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NHL
Wednesday, January 26
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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders (+117, 5.5)
One point. That’s all that sits between the Hurricanes and a playoff berth. Carolina has won six of its past 10 games as the young club is playing its best hockey of the season.
The 'Canes are led by star rookie rookie center Jeff Skinner. The first-year pivot has 18 goals and 22 assists this season and is among the rookie leaders in both statistical categories as he is one of the favorites for the Calder Trophy. Over his past 10 games – coinciding with the team’s hot streak – he has six goals, five assists and is plus-6.
"His hands are brilliant," Carolina coach Paul Maurice said. "He's got all the elements that you want. He's committed, he's focused, he worked his butt off this summer to get into great shape. ... He has a passion for the game."
Meantime, the Islanders simply can’t get anything going. New York has dropped seven of its past 10 games and allowed an average of 3.7 goals per game over that span.
In the only meeting this year, Carolina beat up the Isles 7-2. Oh, and Skinner had a goal and an assist and was plus-1 in the win.
Pick: Carolina
Phoenix Coyotes at Colorado Avalanche (-144, 5.5)
These two sides haven’t exactly been defensive stalwarts the past few weeks.
Phoenix, which has seen the over go 28-19 in 47 games this season, has allowed at least four goals in three of its past four contests. Overall, the Coyotes have played to the over in seven of their past eight.
"I think that's been an interesting stretch since about 7 in the morning on Dec. 26," Shane Doan said. "It's been a pretty good run; it's been hectic. As a group, we'll definitely enjoy the four days (for the All-Star Break)."
But before the festivities begin, the Avalanche must find a way to keep the puck out of their own net. Colorado has seen the over hit in 31 of 48 games this season and the past four overall. And it’s not the team’s outstanding offense blowing up the scoreboard. It’s the team’s abysmal defense and goaltending.
No. 1 Craig Anderson has battled injuries this year and his poor numbers – 3.13 goals-against average and .902 save percentage – led to him ultimately being pulled after coughing up four goals in just two periods of a 6-2 loss to Boston this weekend. Backup Peter Budaj has been equally awful. He has a 3.12 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage and has allowed at least three goals in each of his past 12 starts.
Pick: Over
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Wednesday, January 26
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders (+117, 5.5)
One point. That’s all that sits between the Hurricanes and a playoff berth. Carolina has won six of its past 10 games as the young club is playing its best hockey of the season.
The 'Canes are led by star rookie rookie center Jeff Skinner. The first-year pivot has 18 goals and 22 assists this season and is among the rookie leaders in both statistical categories as he is one of the favorites for the Calder Trophy. Over his past 10 games – coinciding with the team’s hot streak – he has six goals, five assists and is plus-6.
"His hands are brilliant," Carolina coach Paul Maurice said. "He's got all the elements that you want. He's committed, he's focused, he worked his butt off this summer to get into great shape. ... He has a passion for the game."
Meantime, the Islanders simply can’t get anything going. New York has dropped seven of its past 10 games and allowed an average of 3.7 goals per game over that span.
In the only meeting this year, Carolina beat up the Isles 7-2. Oh, and Skinner had a goal and an assist and was plus-1 in the win.
Pick: Carolina
Phoenix Coyotes at Colorado Avalanche (-144, 5.5)
These two sides haven’t exactly been defensive stalwarts the past few weeks.
Phoenix, which has seen the over go 28-19 in 47 games this season, has allowed at least four goals in three of its past four contests. Overall, the Coyotes have played to the over in seven of their past eight.
"I think that's been an interesting stretch since about 7 in the morning on Dec. 26," Shane Doan said. "It's been a pretty good run; it's been hectic. As a group, we'll definitely enjoy the four days (for the All-Star Break)."
But before the festivities begin, the Avalanche must find a way to keep the puck out of their own net. Colorado has seen the over hit in 31 of 48 games this season and the past four overall. And it’s not the team’s outstanding offense blowing up the scoreboard. It’s the team’s abysmal defense and goaltending.
No. 1 Craig Anderson has battled injuries this year and his poor numbers – 3.13 goals-against average and .902 save percentage – led to him ultimately being pulled after coughing up four goals in just two periods of a 6-2 loss to Boston this weekend. Backup Peter Budaj has been equally awful. He has a 3.12 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage and has allowed at least three goals in each of his past 12 starts.
Pick: Over
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