Steve Janus
1* Free Sharp Play on Capitals +126
*All NHL picks are generated using advanced statistics and scoring models*
Will Rogers
The set-up: Edmonton and Toronto were the two favored teams in the North Conference. The Oilers have been lacklustre in the early going, but they moved to 2-3 after taking the first game of this two game set by a score of 3-1. The Oilers have been inconsistent from game-to-game in the early going, so it's hard to trust that they're going to bring the same energy here after already getting a win in the first game.
The pick: The goaltenders are a "wash" here in my opinion. The overall situation favors the Leafs after the first loss though, as note that they're 7-2 in their last nine in trying to revenge a two-goal in-season home-loss to an opponent. Consider TO on Friday.
This is a 1* FREE PLAY on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ben Burns
The Wings are off to respectable start. However, they were dismal last season and it still figures to be a long year. In fairness, the "long year" part probably applies to the Hawks, too. Unlike the Wings, they've gotten off to a tough start. That's exactly what will make them a desperate team tonight though. Chicago's first four games came against Tampa and Florida. They faced both teams twice. The Lightning are the defending champs while the Panthers are also better than some may realize. Certainly, both teams are stronger than Detroit. Stepping down in class, look for the highly motivated Hawks to dig deep and deliver us their best effort. That should be enough to get them the important two points. Consider Chicago.
A 4-1 Thursday included a PERFECT 2-0 mark on the ice. That gives Ben Burns a REMARKABLE 10-1 RECORD with his L11 NHL plays. As you may have already witnessed, Ben's "Top Gun" plays are M-O-N-E-Y. He's released two so far this hockey season; they WON BY A COMBINED SCORE OF 11-1. His third of the season goes today. Don't even consider missing out!
Kenny Walker
Free Pick on Capitals