NHL THURSDAY MATCH UPS

[Smart Oss]

First prediction would be New York Rangers on moneyline, looking at there line up they have no weakness going forward with new additions coming into there squad. However, I have always felt Florida are a tricky side with both experience (jussi jokinnen) and passion to do well, therefore I think it will be close and maybe just the odd goal difference.
Secondy, I think Tampa Bay are worth having a small bet on, they still have one of the most outstanding first lines in the league, with lecavlier, st.louis and brad richards, they are @ home and looking at the stats from these two playing each other last year, Tampa Bay won 3 out of 4.

[cheekyboy10]

Fancy the Rangers in the their opening game of the season at MSG. they will know expectations on them this season are high and will be desperate to hit the ground running 2nite.

Colorado to continue the start they made last night beating Dallas who they have struggled against in recent seasons. 2nite they face Nashville who have lost several star players and are in limbo about there future home. Like the fact that Colorado's top line didn't appear on the scoresheet but they still had enough offense to win.

[Smart Oss]

Yeah agree with that but was not sure about nashville, did not see who has left and if its peter forseberg or any of any of the first or second linesman id be worried for them. There Goaltending has always been mediocre so Colorado, Sakic and Stastny could win this one for back to back wins.

[Smart Oss]

Just glancing at some of the other matches going around I feel that Phoenix could start well playing the St.Louis Blues. I know the Chicago Blackhawks have picked up a lot of fresh talent (1st round draft) but like the look of Minnesota to take game one.
Couple of small picks Minnesota Wild, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames
Couple of reasons are that I like going for teams who are playing @ home and have maintained a substantial amount of last year players in squad to open well. Like Philidelphia there in a state of rebuilding there squad, likewise Edmonton Oilers, thus I feel more experienced teams look stronger atm.

[frankieknuckles]

Got to disagree with you on Pheonix and San Jose picks. Odds on Edmonton Oilers at home are skewed because of their late season collapse last year. They will be much better this year, C McTavish is a great coach. The Sharks have two scoring lines and a decent goalie, but not much else.

I've seen other teams like the Rangers with stacked lineup, but success is not guaranteed there if they are lacking team unity. Still will pick them for the win tonight but they are not necessarily Stanley Cup contenders yet. Coaching and defence consistency will be the keys to their success.

Nashville will make the playoffs, as B Trotz is a solid coach and missing P Forsberg's bench performance will not hurt them that much. They do have a good scouting net and a promising young goalie in C Mason. Don't be surprised if you hear a lot about A Radulov this year.

Would never bet on the Pheonix Coyotes for the win. They will finish last in the league. If anything, bet the over/under on them, if you must.

[Smart Oss]

Looks like Coyotes won but in a tight match, I take your word that Phoenix are a horrible team to bet on but so are St Louis, this was always gonna be a tight match but could see Coyotes winning especially with players like Shane Doan who is hugely underrated. Nashville got the win against avalanche, perhaps they could be dodgy on the road?
Anyway got 7 out of 9 on all my picks last night (including Indians on MLB) but got my two bankers in Tampa Bay and Rangers and to say the two teams that lost were only by a goal, ill keep trying
All the Best.