Are you a betting man? #3

November 27, 2009 carp

Once again, last week was a split with two wins coming from Detroit and San Jose, while Vancouver and Atlanta landed me in the loss column.  Here are the games to look out for this weekend…

Saturday, November 28

N.Y. Islanders @ New Jersey, 1 pm (all time eastern)- Even if the Islanders turn back in to their perennial selves later in this season, we’ve got to recognize how competitive they’ve been thus far.  John Tavares has really had his coming out party and the young cast around him are maturing at a rate faster than we expected.  On the other hand, the Devils had played better on the road this year than at home.  N.Y. Islanders 3, New Jersey 2.

Florida @ Nashville, 8 pm – Nashville is unquestionably the hottest team in the NHL having won seven in a row before their game Friday night against St. Louis.  What isn’t as surprising is how they are getting the wins.  They exert more effort, show great teamwork on defense, and are riding a pair of hot goalies to boot.  Meanwhile, the Panthers have just nine points on the road this season in 11 games.  Nashville 3, Florida 1.

Chicago @ Los Angeles, 10:30 pm- After making all those flattering statements about the Predators, am I going to eat my words when I said they were the hottest team in the NHL, because Chicago has quietly managed one more point in their last 10 games than Nashville has (8-1-1; 17 points versus 8-2-0; 16 points for NSH).  Marian Hossa has shown his impact already in his return at San Jose the other night, and Cristobal Huet has turned his game up a few notches since a rough start to the season.  As the Hawks wind down this VERY long road trip, I like them to get one more win against the young Kings.  Chicago 4, Los Angeles 2.

Sunday, November 29

San Jose @ Vancouver, 10 pm- With the return of Daniel Sedin to the top line in Vancouver, the argument could be made that these two teams have the most productive first lines in the Western Conference.  So much explosiveness going against really, really good goalies in this one.  Typically, Vancouver is a difficult place to play and when it’s the second game of a back-to-back, it can be that much more frustrating.  Vancouver 4, San Jose 3.

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