Wild @ Islanders 3:00PM ET
Pick: Islanders money line
The Islanders take on the Wild today in another matinee this weekend. The Islanders have improved to 7-2-1 in their last 10 and have hit the 70 point mark on the season while continuing to lead the Metropolitan Division. They really give us no reason to doubt them anymore especially against a team like the Wild who are facing injuries, have made bad trades this season, and could very well miss the most season. The Wild took it to the Devils yesterday, much to our chagrin, but the Devils are the second worst team in the league this season.
Both of these teams in the later half of a back-to-back so fatigue won’t play much of a factor in either teams favor today. Look for the Islanders to keep on rolling though, head coach Barry Trotz has really whipped this team into shape.
Hurricanes @ Devils 3:00 PM ET
Pick: Hurricanes money line
The Devils (20-26-8) play again today have a brutal loss to the Wild yesterday afternoon. The Devils put up 17 shots on goal in yesterdays “effort”, the second time this season they’ve put up less than 20 shots in a game. Absolutely pitiful. Look for them to drop another game today against the Hurricanes (28-21-6).
At this point in the season, the Devils are more concerned with drafting in the top 3 as opposed to playing decent hockey for their fans. Their injury filled roster and lack of depth just makes it hard to pick them anymore this year. Carolina is still in the playoff hunt so look for them to come in guns blazing this afternoon. Not to mention they are currently riding a 3 game win streak. This one just isn’t in the cards for the Devils tonight.
Maple Leafs @ Rangers 7:00PM ET
Pick: Maple Leafs money line
Madison Square Garden is in for an Original 6 matchup again tonight as the Maple Leafs (34-17-3) take on the Rangers (23-23-8) in what should be a complete and utter bloodbath. The Leafs won in overtime on the heels of a F John Tavares goal against Montreal. Their offense is clicking again, they’ve won four straight, F Auston Mathews got extended and things just cant seem to go wrong for this Toronto team. The Leafs are going into the second half of a back-to-back while the Rangers are rested but we just don’t think it will matter.
The Rangers are 5-4-1 in tier last 10, playing decent hockey in that stretch but the leafs are just a juggernaut and with their slightly bolstered defense they will be heard to take down. Take the leafs tonight its the smart move.