Tonight’s Free NHL Picks (11/18/09)

We almost got back into positive territory if you could have pulled off the trifecta, the TRIPLE STAMP, but after Montreal and Columbus opened the night with two wins for us, the Flames failed to pull through at home to a Colorado team that’s been giving up a ton of goals lately.  The day was still profitable, but we only ended up 0.1 units instead of 3 units due to the -190 game giving us a big hit.  My strategy has been to pick 3 games a night by taking strong home teams against weak road teams, and although the spreads are high, you’ll usually hit 2 out of 3 winners and sometimes hit all 3, and lately, it’s been working pretty well.  Let’s see what is on Wednesday Night’s card and give out some picks.

1.) DETROIT -170 over Dallas — Detroit is back to their winning ways and with a 7-1-1 home record, I will continue to ride the Red Wings when they’re playing at home.  With DET winning their last 6/7, I like my chances against a team that’s lost 3/4 of their last 4 road games. (L)

2.) BUFFALO -190 over Florida — I was waiting to be all over Buffalo, but then saw that line is pretty steep, but I still like my chances.  12/14 experts at Covers.com like the Buffalo moneyline, so it’s clear why I was eying this one up last night.  BUF is 7-2-1 at home and they’re coming off 3-straight wins including an impressive win against Philadelphia.  The last time the Sabres faced the Panthers, which was on 10/21, the Sabres won 5-2 and have won 4-straight over Florida.  Buffalo is averaging just 2.18 goals allowed per game compared to Florida’s 3.39 average. (L)

3.) Philadelphia -120 over LOS ANGELES — I was looking for 1 last home team to add to the card, but didn’t find anything that I liked, so I’m going with the Flyers, who are my team.  97% of the public likes the moneyline and even 86% like the puckline.  Keep in mind that Gagne is still out, but with the Flyers 3.5 goals per game and 2.5 goals allowed average, I still like the Flyers here.  In the last 5 games, PHI is averaging 3.2 GPG and 1.8 GPG allowed, while LA is averaging 2 GPG and 3.4 GPG allowed, but LA is returning from a 5-game road trip. Teams are usually a little sluggish on that first game back from a long trip and I look to take advantage of the situation. (W)

Opening Win/Loss: (2.1 units)

Closing Win/Loss: (4.5 units)