Are you a betting man? #4

December 4, 2009 carp

For the first time in three tries, last week I fell short of the .500 mark going 1-3 on my picks.  For the season to date, I’m currently 5-7, but looking to make a formidable comeback with my selections for the first weekend in December…

Saturday, December 5

Vancouver @ Carolina, 1 pm (all times eastern)- The third game of a four city east coast road trip puts the Canucks in Carolina for an early afternoon face off with the Hurricanes.  Following wins in both New Jersey and Philidelphia, the Canucks are showing that things are returning back to normal with the Sedin brothers skating hard with linemate Alex Burrows.  Solid goaltending from Roberto Luongo also adds another layer of depth that not many teams are able to match up against.  Sorry, Canes’ fans, but Carolina isn’t one of those teams.  Vancouver 3, Carolina 1.

Toronto @ Boston, 7 pm- Having lost Jonas Gustavsson with his second battle against with a nagging heart issue, the Leafs have fallen all the way down to Joey MacDonald in net.  On the other hand, with both Tuuka Rask and Tim Thomas playing very well in Beantown, the Bruins are poised to make a run up the Eastern Conference standings with Marc Savard back and producing (thanks in part to a nice contract extension, nonetheless).  Watch out though, Phil Kessel’s return to Boston will make this one fun to watch.  Boston 4, Toronto 3.

Chicago @ Pittsburgh, 7:30 pm- The Penguins are tied for first in the East while the Blackhawks sit tied for second in the West.  Many fans and experts alike wouldn’t be at all surprised to see these two teams battling it out for the Stanley Cup when all is said and done.  On top of some great goaltending as of late by Cristobal Huet, Chicago will also feature one, Marian Hossa, former Pens’ star in his first game in Pittsburgh as a Blackhawk.  Pittsburgh 5, Chicago 2.

Sunday, December 6 

Detroit @ N.Y. Rangers, 7 pm- Another Original Six matchup for the Red Wings, this one at MSG.  Their last bout with a long-time foe was in Montreal when they beat the Canadiens a couple weeks ago.  This time, I don’t think they will be so lucky.  Jimmy Howard has sort of emerged as the best goalie option for Detroit, but the defense in front of him is what worries me.  Without Kronwall, Rafalski, and Lilja, the young Detroit D will have to somehow contain a powerful offense led by Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal.  Watch for this one to get physical, another area where I think the Rangers have an advantage.  N.Y. Rangers 3, Detroit 1.

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