Free NHL Hockey Picks for February 10, 2009

Ron Raymond has his free NHL hockey picks for Tuesday February 10, 2009.

Bruins vs. Sharks:

The Bruins and Sharks have been looking forward for this game for a few weeks now, as it's the return of Joe Thornton to Beantown and it's number 1 from the West vs. number 1 from the East. In fact, it may be your Stanley Cup preview, but I doubt it! Nevertheless, it's the marquee game of the night and you can expect the fans in Boston to be hyped for this matchup and I look for the Bruins to press hard tonight. Here's a great 80% club stats on the Bruins; When BOSTON played as a Favorite - During Current Season - With 2 Over or Less; The Bruins are 13-2 SU in this role this year. Plus, Plus, when BOSTON team Played as Home team as a Favorite - After a non division game - Coming off 2 overs - Coming off vs. Atlantic division opponent; the Bruins are 7-3 SU in this situation since '96.

Prediction: Boston 3 San Jose 2

Colorado vs. Columbus

Ron's Comment:  No doubt the value is on the road underdog Avalanche, as they head into Columbus vs. an overpriced Jackets team playing a back up goaltender. However, the Avs have not won a road game since January 6th and Nash is the best player on the ice. When COLORADO Played as road team as a Underdog - During Last 5 Years - With 2 Under; the Avalanche are 3-11 SU in this underdog role the L5Y. Furthermore, here's a 60% stat backing up the Jackets tonight; When COLUMBUS team played as a home team - Last 5 years - Total is 5.5 - Coming off a 1 game win - Coming off a 1 goal win; Columbus is 6-4 SU in this role L5Y.

Prediction: Columbus 4 Colorado 2

LA Kings vs. NY Islanders

Ron's Comment: Here's one of those great let down situations for the road teams. The LA Kings have been over achieving the last few games on the road, knocking off hot teams like New Jersey and Washington. Now, the public and bookmakers are in love with them, and they facing an Islanders team who've lost their last 2 games. But, the Islanders are a gritty team on home ice and have won their last 3 in their building. In fact, the UNDER is 7-0-0 for the Islanders in their last 7 home game, which tells me they are playing some low scoring tight checking games. Furthermore, when NY ISLANDERS team played as a home team - Vs Western conference opponent - With 2 days off - Coming off vs. Southeast division opponent; The Islanders are 7-3-2 SU in this spot since 1996. When LOS ANGELES team played as a Road team - Total is 5.5 - Last 5 years - Coming off 1 under; The Kings are 2-10 SU in this road spot L5Y.

Prediction:  NY Islanders 2 LA Kings 1

Toronto vs. Florida

Ron's Comment:   With a win this evening, the Panthers will take sole possession of the 8th and final playoff spot. Having this type of incentive, should give the Leafs more than what they can handle. Toronto is coming off an emotional 5-2 win over Montreal this past Saturday and matching that type of energy, will be very difficult. Here's a system against the road dog tonight; When ANY NHL Team Played as Road team as a Underdog - Before a conference game - Last 4 years - Scored 5 or more goals FOR in their last game - Coming off a Road win as a Underdog; The Road Underdog (TOR) is 9-23 SU in this spot the L4Y.

Prediction:  Florida 3 Toronto 1

Atlanta vs. Tampa Bay

Ron's Comment:  The Lightning as a team has stopped scoring goals and the Thrashers can score goals, but stopping them from going in is their Achilles heals. When TAMPA BAY played as Home or Away Team- with Total between 6.0 and 6.5; The Lightning are 7-13 SU in this spot last 20 games.

Prediction:  Atlanta 5 Tampa Bay 3

Detroit vs. Nashville

Ron's Comment:  Seems the Red Wings have shaken off their 5 game losing streaks and are currently on a 4 game winning streak. Plus, with Conklin getting the nod this evening, gives more hope in backing the Red Wings vs. the pesky Preds. When DETROIT team played as a Road team - Vs Central opponent - Allowed 0 goals AGAINST in their last game; the Red Wings are 10-3-2 SU in this spot since '97.

Prediction: Detroit 4 Nashville 3

Vancouver vs. St.Louis

Ron's Comment:  Nice spot to play on Vancouver, as they are coming off a big 7-3 win over a good Chicago team and this is a start of a 3 game road trip, which players love when winning! St.Louis could be caught in a letdown spot, after their 4-1 win over Colorado and Luongo normally plays well vs. the Blues. Here's some great stats backing up the Canucks tonight; When VANCOUVER team played as a Road team - Vs Non Division Opponent - Coming off a 4 game Home stand; the Canucks are 8-3-2 SU in this spot since '97. When ANY NHL Team played as a Road team - Vs Conference Opponent - After a non division game - With 2 days off - Coming off a 4 goal win - Allowed 3 or fewer goals AGAINST in their last game; the Road Team is 24-10-4 SU in this situation since 1996. Plus, the Canucks are 14-2 SU as any home/road team - During Last 5 Years - Won Last Game by 4 Goals or More.