It was a tough night last night losing 3 games, but tonight I’m looking for a bounce back and I’m taking two games that I feel confident in. Each are slight favourites, but I expect wins.
New York Rangers @ New Jersey Devils
The Devils have been on a tear of late and are showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve won 5 in a row, Kovalchuk has been on a fire and Hedberg has been playing great in goal in the absence of Martin Brodeur. New Jersey has allowed only 30 goals against in their last 16 games, which has been about their span of solid play. The Rangers on the other hand are playing the second of back to back games tonight after holding off the Kings for a shootout victory last night. The Devils are playing their best hockey of the year and it should be enough to win this game.
My Pick: New Jersey Devils -135 (Sportsbook.com)
Anaheim Ducks @ Minnesota Wild
This is a huge game in terms of the Western Conference playoff race. The Ducks lost their last game, while the Wild lost their last two. In the West you cannot afford to go on a losing streak of any consequence. Anaheim has won their last 6 road games, which has improved their road record on the season to 15-3-3 (it was horrible in the early part of the season). The Wild lost their last two games, but these were against top Western teams Vancouver and Chicago (with the Blackhawks game being the second of back to backs). I expect the Wild to come out with all guns blazing tonight knowing that this game could very well decide their playoff fate even though it is only just over 2/3’s of the way through the season. Hiller is hurt so it is likely that McElhinney will battle Niklas Backstrom in this one. I’m giving the Wild an edge because I think they’ll keep the playoff picture tight.
My Pick: Minnesota Wild -125 (Sportsbook.com)
Written by: Niko de Jonge
Tagged with: Anaheim Ducks • Minnesota Wild • New Jersey Devils • New York Rangers