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On The Line v1.2
Glad to have you back for the second edition of On The Line! It’s been suggested, (on numerous occasions already), that I rename the column to “Off The Line” – still not sure why. Oh, now I get it…because I missed on all three of my inaugural NHL picks! Lucky for me I didn’t bet on any of my picks as I didn’t want to jinx them; I guess not betting on them actually jinxed everything so I promise to lay down some action on my picks this time! I don’t think I can take another week of the harassment again…
- Nice to see the kids getting involved.
Let’s do a quick review of what went wrong:
Pick #1 – Boston @ St.Louis (Feb.22nd) – Bet the UNDER (Line = 5.0 goals)
Result = BOS 4-STL 2
Wow, the Blues picked a great time to allow more than three goals to an opponent, (first time in 27 games!). Also note they’ve played in three straight under’s since.
Pick #2 – Philadelphia @ Edmonton (Feb.23rd) – Bet the OVER (Line = 5.5 goals)
Result = PHI 0-EDM 2
I’m not even going to evaluate this one – clearly a conspiracy against On The Line. Philly plays in ONE under in the last eight games and this is it? Nothing makes sense anymore. Dubnyk shuts out a team that lights up Kiprusoff the next day? C’mon.
Pick #3 – Washington @ Ottawa (Feb.22nd) – Washington to WIN
Result = WSH 2-OTT 5
Had I known that Ovechkin was sitting and that Hunter was putting Vokoun back in net I NEVER would have hung you out to dry like that! Note that the Caps have won every game since getting Vokoun outta the crease.
Now it’s time to make amends and restitution! I’ve combed over this week’s schedule and unfortunately didn’t see anything that gets a “Lock of the Week” stamp, but was able to come up with my Gold, Silver, and Bronze picks. So buckle up buttercups, we’re staying outta the bath this week!
***Gambling Dictionary: TAKE A BATH – To get “cleaned out” on a gambling investment.
GOLD PICK
Buffalo @ San Jose (Mar.1st) – San Jose to WIN
I know, not great payout odds, but still much better than they should be. SJ coming off a horrible road trip, (2-7), but a rested home game is just what the doctor ordered! The Sharks have been solid at home overall this year too, (6-2). This is the latter night of a back to back for Buffalo who will also be only two days into their jet lagged west coast road trip.
SILVER PICK
Tampa Bay @ Carolina (Mar.3rd) – Bet the OVER (Line = 5.0 goals, may move to 5.5)
Tampa can put up the goals, and when they can’t they sure let a lot in! Both teams playing aggressive run and gun right now and all four prior meetings this year have yielded at least six goals. Stamkos might cover the line on his own.
BRONZE PICK
Malkin @ Colorado…I mean Pittsburgh @ Colorado (Mar.3rd) – Bet the OVER (Line = 5.0 goals)
Geno is carrying this team with his magic right now and the Penguins are trading chances with every team they play, (only recent close games were against tight checking Bruins and Rangers). And for some reason the Pens just love to shoot out the lights on weekend games, (nine of ten weekend games this year have been OVER’s). Their style and Malkin dependency leads to many lopsided games, and not always in their favor – but I still like the Pen’s to win as well, (not as much as I like the over though).
Let’s right the ship this week! And don’t forget:
“The only difference between a winner and a loser is character.”
Ryan Blais – rblais@onesecondleft.com
