo and that's reason enough to beat the Sabres without mercy.

Buffalo on the other hand, are passing their worst period on this season, with 4 losses on a road. Their game which has been a supported and a cohesive game (when they play well), is not the kind of game that can shake or cause trouble to the Flyers, as they are very good on that side as well. Today, they will not be able to cope with the avalanche of attacks that Philadelphia will make and Miller will not be their saviour for ever.


Pick: Philadelphia Flyers 3Way (1X2) +125 (2.25) Bookmaker, +120 (2.20) Goalwin



New York Rangers @ Tampa Bay Lightning

This game on the east coast will have great talents on display. Gaborik vs Lecavalier for example. However, it will probably be a one way game only. This teams are showing that they haven't changed much from last season.

Rangers were hot at the start of the season, with 7 straight wins in the 8 first games. Since that, they have only achieved a few wins, and occasionally.

Their main problem is that they depend too much on Gaborik's talent. It's true that he can decide a game alone, he is returning to his best form after a injury season in Minnesota.

But this can't be Rangers' kind of game, even with Gaborik scoring unbelievable goals the team is getting to few wins.Their displays have been awful, showing poor skills on their game. Gaborik being the only decent player out of their incredibly lousy performances, is not enough to keep them on the wins path. They need to improve a lot, they need to start scoring goals without waiting for Gaborik, and keep a good defense in every game, and not just when they remember to do so.

Tampa Bay in other hand is coming from 2 home losses, something unnatural for them. The last defeat was in regular time and it was the first of the season at home in regular time. But who can see here a letdown spot?! I don't understand why the majority of the public is against Tampa Bay on this game. There isn't a letdown spot here. They face losses very well and they can handle blowout losses as well.

Just remember that little road trip some weeks ago, that they were outscored in those 2 games, allowing 11 goals and scored only 2? After that two matches, they played at home against true contenders, San Jose, and had an easy win by 5-2. This could be a letdown spot as well, even with that bad game being on the road, but they were facing a strong team.

This ability to handle losses is mainly due to the fact they've got players that can solve games by themselves. And if one player can solve one game, two players can solve 2... And they've got more than one player to solve this game, players that can get great performances, just if they want to do so.

Hence, for this game I expect Tampa Bay to solve this game quickly. They''ve the talent and are very strong at home, where they can score lots of goals. 3 straight losses at home, it's something that the team can't afford to do, as they are a typical home team that depends too much on the points that they can get at home.

The Rangers will to this game with 2 games won in a row, however this team is a weak minded team, and they can't take the benefits and the strength they should from it. Their game is showing no signs of improvement, and Gaborik cannot save them much longer. The game against Columbus is not reliable to dissect the Rangers, as they won mostly by demerit of the Blue Jackets. Considering all this, taking Tampa Bay seems to be the best play and I believe that they could win this game easily.


Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker, +140 (2.40) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

2009.11.27 results:

New Jersey Devils @ Boston Bruins: Over 5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker (1-2 OT: LOSS)
Buffalo Sabres @ Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia Flyers 3Way (1X2) +125 (2.25) Bookmaker, +120 (2.20) Goalwin (2-4: LOSS)
Chicago Blackhawks @ Anaheim Ducks: Anaheim Ducks ML +125 (2.25) Bookmaker (3-0: WIN)
Atlanta Thrashers @ Carolina Hurricanes: Atlanta Thrashers ML -115 (1.87) Bookmaker (4-6: WIN)
New York Rangers @ Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay Lightning 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker, +140 (2.40) Goalwin (5-1: WIN)

2009.11.27 finished with a 3-2 and +1.42 units won/5 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 44-70 (-13.64 units lost/115 units risked)


2009.11.28, first pick:

New York Islanders @ New Jersey Devils: New Jersey Devils 3Way (1X2) -115 (1.87) Bookmaker, -111 (1.90) Goalwin

[TommyGold]

The Devils are winning 5-1... :O


2009.11.28, final 6 picks:

Philadelphia Flyers @ Atlanta Thrashers: Atlanta Thrashers -105 (1.95) 5Dimes

Washington Capitals @ Montreal Canadiens: Over 5.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker

Ottawa Senators @ Boston Bruins: Boston Bruins 3Way (1X2) +120 (2.20) Bookmaker, +120 (2.20) Goalwin

New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Pittsburgh Penguins PL -1.5 +160 (2.60) Bookmaker

Florida Panthers @ Nashville Predators: Over 5 -135 (1.74) Bookmaker, Over 5.5 +110 (2.10) Goalwin

Detroit Red Wings @ St. Louis Blues: Over 5.5 +115 (2.15) The Greek

[TommyGold]

2009.11.28 results:

