Free Hockey Picks for October 23, 2008
Canadian 4-Time Champion Sports Handicapper Ron Raymond provides his daily NHL free hockey picks and provides insightful statistical analysis on each game. The following predictions are based on Ron Raymond's general knowledge of the game and he'll include information from his statistical database, ats calculator, ats ratings and other tools at his disposal to bring readers the best sports betting information on each hockey games. Ron provides free hockey picks to the Gambling911.com website almost daily.
Bet these plays online. Learn about Sports Interaction's 15 percent cash signup bonus here- available exclusively to Gambling911.com readers.
Here are today's NHL Picks for Thursday, October 23, 2008.
Ron's Straight up Record: 52 wins 35 losses for (60%)
*Note: Ron went 13-0 SU on Saturday October 18th 2008.
Toronto vs. Boston
Ron's Comment: Nothing worst than going to work and your boss has pine needles up his ass and he sees you as a Cactus tree that gave it to him! That's what's happening in Toronto these days; players are walking on egg shells and its Jason Blake's turn to be a healthy scratch tonight. The Bruins have been on the wrong side of some loses this season, as 5 of their 6 games have been decided by a 1 goal and they must approach this game vs. Toronto with some sand paper. Chara will need to set the tone early with a bone crunching hit, as this will leave a mental scare on the Leafs bench and then Boston will have all the room they need to let their goal scorers fly. The Bruins are playing their 3rd game in 4 nights, but Toronto has no team confidence at this point and time and the early money looks to be coming in on the under.
Prediction: Boston 4 Toronto 1
Dallas vs. New York Islanders
Ron's Comment: Hockey is a funny game at times, you're on top of the world after their upset win over the Rangers and reality bites back with a 5-0 shutout to the Devils. Here's the good news for the Stars, they get another crack to climb "Mount Win more then you lose" and love this spot here for Dallas. The Law of Average is a funny thing to understand and Islanders might have a timing issue to contend with this evening, as they haven't played a game in 4 days. The Stars are 7-3 (SU) the last 2 years when they scored 0 Goals For in their last game.
Prediction: Dallas 3 NY Islanders 0
Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
Ron's Comment: I've struggled with a forecast on this game, but when all the T's were crossed and the i's dotted, goaltending convinced me to take the Canes in this spot tonight. Cam Ward is 7-3-1 SU vs. the Penguins and the OVER is 13-3-2 for the Canes on 3 days rest the last 2 years. The Penguins Strength of Schedule has been a weak one at 33% with the SOS Index at ATS Database and they have the Rangers on deck, so possible look ahead spot here.
Prediction: Carolina 4 Pittsburgh 3
Buffalo vs. Minnesota
Ron's Comment: Hard to call the 5-1 (SU) Sabres as tonight's NHL UPSET SPECIAL of the night, but what the heck! The Sabres catch the Wild in a great go-against spot here, as they are coming off a 4 day rest period and they haven't played at home since October 11th. Plus, the Wild have yet to play against a team with a winning record and they have some key players with some bumps and bruises. The Sabres are 3-1 SU in Minnesota in their last 4 visits at the Xcel Energy Center.
Prediction: Buffalo 3 Minnesota 2
Calgary vs. Nashville
Ron's Comment: Nashville is one of the toughest teams to play against on home ice; they are 74-42 SU and 68-32 SU as a home favorite. Calgary might wish they could by pass this game tonight, as they are 3-11-1 SU since 2000 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center. Kiprusoff is 4-7-1 SU vs. Nashville in his career and he's been anything but consistent this season. My O/U Value Index indicates there's a 67% chance this game will fly under the total tonight and both teams have not done well on the power play this season. Timing could be an issue for the Preds, as they've been off 4 days now. But still....
Prediction: Nashville 4 Calgary 1
Edmonton vs. Colorado
Ron's Comment: The Oilers found out last night, you can't win every game by 1 goal and they get back at it tonight in a back to back situation vs. the Avs. In case you're wondering, the Oilers are 10-14 SU the last 2 years in back to back games when they are on the road and the O/U is 14-8-2. Garon is expected to be back between the pipes for Edmonton this evening, while Budaj who is 9-3 SU vs. the Oilers is expected to be in nets for Colorado. The Avs are on a 3 game winning streak and they have seen their last 4 games go OVER the total. In fact, the OVER is 11-4-0 for the Oilers when they invade the Pepsi Center in their last 15 games. Don't be surprised if this total gets pushed up to 6.0 by late afternoon.
Prediction: Colorado 4 Edmonton 2
Washington vs. Phoenix
Ron's Comment: What do you get when you have two teams who are desperate for a win? Tons of penalties and a few scraps! (Perhaps). But, that's what I'm anticipating tonight in Phoenix, as the Caps are winless in their last 2 games and Phoenix has not won since Oct 12th in their 4-2 win over the 2-5 SU Ducks. Jose Theodore is penciled in for this evening vs. the Coyotes and how can you blame Bruce Boudreau on not starting him, he's never lost vs. the Yotes in 8 games; he's 5-0-3. The OVER is 6-1-0 between the Capitals and Coyotes when they get together in games played in Phoenix.
Prediction: Washington 6 Phoenix 4
----
Ron Raymond, Gambling911.com
