StokesChargers 2011-12 Hockey Picks

[StokesChargers]

Hello all, I have been betting hockey for the last 3 or 4 years or so, beginning with proline and eventually moving on to betting with online sportsbooks. I am starting this forum just to track my picks, and hopefully as well decrease the number of stupid bets I tend to make throughout the season. One of the biggest mistakes I am prone to making is playing late night bets with the hope of recovering from losses from the earlier games. Hopefully this will decrease those bets by making my picks viewable to the public.

Anyways, I have finally graduated from University and have now been able to develop somewhat of a bankroll ($3000), and am hoping to be able to make plays large enough to allow for a decent profit at the end of the year (if all goes according to plan). I am from Calgary, and as a Flames fan I will most likely have frequent plays on their games, whether it be a side or a total. I am under the realization that they will finish somewhere around 8th-12th in the conference this year, and am just hoping they can somehow sneak into the playoffs and upset Vancouver in the first round.

My plays will follow the same format as DG's... Risk enough to win one unit on chalk plays and risk one unit to win whatever on plus money plays. Good luck to all this year. Go Flames!

Will have plays tonight...

[StokesChargers]

10/6/2011 7:05 PM NHL Hockey 2 Boston Bruins* Over 3 +105* vs Philadelphia Flyers
Risking $100.00 To Win $105.00*
10/6/2011 7:05 PM NHL Hockey 3 Montreal Canadiens/Toronto Maple Leafs* Under 5½ -130*
Risking $130.00 To Win $100.00*
10/6/2011 7:05 PM NHL Hockey 3 MON/TOR goes to overtime* +290* vs MON/TOR no overtime
Risking $50.00 To Win $145.00*

[StokesChargers]

Was in a rush at work so quickly posted... Some write-ups on the games:

TOR/MTL: 5 of the 6 games last year went under and 8 of the last 10 overall. I just see a tight game for the season opener, and figured I would take a shot with this one going to OT.

BOS/PHI: Raising the banner in Boston tonight, lets just hope the momentum carries over. I see Bryzgalov struggling in his first few starts of the season, and settling down later on. Figured I would play the team total over in case Thomas shuts the door.

Will have a play later on for the Pens/Nucks game.

[StokesChargers]

Pittsburgh Penguins* +125 vs Vancouver Canucks
Risking $100.00 To Win $125.00


Thought the price should be a little better, but I'll take a shot with a Pens team who still found ways to win even without Crosby. I am looking for Malkin to have a MVP type season stepping in for Sid while he is gone, and think it starts tonight. Should be a good game.


Won the Toronto under, but lost the OT bet and the Boston TT is not looking good.

[jose21_us]

I think pitt game is a coinflip. gl.

[StokesChargers]

I think pitt game is a coinflip. gl.

Guess you were right. Lucky to come out on the right side.

Decent night overall:

2-2 for +$75.

Will have some plays up for the early games.

[BetGrinder]

GL for your season

[StokesChargers]

GL for your season

Thanks man, appreciate it. GL to you as well.

Here's the plays for the early games:

New York Rangers* -105 vs Los Angeles Kings
Risking $210.00 To Win $200.00

New York Rangers/Los Angeles Kings* Under 5 +110
Risking $100.00 To Win $110.00

King Henrik playing in his home country, the total is at 5 for a reason. Seeing some late movement on the Rangers, with other people maybe thinking the same thing. Should be a tight-low scoring defensive minded game.

[StokesChargers]

Not looking good. Henrik needs to shut the door now...

[StokesChargers]

Wow the Kings are completely dominating this game, no shots for the rangers and it must be 80%-20% possession right now. Just as I am typing the Rangers squeak one short side on Quick. Brutal goal. 0.000 save %

[StokesChargers]

Here's the plays for the late games... I probably should not be betting every game on the board, but what the hell it's the second night of the season. Already down $210 today, lets hope to get close to even or come out on top.

Ottawa Senators/Detroit Red Wings* Over 5½ -110
Risking $110.00 To Win $100.00
I think the Wings can get 3 or 4 goals here, lets just hope the Sens can get close to matching them. Detroit is a juggernaut each year, and I expect their offense to be firing on all cylinders early in the season.

Tampa Bay Lightning* -110 vs Carolina Hurricanes
Risking $220.00 To Win $200.00
I am predicting a big year for the Lightning, and think they start the year in a big way tonight. Let's hope for Roloson to have a big year, and once again carry them deep into the playoffs.

Nashville Predators/Columbus Blue Jackets* Under 5 +115
Risking $200.00 To Win $230.00
I expect the Preds to be their usual stellar selves on D, and grind this one into a low-scoring game game. 8 of the last 10 meetings have had 5 goals or less. Good chance for a push here, but let's hope to stay in the 1-1 range when the 3rd period comes around rather than the 2-2 range.

Nashville Predators/Columbus Blue Jackets* Under 1½ -135 for 1st Period
Risking $135.00 To Win $100.00
Game should go under, and if it does the 1st period under should hit. I guess it's go big or go home on this game.

