With the playoff push in full force, there are some good match ups in store. Here’s a rundown of those games.
New York Islanders versus Toronto Maple Leafs
The Islanders are near the bottom in the Metropolitan Division, while the Maple Leafs battle the Bruins and Lightning for the top of the Atlantic Division. Toronto holds large advantages on the oscillators, at +27 to +10 on the Power Ranking Indicator, and “burning hot down” versus “ice cold up” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Toronto won in a 5-0 blowout on January 31 as the home favorite. That trend will continue, as the Leafs should win this by at least two goals.
Columbus Blue Jackets versus Philadelphia Flyers
The teams come in having split the season series, however they are moving in opposite directions. The Flyers are inching towards the top in the Metropolitan Division, while the Blue Jackets try to get back to the middle of the pack. Philadelphia holds a +23 to +6 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. I don’t see the trend reversing, so look for the Flyers to take care of home ice and come away victorious.
Tampa Bay Lightning versus Ottawa Senators
Tampa Bay has the best record in the Eastern Conference while Ottawa is near the bottom with only 51 points. However, Ottawa is 6-4 over the last ten versus 5-5 for the Lightning. Tampa Bay holds a large +25 to +6 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, while both clubs are “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Both teams are in the top ten in Team Volatility and the Lightning will be a road favorite. This should translate into a relatively easy win for the Lightning.
Buffalo Sabres versus Detroit Red Wings
The teams enter play even in the season series, however Buffalo has the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Detroit holds a +10 to +4 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” versus “average down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Sabres are first in Team Volatility, which would be great if they were the favorite. However as the underdog, this is clear indication to pick the other way. Detroit will win this one, as they try to make a playoff push in the conference.
Colorado Avalanche versus Edmonton Oilers
Both teams look to turn things around, trying to avoid the bottom in their respective divisions. The teams are deadlocked in the season series, each taking a game. Colorado has a +11 to 0 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. While the Avalance haven’t been stellar of late, as their “average down” status indicates, they are better than Edmonton, currently with a “dead” status. Coloardo hasn’t been great on the road, but Edmonton is below .500 at home, so I see Colorado winning in a tightly fought contest.
Dallas Stars versus Los Angeles Kings
The Stars are third in the Central Division while the Kings are fourth in the Western Division. The Kings won the last meeting between the teams on January 30 by a 3-0 score, however Dallas holds clear advantages on both the Power Ranking Indicator (+25 to +11) and the Team Strength Oscillator (“burning hot” versus “average down”). Although on the road, I think the Stars make amends for their poor play in the last meeting. The Stars will win this one by one or two goals, edging closer to the top of their division.
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