NHL Predictions for October 24, 2008
Canadian 4-Time Champion Sports Handicapper Ron Raymond provides his daily NHL Hockey 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.
Here are today's NHL Picks for Friday, October 24, 2008 and remember to open an account today to take advantage of the 15 percent bonus being offered courtesy of Canada‘s first online sports book - Sports Interaction.
Ron's Straight up Record: 55 wins 39 losses for (59%)
*Note: Ron went 3-4 (SU) last night after Nashville and Boston gave up healthy leads at home.
NY Rangers vs. Columbus
Ron's Comment: When the NY Rangers are a road team vs. a non division foes and they are coming off a 1 goal lost; The Rangers are 6-16 SU in the following games in this role the last 3 seasons. Leclaire is the penciled starter for the Jackets tonight and he's 2-0 (SU) vs. the Rangers in his young career. The Rangers are on a 2 game losing streak and might be rusty, as they've been on a 3 day rest period. The Jackets have seen their last 4 games gone OVER the total and the OVER is 5-1 on the season for Columbus. Did the Sean Avery game affect this Rangers team that much? We'll find out this weekend, Pens on Deck tomorrow for Renney's boys!
Prediction: Columbus 3 NY Rangers 2
Philadelphia vs. New Jersey
Ron's Comment: The UNDER was 12-3-1 for the Devils when they play on Friday night games last season and I state this because you wonder? Perception is based on your last outing in most cases, so the Flyers allow 7 goals against in their last game, 6 in regulation time and the public will expect this to be another shootout. However, if there's one thing I've learned in handicapping sports; wipe out what happen last night or last week, because circumstances are always different. Plus, the last team the Devils want to face is a team hungry for their first win, because they know they are playing a desperate team and emotions can be high on both squads tonight.
Prediction: New Jersey 3 Philadelphia 1
Anaheim vs. Ottawa
Ron's Comment: Why does Ron like Anaheim when they didn't record one shot on net in the third period vs. Toronto? Ottawa is a one line team and they have no chemistry on this team right now. Sure, you can blame the goalies and make Gerber your scapegoat, but where's the production from the Fishers, Neil and Vermette? Plus, the fact they are playing their 5th straight home game since their return from Sweden, puts even more pressure on them to perform better. Anaheim is coming off a win in Toronto and it's just a matter of time before their forwards start plugging holes in opponent's goalies.
Prediction: Anaheim 4 Ottawa 2
San Jose vs. Florida
Ron's Comment: The San Jose Sharks are 6-1 (SU) on the season, they score tons of goals, but here's my concern. Their Strength of Schedule is 26% according to my ATS SOS chart and they allowed 6 goals against vs. the Flyers. That alone should be a warning shot for Sharks Management. Nabokov has a great history vs. the Panthers (4-0-1), but the Panthers have a great working team who relies on defense and they are coming off a nice road upset win over Ottawa. Great value on the underdog here, as the Panthers have hit 70% of the time when they play at home as an underdog the last 5 years, after a non division game and coming off a win. Florida is worth the shot here at +135.
Prediction: Florida 4 San Jose 2
Atlanta vs. Detroit
Ron's Comment: From a betting perspective, this is the game that can ruin a parlay, because when you see a -300 home favorite, most people will just think EASY MONEY. But, opening night vs. the Leafs was supposed to be easy money as well and we seen what happened on that night. The Thrashers have been in close games this season, 4 of their last 5 games have been decided by 1 goal, so there's a shot for an upset here, but I'm not counting on it. Detroit looks to go with Osgood tonight and he's 7-2 SU vs. Atlanta and the Thrashers are 1-4 SU lifetime at the Joe. The OVER is 11-5-2 for the Red Wings as a home team as a favorite the last 2 years, after a conference game and coming off a 1 goal win.
Prediction: Detroit 5 Atlanta 1
LA Kings vs. St.Louis
Ron's Comment: The Kings have been competitive at 2-3 SU on the season, but let's see how competitive they can be away from the State of California. The Kings have been involved in some high scoring games of late and that's not a good thing for Terry Murray's club. Los Angeles has seen their last 3 games go OVER the total and when that has happened the last 3 years and they are playing on the road, they are 0-10 SU in the 4th game. St.Louis has been one of the surprise teams of the year at 4-2 and nearly pulled off the comeback vs. Detroit the other night. Legace is 11-2-1 SU lifetime vs. the L.A. Kings and the Blues are 12-3-1 SU since 1996 as a home team before a non conference game during the month of October.(Panthers on Deck)
Prediction: St.Louis 3 LA Kings 1
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Ron Raymond, Gambling911.com
