Author Archives: zcodeadmin

2014 NHL Predictions: Ducks, Kings, Sharks in Pacific Division Preview

2014 NHL Predictions: Pacific Division Preview – Ducks, Kings, Sharks

The 2014-15 season starts tomorrow, so we’ll post our final division preview before getting into game picks tomorrow. The Pacific division had three teams with a positive goal differential, which, not so coincidentally, meant three playoff teams last year. The LA Kings, who ultimately won another Stanley Cup, the top-seeded Anaheim Ducks, and the perennial postseason let downs, the San Jose Sharks. Does 2014 have anything new in store, or will this division play out exactly how it did last season? Can the newly renamed “Arizona Coyotes” squeak back into the playoffs?

San Jose Sharks (110 points) – Same team, same results. The San Jose Sharks are the most consistent team in the Pacific, which may be enough for a top seed as the rest of this division tinkers with their rosters. In any event, the mediocrity of this division will see the Sharks to another playoff spot where they  ... 

2014 NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks Return to Central Division Glory

2014 NHL Predictions: Central Division Preview – Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and St. Louis Blues

One of the dumbest things about the realignment the NHL did last year is that two of the divisions only have seven teams in them.  Though their road to the playoffs is comparatively easier with one less team to leap frog, their travel considerations and the talent of these divisions seem to balance things out.  The Minnesota Wild spent a lot of money getting back into the playoffs, the Dallas Stars snuck in as the other wild card, and the Colorado Avalanche rose to the top of the division.  Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks continued their winning ways and the St. Louis Blues’ defensive system continued to win, getting better after the addition of Ryan Miller (now with the Canucks).  With the Preds adding James Neal and getting Pekka Rinne healthy, they should be much improved too.  Simply put, the Central Division is loaded.

1. Chicago  ... 

NFL Picks Week Five: Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants

NFL Picks, Week Five: Atlanta Falcons (+4) at New York Giants The Atlanta Falcons are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Minnesota Vikings where, quite simply, they could not stop the run. The New York Giants have a balanced attack and should be able to move the ball against this porous defense. Can they stop Atlanta, though?

I recognize that this bet carries risk, as the Atlanta Falcons showed no real signs of turning things around. That said, I don’t think this Giants defense has the ability to stop the high-powered Falcons. They too are balanced, but for me, the Falcons are a better offense.

If we’re going toe-to-toe in a shootout, do you trust Jennings or Jackson and the rest of the Falcons backs? Manning or Ryan? Jones and White or Cruz and Larry Donnell? I think, in the end, the Falcons have more talent. Getting four points, for me, is icing on the cake. This should be a  ... 

I love it when a plan comes together!

Remember yesterday prediction on Cardinals? Guess what, it comes true!

I love it when a plan comes together! The Cardinals scored eight runs in the seventh inning and held off the Dodgers for a 10-9 win in Game 1 of the NL Division Series.

2014 NHL Predictions: Rangers, Devils, Penguins in Metropolitan Division Preview

Football is going strong in week five, baseball is in the playoffs, and excitement is brewing for the best time of the sports calendar… that said, all I can think about is hockey. Here’s our first preview of the season… my personal favorite, the former Atlantic, the Metropolitan division.2014 NHL Predictions: Metropolitan Division Preview The Pittsburgh Penguins dumped one of their big three, the New York Rangers lost a ton of depth, the Philadelphia Flyers are again relying on Steve Mason to have career-best success, and my New Jersey Devils added a bunch of key pieces. Hell, even the New York Islanders have a goalie. It’s going to be a fun 2014 NHL season, so let’s get out divisional previews rolling with the Metropolitan division.

1. New York Rangers (101 points) – I think they’ve turned a corner in terms of sustainable success. They lost some cap hit players but nothing too important to their general scheme. They’ve got arguably the  ... 

NFL Picks Contest ($200 Prizes): Seahawks at Redskins, Monday Night Football

NFL Picks Contest, Week Five, Seattle Seahawks -7.5 at Washington RedskinsMonday Night FootballKirk Cousins is coming off one of the worst performances of the year just in time to face one of the best defenses in football. That said, the Seattle Seahawks don’t travel very well and this spread is pretty big for a decent home dog. We aren’t asking if the Seahawks will win, but the question is can they win by more than a touchdown? On a national stage, do the Redskins have enough weapons (and pride) to keep this within 7.5? Who ya got? As always, simply comment on this post on our Facebook wall to participate in our contest. Remember, first and second place will total $200 worth of prizes and nobody is more than halfway there.

Good luck!

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