Chicago Blackhawks* -125 vs Dallas Stars
Risking $250.00 To Win $200.00
The Stars are going to have a miserable season this year, with the departure of Richards and no standout goalie to bale them out of their sloppy defensive play. I hope for at least 3 goals by the Hawks, scoring at least 3 in 8 of the last 10 meetings. Let's just hope they can limit the stars, which shouldn't be a problem with their offense limited to the production of Ribeiro and Eriksson.

[StokesChargers]

Could have been a lot better with a win by the Hawks.

Today: 3-2-2 -$60

Overall: 5-4-2 +$15

Won both baseball bets today and yesterday so at least making some money still. Can't wait for tomorrow!

[StokesChargers]

No play for the early games. Liking a few plays for tonight a lot though...

[StokesChargers]

Toronto Maple Leafs -1 +110 vs Ottawa Senators
Risking $100.00 To Win $110.00

New Jersey Devils +100 vs Philadelphia Flyers
Risking $100.00 To Win $100.00

Washington Capitals Over 3 -120 vs Carolina Hurricanes
Risking $120.00 To Win $100.00

Detroit Red Wings/Colorado Avalanche Over 6 +105
Risking $200.00 To Win $210.00

Plays so far. Will make it look nice later.

[StokesChargers]

Some information as to why I made the bets I did:

TOR/OTT: Just like last year, look for the Leafs to start hot. The Sens looked horrible last night until the 3rd period. Hopefully the once again start slow and can't catch up.

NJ/PHI: Home opener for the Devils. Lets look for them to start from where they left off last year. They can only improve with Zach back.

WAS/CAR: I like the Caps tonight, and am finding a way to bet them taking their team total at a reasonable price. Instead of paying -180 for the ML, I'll take -120 for their total. It's likely if they do win that they score at least 3 goals.

DET/COL: Had the over last night in the Wings game and it cashed. I see no reason why each team cannot get at least 3 goals in (Conklin vs Varlamov). These two teams tend to play high scoring games against each other. Most confident in this bet, which is why it is 2 units rather than 1.


Few more plays up in a bit... Don't know if I can bet on my Flames tonight.

[StokesChargers]

Chicago Blackhawks (1st 60 min) -½ -110 vs Dallas Stars
Risking $110.00 To Win $100.00
A play on a home-and-home situation. The Hawks peppered Kari last night, and were only able to score 1 goal in the last minute. Surprised to see Raycroft getting the start in net, probably a mistake. I see the Hawks in front of their pumped up home crowd putting a few in the back of the net.

Pittsburgh Penguins/Calgary Flames Under 5½ -125
Risking $125.00 To Win $100.00
If this game is similar to the Vancouver game the other night, it should go under. The Flames have much less offensive firepower than the Canucks, and if they get by more than one I see them having issues against the Pens and not being able to come back. Just need Fleury to make a few more saves tonight. Lets hope for a 2-1 or 3-2 final for Iginla and the Flames.

San Jose Sharks -1½ +160 vs Phoenix Coyotes
Risking $100.00 To Win $160.00
Sharks play notoriously well at home, and the Phoenix Coyotes will not make the playoffs this year. An obvious step down in goal-tending has been made, and with them relying so heavily on it for the last few years I cannot see them scoring enough to have a shot at the post-season. The Sharks vs Mike Smith? I see at least 3 goals for SJ in this spot. Only thing that worries me is Niemi not getting the start.

[StokesChargers]

Brutal push in Toronto. For f sakes.

[SpreadKiller]

how the fkk that happen...5 goals in the 3rd!

[StokesChargers]

I've got 200 on the Peg... Made bet a few hours ago. At work, and no time to post right now.

[StokesChargers]

Had:

Winnipeg Jets -120 vs Montreal Canadiens
Risking $240.00 To Win $200.00

Not looking good right now...

[StokesChargers]

Overall record (including the Jets loss)....

8-8-3 for -$290

[StokesChargers]

Edmonton Oilers Over 2½ -110 vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Risking $220.00 To Win $200.00

A nice B2B situation here with the Pens playing 20 hours after beating Calgary last night. Fleury out, Johnson in. I put some weight into the fact that this is the Oilers home opener. They managed to beat the Flames last year 4-0 in their opener, only to have poor efforts in the rest of the 5 games in the season. Let's hope to minimize the damage already done today.

[StokesChargers]

Kicking myself for not taking the Oil on the ML... Oh well it is what it is. Not the start I was hoping for, but it's a grind. Hopefully can come out on top.

Updated Record: 8-9-3 for -$510

[bostonboss]

long way to go bro........isolate the good games.......its ok to pass on a few

[AI]

long way to go bro........isolate the good games.......its ok to pass on a few

Well said

[StokesChargers]

I hear ya. Need to settle down a bit.