New York Islanders @ New Jersey Devils: New Jersey Devils 3Way (1X2) -115 (1.87) Bookmaker (6-1: WIN)
Philadelphia Flyers @ Atlanta Thrashers: Atlanta Thrashers ML -105 (1.95) 5Dimes (1-0: WIN)
Washington Capitals @ Montreal Canadiens: Over 5.5 -110 (1.91) Bookmaker (3-4 SO: WIN)
Ottawa Senators @ Boston Bruins: Boston Bruins 3Way (1X2) +120 (2.20) Bookmaker (4-3 SO: LOSS)
New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins: Pittsburgh Penguins PL -1.5 +160 (2.60) Bookmaker (8-3: WIN)
Florida Panthers @ Nashville Predators: Over 5 -135 (1.74) Bookmaker (4-1: PUSH/VOID)
Detroit Red Wings @ St. Louis Blues: Over 5.5 +115 (2.15) The Greek (3-4 SO: WIN)

2009.11.28 finished with a 5-1-1 and +4.48 units won/6 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 49-71 (-9.16 units lost/121 units risked)

A 20 seconds late goal on OTT @ BOS ruined our prospects of a 6-0-1 Sweep...


2009.11.29, 2 picks:

Phoenix Coyotes @ Anaheim Ducks: Anaheim Ducks 3Way (1X2) +100 (2.00) Bookmaker, Goalwin

San Jose Sharks @ Vancouver Canucks: San Jose Sharks ML -115 (1.87) Bookmaker

[TommyGold]

2009.11.29 results:

Phoenix Coyotes @ Anaheim Ducks: Anaheim Ducks 3Way (1X2) +100 (2.00) Bookmaker (2-3 OT: LOSS)
San Jose Sharks @ Vancouver Canucks: San Jose Sharks ML -115 (1.87) Bookmaker (2-4: WIN)

2009.11.28 finished with a 1-1 and -0.13 units lost/2 units risked.
NHL 2009-2010 season record: 50-73-1 (-9.29 units lost/123 units risked)

NHL last week won 18-11-1 and won +9.31 units in 29 risked units.



2009.11.30, 5 picks:

Washington Capitals @ Carolina Hurricanes: Washington Capitals PL -1.5 +195 (2.95) Bookmaker

Florida Panthers @ Atlanta Thrashers: Atlanta Thrashers 3Way (1X2) +100 (2.00) Bookmaker, +105 (2.05) Goalwin

Buffalo Sabres @ Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto Maple Leafs ML -105 (1.95) 5Dimes, Goalwin

Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers: Pittsburgh Penguins 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker, Goalwin

Colorado Avalanche @ Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay Lightning 3Way (1X2) +120 (2.20) Bookmaker, Goalwin

PIT ML -115 is also a good play. On Goalwin, you can get Toronto Maple Leafs 3Way (1X2) +160 (2.60) against Bookmaker's +135 (2.35), if you're fond of risking 3ways.

[TommyGold]

2009.11.30, final 2 picks:

Washington Capitals @ Carolina Hurricanes: Under 6 -105 (1.95) Bookmaker

Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers: Over 5.5 -120 (1.83) Bookmaker





Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers

It couldn't be easier to explain the value on this one. Two days ago, the Rangers went to Pittsburgh. What happened? Blow out loss for the Ranger with a 8-3 result. Could it be a better training for the Penguins? Probably not, they scored a lot, they made a great game and are ready to face the Rangers on the road, knowing how they can score.

The Rangers are facing problems. It seems like last year, a team with value and expectations throwing all away. Talent isn't enough to win games and there is no group of supporters that understand this so well as the Rangers fans

In their last game, they won 7-4 against Columbus, another great exhibition for Gaborik, but they can't live for ever this way. Their win had few important things to mention, Columbus had an awful night and Gaborik can still make the difference. However, we can't expect that the Rangers will still be able to improve at home. They had a great moment when the season started, but since then the only way they know is the way down. This team needs to improve their mental condition, just round up all the players and go to the psychotherapist.

Pittsburgh after a bad moment when they faced injury problems, hitting key players and almost half of the team, are again on the right road. Their ability his enormous, with Crosby and Malkin leading their offensive line. After they improved their performance after the return of the recovered players, it's now time to improve their road games, which has been weak in recent games and shouldn't be, as they aspire to win Stanley Cup, and as true contenders they should have the ability to win games in any place.

Scoring his not a problem for the Penguins. Their defense seems to have improved since they had all their defense players available again. It's now time to prove it, against a team that only know how to beat the minnows, with problems concerning their attitude. The last game for these teams was a match up between both teams, but in Pittsburgh instead of New York. 8-3 was the result for the home team and it was a great training session for the Penguins, that had those 60 minutes to improve their skills to beat the Rangers. Even with Lundqvist on the nets it's hard to see the victory escaping the Penguins.


Picks: Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers: Pittsburgh Penguins 3Way (1X2) +130 (2.30) Bookmaker, Goalwin and Over 5.5 -120 (1.83) Bookmaker