Detroit Red Wings vs. Vancouver Canucks
NHL Pick: Vancouver -154 odds (April 20th 2013)
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I successfully played against the Canucks recently, when they lost at St. Louis. Back on home ice and hungry for a win, I like their chances a lot better tonight.

It’s true that the Wings have long been a thorn in Vancouver’s side and that they’ve had their way with the Canucks this season.

Its also true that the Wings are in “desperation mode,” as they’re in real danger of missing the playoffs. That hasn’t happened in more than two decades.

Being “desperate” hasn’t helped Detroit lately though. The Wings couldn’t even beat lowly Calgary last time out and have now dropped four of their last five.

Needless to say, Vancouver is much better than Calgary.

While the Canucks may not need this game as much as their guests, they know this is a chance to really “put a nail in Detroit’s coffin.” They’re 30-11 (+16.6) the last 41 times that they attempted to avenge a home loss and I expect a highly motivated effort this evening. Consider laying the wood.

NHL Picks: April 19th 2013
Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Prediction: Under 5.5 goals
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This is a 1* free NHL pick on the “under” between the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night (8:30 EST).

These teams have played four times this year: the ‘Hawks won 3-0 in Nashville on February 10th. Chicago then won 3-2 at home on April 1st. The Hawks held on for a 1-0 win in Nashville on April 6th, and a 5-3 win at home the following night. While Chicago has taken all four meetings, the O/U is 1-2-1; suffice it to say, I’m expecting another tight, low-scoring game in their season series finale. The Predators are 15-21-8 overall and 5-12-4 on the road. They’ve lost seven straight, most recently a 5-2 setback to Vancouver on Monday. The Blackhawks are 33-5-4 overall and 16-3-2 on the road. They’ve won six straight, most recently a 5-2 win over Dallas on Monday. The Hawks have their eyes set on the playoffs, but have a number of challenging games to finish the year, including a back to back home set vs. the Preds tonight and the Coyotes tomorrow. Nashville has seen the total dip below the number in 11 of 19 away from friendly confines this season, while Chicago has seen it go “under” the number in 10 of 18 in front of the home town crowd. I believe the table is set for another defensive affair. How about you?

Hockey Picks: April 11th 2013
Ottawa Senators vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Prediction: Ottawa +120
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After such an excellent start to the season, the Senators now find themselves in a dog fight to make the playoffs. They are one of four teams in the East tied with 44 points.

Ottawa has lost five straight, but they will have an excellent chance to snap that losing streak in Philadelphia tonight. The Flyers are out of the race, but they will try to salvage some pride in front of their home fans.

Good news for Ottawa, starting goaltender Craig Anderson is back in the lineup, he still leads the NHL in GAA and save percentage.

The Sens rank in the top three in the NHL in both goals against as well as killing penalties. With so much at stake for the Sens here, I expect them to lock things down defensively here, stifling the Flyers in a tight defensive battle. Be sure to take advantage of Jesse Schule’s premium NHL picks on April 11th 2013 at Touthouse.com

The Flyers have been growing more and more impatient with starting goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, who was recently seen sleeping on the bench just minutes after being pulled from the net in a 4-1 loss to Winnipeg.

Bryzgalov is also reported to have fallen asleep during a team meeting earlier this week. The insomniac will apparently get the start in tonight’s game. Don’t sleep on this play on the Sens.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Carolina Panthers
NHL Pick: Carolina -124 odds (March 26th 2013)
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Carolina will host Winnipeg on Tuesday, and the Canes are desperate to break out of a five game losing streak. Their poor play of late has resulted in dropping out of a playoff position, currently sitting in ninth in the Eastern Conference, just one point back of the Rangers, with a game in hand.

Carolina hasn’t been able to put pucks in the net in recent games, failing to tally more than one goal in four straight losses.

The Winnipeg Jets head out on the road after earning just one win in a three game home stand that saw them lose consecutive games to the Washington Capitals. They were out-scored 10-1 in those two losses.

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The Jets are currently four points ahead of the Canes in the Southeast Division standings, and the Canes know they will likely have to catch Winnipeg and win the division in order to make the post-season. “Pretty much, this is the playoffs right now,” Muller said. “From here on in, there won’t be any chance to pause and regroup.”

Having had a lengthy rest period over the weekend, the Hurricanes should come into this game recharged, with fresh legs and plenty of energy. I expect to see, as coach Kirk Muller eluded to, a playoff type atmosphere. That means a responsible defensive brand of hockey, as opposed to a wide open style. I don’t expect to see a lot of goals in this game, but when It’s all said and done, I expect Carolina to be ahead on the scoreboard.