NHL Hockey Predictions for October 22, 2008

Canadian 4-Time Champion Sports Handicapper Ron Raymond provides his daily hockey picks and predictions 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.

Remember, you can bet all of these games online at Canada's first Internet sports book - Sports Interaction

Here are today's NHL Picks for Wednesday, October 22, 2008.

Ron's Straight up Record: 47 wins 30 losses for (61%)

*Note: Ron went 13-0 SU on Saturday October 18th 2008.

Florida vs. Ottawa

Ron's Comment: The Panthers are in a tough spot here tonight, they are starting their back up goaltender Craig Anderson and they are coming off an emotional 3-1 lost to the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night. The reason why I'm saying it's an emotional spot for the Panthers, any American team who doesn't play in a serious hockey market, find the Montreal and Toronto "game day circus" a bit overwhelming. Now, the Panthers must enter the Scotiabank place against an Ottawa team who've been skated into the ice the last few days in practice by their angry head coach Craig Hartsburgh and they are coming off a lackadaisical effort vs. the Bruins. Spezza has been dropped down to the second line, so the Sens are scrounging to find their games and look for Ottawa to come out hitting. Plus, Gerber gets the nod for Ottawa and he's 7-1-1 with 3 shutouts vs. Florida with a 1.99 goals against average.

Prediction: Ottawa 4 Florida 2

Dallas vs. New Jersey

Ron's Comment: If there's one thing I've learned in high profile incident like the Avery and Brodeur fiasco they last met, 9 out of 10 times nothing happens in the rematch. None issue for me in this write up and my energy will be spent on how New Jersey goes to 5-1 after tonight. Dallas is too inconsistent to support in this spot after their win one for Avery game vs. the Rangers. Plus, when the New Jersey Devils are a home team and they are coming off two 1-goal wins the last 2 years, they are 8-1 SU in this spot. Devils are well rested after 3 days off and are riding a 2 game winning streak.

Prediction: New Jersey 3 Dallas 1

San Jose vs. Philadelphia

Ron's Comment: Granted, the Flyers are 0-5 on the season, but they've had a tough schedule to start the 08 campaign. Both their home games were against winning teams in Montreal and the Rangers and they had to leave to the West Coast to play a physical brand of hockey in Anaheim and San Jose. However, they get the Sharks in back to back situations tonight and it's been 3 days off for both teams, since the Sharks won 5-4 last Saturday. Nittymaki has been assigned to mind the pipes tonight and the team has spent the last few days practicing for over 90 minutes each day. Team captain Mike Richards stated the team is loose and they aren't worried about the tough start. Flyers get their first win tonight.

Prediction: Philadelphia 4 San Jose 3

Detroit vs. St.Louis

Ron's Comment: Detroit is being hit with the injury bug of late, Zetterberg has a groin injury that is bothering him, he's a game time decision and defenseman Andreas Lilja underwent an appendectomy Tuesday morning. The Red Wings are showing some signs of fatigue and 4 of their last 5 games to start the season have been decided by 1 goal. Therefore, they aren't really blowing out teams this year and the Blues are off to a great start at 4-1 SU. Look for Ty Conklin to get the nod tonight and Legace is expected for the Blues. Let's count on a bit of history tonight, as the Blues are 8-2 SU as a home team vs. Western conference opponent, coming off a 3 game winning streak and they are coming off a Central division opponent. Look for another 1-goal game from the Wings, but in the Blues favor.

Prediction: St.Louis 3 Detroit 2

Edmonton vs. Chicago

Ron's Comment: The Edmonton Oilers are living on the edge these days, as every game is a 1 goal game and 75% of their games finish 3-2. However, they are entering the new Chicago Stadium tonight, as it seems Hockey is back in Chicago and Joel Quenneville has been implementing his system in practice. The Blackhawks were supposed to get a few days off, but Quenneville said it's time to go to work boys and this should be good news for Blackhawk fans everywhere. The Oilers are set to let Dwayne Roloson get his first start of the season and it will be a tough spot for him to enter vs. a new rejuvenated Chicago team. Khabibulin seems to be Quenneville's guy and is expected to get the call tonight. Again, tough betting spot for the Oilers, they are 4-12-2 SU as a Road team before a conference game, coming off a Home win as a Favorite and coming off a 1 goal win.

Prediction: Chicago 3 Edmonton 2

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Ron Raymond, Gambling911.com