Colorado Avalanche/Boston Bruins Under 5½ -120
Risking $120.00 To Win $100.00

New Jersey Devils -135 vs Carolina Hurricanes
Risking $135.00 To Win $100.00

Calgary Flames/St Louis Blues Under 5½ -120
Risking $240.00 To Win $200.00

Hoping for some sluggish play for these early games. I think the Flames will focus on tightening up defensively after the second period collapse on Saturday night. At work again, so will make it look nice later.

[StokesChargers]

Tampa Bay Lightning +140 vs Washington Capitals
Risking $100.00 To Win $140.00
Two good teams who have tightened up defensively the last few years... I think they will be battling this year for the SE Division title, and see some nice value with the TB here. The Caps had a thrilling OT win on Saturday against Carolina, and TB is coming off a loss. A good spot here.

Vancouver Canucks -135 vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Risking $270.00 To win $200.00
I'll take the better Goalie in Shneider vs Mason here, the better offense, and better all around defensive time. Nice ML price thanks it being a road game for the Nucks. Would be closer to -200 otherwise. Vancouver has won last 7 meetings.

[StokesChargers]

Yesterday ended up going: 3-2 +$60

Overall: 11-11-3 -$450

[StokesChargers]

At first glance this morning, was not feeling the two games tonight all that much. But after thinking about them more and doing a little bit of research, founds two plays that I really like.

Florida Panthers/Pittsburgh Penguins Under 5½ -150
Risking $300.00 To Win $200.00
Hope opener for the Pens, and a somewhat lack of firepower with Malkin and Sid both out. I see a defensive game tonight, and a couple of nice outings from the goalies with Fleury on a couple days rest and Theodore coming off a shutout over the Islanders. High juice, but am not willing to risk a push by bringing it down to 5 for plus money.
Ottawa Senators -1 +147 vs Minnesota Wild

Risking $200.00 To Win $294.00
I do not like how the Sens have started their first time games of the year, but have liked how they have finished both of them. 5 goalies in the 3rd against TO on Saturday night, and managed to score 3 in the third against Detroit in their opener. Lets hope they carry over their strong play from the third into the first period of tonight's game. They have had a couple of days to re-focus after two tough losses, and should come out sharp tonight to start the game. Didn't want to make two juicy plays on the night, so risking a push on this one. Hopefully if I lose the first I can get close to breaking even by winning the second. Crossing my fingers for an empty netter.

[StokesChargers]

Yesterday: 0-1-1 -$300

Overall: 11-12-4 -$750

[StokesChargers]

Grand Salami Under 16 Goals -115
Risking $230.00 To Win $200.00

Columbus Blue Jackets -140 vs Colorado Avalanche
Risking $140.00 To Win $100.00

Parlay: CAR +1.5 and VAN +1.5
Risking $115.12 To Win $100.00

No time for write-ups today. Good luck all.

[StokesChargers]

Yesterday: 1-2 -$270

Overall: 12-14-4 -$1020

My baseball bets are saving my losses here thanks god. Hopefully can go on a nice run here sooner or later. Big board today. Can't wait!

[StokesChargers]

Getting this play in now. Thinking the juice is going to increase on this one with Johnson getting the nod.

Washington Capitals/Pittsburgh Penguins Over 5½ -105
Risking $315.00 To Win $300.00

[StokesChargers]

Tampa Bay Lightning -125 vs New York Islanders
Risking $125.00 To Win $100.00
NYI has had little to no offense to start the season, and the Lightning are scoring at an almost 4 goal per game clip. I just don't see the Islanders being able to keep pace, and with this nice price I will take a shot.

Los Angeles Kings/New Jersey Devils* Under 5 -110
Risking $110.00 To Win $100.00
Hoping LA will still being a little slow, after flying back to North America from Europe. Not even sure if they have been back to LA yet? Last 3 meetings have had 5 goals or less.

Calgary Flames/Montreal Canadiens* Over 5 -145
Risking $145.00 To Win $100.00
The Flames have yet to play defense this year, why would they start tonight? I remember last year when they fell down 4-0 in Montreal, and managed to come back only to lose 5-4 in OT. I think both teams come out swinging tonight and do not really understand why this total is set to 5... I also don't understand why Calgary is not more of an underdog in this game. Montreal might be the play tonight but I will lay off the side.

Vancouver Canucks/Detroit Red Wings* Over 5½ -120
Risking $120.00 To Win $100.00
Sloppy play last night for the Canucks, lets hope it carries over into tonight against a just as offensive Red Wings team. I see that Cory is getting the start, which does worry me a bit, but I think both teams should be able to manage 3 goals a piece.

Nashville Predators* -1½ +205 vs Phoenix Coyotes
Risking $100.00 To Win $205.00
Nashville is a good team. Phoenix is a bad team. Nashville has Pekka Rinne. Phoenix has Mike Smith. Enough said. Oh and its Nashville's opener.

Vancouver Canucks/Detroit Red Wings* Over 1½ -110 for 1st Period
Risking $110.00 To Win $100.00
Thinking the scoring starts in a hurry tonight. Go big or go home on this game I guess.

[StokesChargers]

That WAS/PIT game has no chance of going over... The Caps have yet to show up for the game.